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Braves ride Hale, home runs to win vs. Reds
Righty, who might be replaced by Minor in rotation, allows two hits
ATLANTA -- When the Braves entered this season with an injury-plagued starting rotation, they certainly did not anticipate approaching May faced with the enviable problem of having to decide who they should remove from the rotation to make room for Mike Minor.
With Minor positioned to potentially come off the disabled list within this next week, David Hale took the mound on Saturday night knowing that he might be making his final Major League start for the foreseeable future. If this proves to be true, the rookie hurler can take solace in that he managed to make this rotation decision even harder on the Braves' brass.
Hale retired 22 of the final 23 batters he faced over a career-high eight innings and benefited from the early power Freddie Freeman, Justin Upton and Evan Gattis supplied in a 4-1 win over the Reds at Turner Field.
After producing this gem in what was just his sixth career start, Hale admitted that he completed this outing with the understanding that he could be the odd man out when Minor is set to join an Atlanta starting rotation that has produced a Major League-best 1.65 ERA through this season's first 23 games.
"Obviously that stuff runs through my head," Hale said. "But I tried not to let it get too deep in there. My goal is to come out here, do the best I can and let things fall the way they will. So, we'll see what happens."
Hale limited the Reds to the two hits and one run he surrendered in the first inning. When asked if this outing further complicated the rotation decision, Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez smirked, shook his head and said, "Oh, let us enjoy this one tonight."
There was plenty for Gonzalez to enjoy as his club rolled toward its 11th win in its past 14 games. Freeman further distanced himself from the vision problems he experienced earlier this week by drilling a decisive, two-run home run off Mike Leake's high fastball in the first inning, immediately after B.J. Upton recorded his 1,000th career hit with an infield single.
Freeman was denied another home run when his long drive in the third inning was caught at the top of the left-center-field wall by a leaping Ryan Ludwick.
Ludwick's catch came just before Upton and Gattis hit back-to-back homers off Leake, who had only once previously surrendered three home runs in a game. The shots hit by Freeman, Gattis and Upton accounted for the four runs Leake surrendered over seven innings.
"Pitches were left where they could hit it, mistakes," Leake said. "I don't know if Freddie's was a mistake as much as good hitting. It was a tough pitch to do what he did. The other two were center-cut mistakes."
Justin Upton, who also singled twice off Leake, has batted .389 (21-for-54) with seven home runs in his past 15 games. Most of his damage has been done in front of the home fans. He has batted .552 (16-for-29) with six home runs in his past nine home games.
"Everyone always talks about how you score runs -- with home runs or by keeping the line moving," Gonzalez said. "But it always boils down to your pitching and catching a baseball."
Hale began his outing with two quick outs and then allowed each of the next three hitters he faced to reach safely. But after allowing the Reds to gain an early one-run advantage with Ludwick's double off the left-center-field wall, the stoic Braves hurler faced the minimum over the remainder of his outing.
"It's always nice to be able to throw from the windup the whole time," said Hale, who has produced a 2.31 ERA through the four starts he has made this season.
The only blemish on Hale's line over his final seven innings came courtesy of the leadoff walk he issued to Jay Bruce in the fourth inning. Bruce, who also walked in the first inning, was retired when Brayan Pena grounded into an inning-ending double play.
"As far as I noted, we had five balls that we hit hard today," Reds manager Bryan Price said. "That's not a lot. He did a nice job keeping us off the barrel and made good pitches. He had a good mix of fastball, breaking ball and changeup. He did a nice job. He never really gave us a chance to create a rally."
While it would not be easy to remove Hale from the rotation after this kind of outing, the Braves will soon have to make room for Minor, who ranks fourth among National League left-handers with the 2.90 ERA he has produced dating back to July 1, 2012. The Braves certainly are not going to remove Julio Teheran, Alex Wood, Ervin Santana or Aaron Harang, who leads the NL with a 0.85 ERA.
But instead of making an immediate decision, Gonzalez wanted to savor Hale's performance.
"That was really good," Gonzalez said. "I think his first two outings that he pitches, the first two starts of his career last year, he was pretty good, but today, he was … he had that sinker ball going early. He got a lot of balls in play, a lot of ground balls. After the first inning, he settled down and he did a nice job of keeping us in the ballgame."


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"For Love of Christ and His Children": Seminarians Attend 40th March for Life
25 January 2013 • Off–Campus • Virginia Nieuwsma
View the March for Life YouTube diary
Every year in the chill of an early January morning, students, staff, and friends of St. Vladimir's Seminary meet at 4:30 a.m. to catch the bus to travel to Washington, D.C., for the annual March for Life. It's a long day that doesn't end until the bus arrives back on campus at midnight; throughout the day, participants will endure freezing temperatures, crowds, hours on the bus, and a long walk in the nation's capital.
Seminary marchers are quick to say the effort is worth the inconvenience. Now in its 40th year, the March for Life draws hundreds of thousands of people from all over the United States for a peaceful rally and walk on the National Mall that ends at the steps of the Supreme Court. People brave the cold January temperatures to mark the anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the 1973 Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion in all fifty states, and to call for greater protection and help for unborn children and their mothers.
In the last few years, the Seminary's contingent has increased, as more students and friends of SVOTS have journeyed to D.C. to join with other Orthodox Christians in the March, including most of the Holy Synod of the Orthodox Church in America (OCA) and seminarians from St. Tikhon's Orthodox Theological Seminary in South Canaan, PA. Orthodox marchers sing as they walk, and participating clergy and hierarchs also offer a short panikhida for the unborn as a part of the day's commemorations.
This year, the St. Ambrose Society, the Seminary's student–run Pro Life advocacy group, planned the day's activities, with assistance from Chancellor/CEO The Very Rev. Dr. Chad Hatfield, who also rode the bus with the students. Enroute, the riders viewed a video about the work of Good Counsel Homes, a local ministry for women and children supported by the Society.
Third–year Seminarian Dn. Andre Paez, a Society member and one of the trip's planners, created a YouTube diary of the day. "The faculty, clergy, seminarians, students, and friends who take the time to go to the March do it because they wish to demonstrate their love for Jesus Christ and their love for the unborn children He has created," explained Dn. Andre. "We march in order to remember the 56 million aborted children that have died because of Roe v. Wade over the last 40 years."
In a gesture appreciated by the crowd, His Beatitude The Most Blessed Tikhon, primate of the OCA, along with the bishops of the Holy Synod, sang the hymn "Grant Rest and Eternal Repose, O Lord" from the platform, rather than from the sidelines as was their practice in previous years, enabling all of the crowd to hear the prayer. People responded to this rendering of the hymn with absolute silence and respect, rather than offering applause as they had been doing for other speakers and musicians.
"Overall, it was a great trip" said Dn. Andre. "People of all ages and backgrounds were walking together, singing songs, praying, and speaking out for the unborn children and women who are victimized by abortion."

subset: commoncrawl


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Fast Blue BGS
- Datasheet (英语)
Hangzhou Hongyan Pigment Chemical Co., Ltd.目前只在以下作出标识的区域展示其产品资料:
Fast Blue BGS is a reddish blue pigment. This product is most commonly used in offset and water based ink, and industrial paint applications. It has a heat resistance of 200°C and a pH value of 7-8.
Hangzhou Hongyan Pigment Chemical Co., Ltd. is a developer and supplier of both organic and inorganic pigments used in the Paint and Coatings and the Graphic Arts and Inks industries. This company offers many different series of products that include yellow, red, violet, orange, blue, and green pigments. The products are commonly used in solvent inks, water-based inks, coatings, paints, and more.
Hangzhou Hongyan Pigment Chemical Co., Ltd.
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- Author: Diane Nelson
Do you remember when store-bought produce was succulent every time you took a bite? Then you're old – well, at least you're not a kid. Today's youth in America have a different experience with store-bought fruits and vegetables – sometimes they're yummy and juicy, sometimes they taste like chalk.
What's a mother to do?
"It's a problem, because often you have only one window of opportunity to introduce a new fruit or vegetable to your child," says Beth Mitcham, UC Cooperative Extension (CE) specialist with the UC Davis Department of Plant Sciences, director of the UC Davis Postharvest Technology Center and concerned mother. "And if the food doesn't taste good, they aren't going to like it."
And if they don't like it, they're not going to eat it. That's how it is for all of us, but new research by Mitcham and a broad group of experts may remedy the situation. Mitcham and her team recently received a nearly $6 million grant from the USDA for a project designed to improve the flavor quality of fruits and vegetables available to U.S. consumers and thereby increase their consumption.
A collaboration between UC Davis and the University of Florida, the project is co-directed by Mitcham and Jeff Brecht from the UF along with nearly 30 faculty members between the two institutions including CE Specialists Marita Cantwell, Trevor Suslow and Carlos Crisosto and Assistant Professor Florence Negre-Zakharov from the UC Davis Department of Plant Sciences. Other UC Davis faculty represent Agriculture and Resource Economics, Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Food Science and Technology, Viticulture and Enology and Public Health Sciences. More than twenty-five stakeholders from the produce industry are also on board.
As a postharvest technology specialist, Mitcham knows full well the challenges growers, packers and shippers face in getting crops from the field to the market in a condition shoppers will buy.
"Experience shows produce buyers rarely reject produce because it's under-ripe," Mitcham says. "But they will reject it if there is any bruising or decay."
Most of us understand the problem – in broad strokes, at least. Take a tomato, for example. If we have the time, space and climate to grow them ourselves, the shelf life of our homegrown tomatoes would be the time it takes to pick one from the vine, walk into the house and slice it open. (Or the time it takes to bite into it right there in the yard. Yum.) If we're harvesting tomatoes to deliver to a friend some distance away, we might want to pick them when they're a little less ripe so they won't get squished along the way.
Imagine, then, the challenge growers, shippers and retailers face delivering tomatoes to customers all across the globe year-round. Since shoppers eschew bruised produce, growers have to harvest them before they're fully ripe, before their flavor has reached its full potential.
The team is looking at how they can alter that equation so our produce is more flavorful and still safe and economically viable for the industry. Their research will examine each step in the post-harvest chain asking questions like these:
- Can we slow the ripening process, so it can be picked later and still be fresh when it reaches the market? Is there new technology – in sorting, packing, shipping or anything else - that can help? How is flavor enhanced and inhibited during shipping and storing?
- If produce was riper during postharvest handling, would that affect our food safety risk? Would more pathogens survive?
- If produce was consistently flavorful, would consumers buy more?
"I think we can do a better job developing varieties with more flavor and improving postharvest performance so consumers can count on flavorful fruits an vegetables," Mitcham says. "And I think this project will help."
More information on this flavor project can be found in The Spring 2010 Leaflet.


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Out of hundreds and thousands of tattoo designs the world has produced, there are few that stand out and continue to ink their way onto generation after generation. Here's a list of the 50 most popular tattoo symbols and designs.
1. Tribal
This is the most requested tattoo design ever. I am not sure why folks really want tribal tattoos in this modern world, but perhaps the contrast of savage design and the new-age body gives a certain level of charm. Besides, tribal designs are quite intricate and attractive, offering rich choices for the tattoo enthusiasts.
Tribal tattoos consist of an exciting array of tattoo design possibilities, ranging from the traditional tribal designs of indigenous and aboriginal cultures to the latest in graphic design for the ink-hungry body.
2. Star / Nautical Star
There is something about stars that is very pleasing to the eyes. Aside from the fact that stars symbolize fame, guidance, and luck, these striking symbols create exciting tattoo designs that even celebrities can't refuse. Victoria Beckham and Rhianna are two of the most well-known celebrities rocking star tattoos.
3. Cross
The cross tattoo is very popular not only among Goths but also with those who want to express their religion, and those who just love how the design looks on their skin. The most popular cross designs include the Celtic Cross, Maltese Cross, and the Iron Cross.
4. Angel
Angels are religious symbols that are believed to be winged spirits intended to deliver the word of God to mankind. They are considered higher beings and therefore a nice niche for a cool tattoo design. Angel tattoos are very popular among all cultures in various forms. They can also take the form of an archangel like Michael or Uriel.
5. Wings
This is a tattoo design that is both magical and spiritual. In many legends and myths, to have wings is a reward given to those who have proven their worth. And aside from the aesthetics a pair gives to any design, knowing that it is associated with speed, elevation, and freedom is enough to make wing tattoos among the most requested tattoo symbols and designs.
6. Maori
Of all the tribal tattoo designs, Maori is one of the most famous. Some love this tattoo design so much that they would even try to offer their entire face for the craft. Take a look at the Top 20 craziest facial tattoos ever attempted.
7. Dragon
Dragons are symbols of power and mystery. Legends of both Eastern and Western origins depict dragons as creatures to be feared and worshipped. We can't really deny the coolness of a dragon tattoo so that makes this one quite popular.
8. Phoenix
If you think it's cool for a bird to rise from its ashes, then you're not alone. In fact, all of us are thrilled by that mystical act, yet only the Phoenix has the ability. The Phoenix is a mythical bird and the Phoenix tat is a much inked reality. A phoenix tat is also rumored to express one's hunger for immortality. Don't we all want to live forever?
9. Butterfly
The butterfly tattoo is really popular among the female population. I have yet to see a guy with a butterfly tattoo, but I'm sure they're out there somewhere. Mariah Carey really made this one very popular during her 'Butterfly' days. And it sure clicked.
A butterfly tat can represent beauty, metamorphosis, freedom, happiness, and fragility. And those are elements women can definitely relate with.
10. Fairy
For those who like magic and magical creatures, a fairy tattoo is always the most common choice. Knowing that fairies have the power of flight and can make wishes come true, it surely is fun to have a fairy tattoo, especially if the design is elaborate and fanciful.
11. Lion
Whether you are a leader or follower, a lion tattoo can instantly project an image of strength and leadership on any ink collector.
12. Celtic Knot
A Celtic knot symbolizes the eternal and intertwined nature of the human soul. This tattoo symbol is usually worn as an armband. Whether you're appreciative of its meaning, or you're entirely clueless, no one can tell. Celtic Knotwork can look really impressive as a tattoo design.
13. Kanji
There's something about Kanji tattoos that makes everyone an instant fan. Every time I see a tattoo consisting of Chinese characters, I usually like it, despite the fact that I have no idea what it means. And most people, even those who own the tat, might be clueless of their tat's true meaning. Well, as long as the people around you don't understand it either, there won't be any problems. Just enjoy the view.
14. Tiger
Much like a lion, a tiger is the epitome of strength. The distinctive coloring makes the tiger tattoo a very attractive design. A tiger tattoo seldom looks bad. I haven't seen a bad one so far.
15. Rose
Dubbed as the most powerful and seductive among all flowers, who could resist the beauty of a rose? The quintessential flower of the West, a rose can mean a lot of things – beauty, deception, femininity, love, or even passion and lust. A rose tattoo is always something that attracts attention, and this is one of the reasons why this tattoo symbol and design is very popular.
16. Heart
Oh, I guess this one needs no explanation. Who still hasn't seen a heart tattoo? They are everywhere. From our relatives to famous celebrities, a heart tattoo has a place in everyone's errr … heart. It symbolizes life, love, and passion.
17. Zodiac
Zodiac tattoos are popular because everyone can personally relate to them. If you use and believe in the Gregorian calendar, your personalized Zodiac tattoo will represent who you are.
18. Skull
The skull is a recurrent symbol in tattoos due to its unique appearance. Menacing and scary, skull tattoos can take different forms and themes depending on the creativity of the tattoo artist.
19. Flowers
Well, flower tattoos are quite famous regardless of the species or color. Though the rose is a popular choice, others opt for other varieties and use them as design motifs.
20. Pin-up Girl
Beautiful girls never go out of style, do they? And this tattoo design is proof of that. Pin-up girl tattoos are very popular among male body art enthusiasts.
21. Eagle
Powerful and majestic, the eagle is one mighty bird. And a fierce eagle tattoo always rocks.
22. Crown
A crown tattoo represents one's sovereignty over his own life, feelings, thoughts, and actions. It symbolizes self-control, and serves as a reminder to use power and authority wisely. I don't know about you but I think I just love the meaning of this tattoo symbol.
23. Sun
The sun is the giver of light and life. Without it, everything will perish. Well, at least that's what is said about the symbolism of sun tattoos. Nobody wants to perish, I suppose.
24. Anchor
An anchor tattoo symbolizes safety, salvation, and hope. People must have been getting anchor tattoos in order to be anchored onto a safe and stable ground. In a world that's chaotic and violent, who wouldn't want such refuge?
25. Ankh
An Ankh is an Egyptian symbol representing the key of life. I must admit I fell in love with the ankh tattoo's unique appearance. The looped cross just looks beautiful and definitely would look great as a tattoo.
26. Barbwire
Barbwire tattoos are popular in prisons and other places that scream 'confinement.' However, thanks to Pamela Anderson, the barbwire tat is now mainstream.
27. Om
The Om symbol is believed to be the sound of the "breath of God." The symbol is placed at the beginning of most Hindu texts as a scared exclamation to be uttered at the beginning and end of every prayer or mantra.
28. Bat
I'm not sure if Batman has a bat tattoo, but I presume he must, as bats are generally considered creatures of good luck in the Far East.
29. Swallow
A popular choice among sailors, swallow tattoos generally symbolizes good luck and homecoming.
30. Spider
Spider tattoos can be deadly images, with malignant meaning. Beware of women wearing spider tats. They're black widows. Nah, just kidding.
31. Compass
For those without a sense of direction, a compass tattoo might be the ultimate solution.
32. Cupid
Crazy about love? Or ,you're just a plain home-wrecker? Well, a cupid tat might do the trick of hiding your real intentions.
33. Cherubs
These little angels are just so cute that we just can't resist creating a tattoo design with them as the main motif.
34. Snake
Snake tattoos mean renewal, taken from the snake's ability to shed skin. They may also mean temptation and knowledge. So if you think you're hot, then you will definitely look hotter with a snake tat.
35. Fleur de Lis
This is a stylized design of either an iris or a lily; a very stylish and decorative tattoo. This symbol is associated with Joan of Arc and represents liberty.
36. Haida
Haida tattoo symbols are among the most popular tribal tattoo designs. The bold lines of the Haida designs are very much tattoo material because of their complexity and aesthetic quality.
37. Sword
A sword is commonly associated with valor and justice. It can also be magical in the sense that legends and myths often portray swords with magical powers. Add He-Man and She-Ra to the equation and you have a very nice sword tattoo to show off to your buddies.
38. Dolphins
If you failed to ace your exams, getting a dolphin tattoo might help remind you that you are still the most intelligent mammal on the planet.
39. Dragonfly
Aside from fairy and butterfly tattoos, dragonfly tats are also popular among women. They are associated with good luck and are considered as the power of light. Whatever that means, dragonfly tattoo designs can look really cool, which explains the popularity.
40. Fish
Fish tattoos can have varied meanings depending on the design employed. They can be symbols of fertility or wisdom. The Koi or Carp fish are very popular fish tattoos.
41. Flames / Fire
Fire is all-consuming and destructive but it can also mean purification and renewal. It may also mean change, and passion. See if your hotness factor increases once a fire tattoo is inked on your already hot bod.
42. Gun / Pistol
Of course gun tattoos are popular in both sexes. Though initially they are worn by those who have served time in prison for violent crimes, they are now worn by those who think getting eagle or fire tattoos is for wimps. They opt for a more killer tattoo design and gun tattoos give them that need satisfaction. Check out 12 Killer Gun Tattoos.
43. Harley Davidson / Motorcycle
The Harley Davidson motorcycle has been an icon of American freedom, popular amongst bikers and Harley riders around the globe. Here are 10 Cool Harley Davidson tattoos for your viewing pleasure.
44. Lotus
Alongside roses, lotus flowers are among the most powerful of all the flower symbols. In many religious systems, lotus represents spiritual purity because of their beauty and their ability to grow in the murkiest of water.
45. Luck / Clover
Tattoos are deemed to be powerful amulets and talismans of protection. At least that's what our ancient ancestors believe. Clover or Luck tats then become popular to embody such belief. There is nothing wrong with hoping you win the lottery or the girl of your dreams with that nicely done clover tat.
46. Musical Notes
Music lovers show their deep passion for the art through these attractive musical note tattoos.
47. Scorpion
Scorpio tattoos are said to protect the bearer of the tattoo and ward off a scorpion sting or an evil spirit.
48. Yin-Yang
There is a yin and yang in all things. One is said to be incapable of existing without the other. Yin-Yang tattoos are popular among men and women from all walks of life who believe in this popular Chinese philosophy. .
49. Dagger
This symbol represents danger and betrayal. So be wary of a friend who has a dagger tattoo.
50. Love / Pierced Heart
A pierced heart is a quintessential symbol of being in love. A love tattoo design showing a heart shot from the arrow of Cupid can also suggest penetration and physical love.


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Lili Co.
Rating: 2.5 out of 4
4650 Mentana St. (at Bienville St.)
Phone: 514-507-7278
Open: Monday to Saturday 6 p.m. to midnight
Wheelchair access: No
Reservations: Recommended
Parking: On the street
Vegetarian friendly: Not especially
Licensed: Yes
Cards: Major cards
Price range: Small plates: $3-$18; desserts $6-$7
MONTREAL - There is an unwritten rule with restaurant critics that you must keep your distance with chefs. So much so that I recall a rather heated critics' roundtable I took part in where some critics said that you should only ever talk to chefs on the phone and, God forbid, never friend them on Facebook. So I figure if you run into a chef, your choices are:
> Hide behind the nearest potted plant.
> Make like you don't see him/her.
> Pretend like you don't know who s/he is.
It's strange, this distance we keep. The level of discomfort is palpable when I meet chefs. I can see them looking antsy, and my palms start to sweat. It's all just so awkward. This makes me sad, though, because I love chefs. I like to debate with them, learn from them, and I want them to know that I'm rooting for them (well, the majority, at least. There are a few for whom my rooting intentions are limited).
A decade back, I'd occasionally receive a hand-written letter from a chef, but lately I'm happy to get emails, which, save for the odd offensive rant, tend to be positive. One stood out lately for being so bold as to specifically request a review. The co-owners, Catherine Draws and David Pellizzari, wrote that their spanking new resto, Lili Co, was ready to be, as they put it, "judged." They had been open for more than a month in the spot that last housed the excellent Bistro Le Bienville. Located in the heart of the Plateau, this 30-seat space is now under the chef rule of Pellizzari, who has worked at Réservoir, Buvette chez Simone and a restaurant called The Whip in B.C. Draws has worked at Buvette chez Simone as well, and a certain Jack Jacob has compiled their wine and cocktail lists. It was all sounding so promising!
Their letter went on to say they are proud of their restaurant and believe it would make an ideal candidate for the fine-dining column. You might think this happens often, but, honestly, in the past 15 years, this kind of candid invitation was a first. How cool. I called and booked a table under one of my fake names, and made my way to the Plateau with two eager gourmets.
Upon arrival, I noted a few changes. As before, the kitchen is still open for all to see, and there is seating at the bar and regular tables. But now there's a new high table with stools near the window, and the walls are black with a mural on the back wall consisting of a flower-shaped design made up of ladies, forks, knives and feathers. Love it. This restaurant has style!
I saw Pellizzari behind the bar and I assumed Draws was the elegant blond serving us. I was tempted to say hello to my new pen pals, but kept my distance, preferring instead to quietly peruse their offal-laden menu. The letter described the cuisine as "small plates for sharing created with market produce and inspired by the chef's love of 'abats,' " a.k.a., innards, offal, organ meats or odd bits. The wine list is a winner. Made up of a dozen reds and as many whites (some SAQ listings and some private imports), the list is fairly priced (half the bottles under $55) and even offers a Champagne for $88. Sweet.
The food is served in small-plate portions, and sharing is encouraged. Prices are under $20 per plate, which means you can eat well here for a fair price.
We began with fried dumplings stuffed with a spinach and herb filling served with a simple crème fraîche sauce. Shatteringly crisp, piping hot and well seasoned, these babies were a treat. And then the plates just kept on coming while Pellizzari cooked right there beside us (if I had my way, every kitchen in Montreal would be open plan). Next up came a single braised leek, served scattered with chopped black olive, coffee-infused oil and a spoonful of homemade ricotta. I loved the bold presentation as well as the interesting flavour combo with the elegant leek gussied up with the olive.
The offal offerings were good, especially the dish of the night, rabbit hearts "bourguignons." Bold in presentation, the dish consisted of a mix of braised rabbit hearts, button mushrooms, parsley, lardons (bacon) in a luscious wine sauce, the whole scatted with tiny Jerusalem artichoke chips. The squeamish at the table hesitated over the hearts, but sliced as they were, they were unidentifiable and just so tasty and tender. No doubt this heart dish is one of my "coups de coeur" of 2013.
The blood pudding was another winner. Served with a creamy squash purée tinged with curry, the dish was topped with yogurt and pea tendrils. Though the amount of purée was a bit excessive, the blood pudding swimming in it all was bang-on, with the requisite rich-but-not metallic flavour and texture of the best devil's food cake.
For the next dish, I asked Pellizzari (since I was seated next to the kitchen counter) whether I should opt for his tail or tongue (big laughs all around), as both veal tongue and tail are on the menu. He chose the tail, which was placed on a creamy white polenta with creole seasonings and some nice chunks of chorizo sausage. I loved the unctuousness of the polenta/spicy sauce combo, yet I wished there was a bit more meat on the slices of tail, which were as bony as you'd imagine. Next time, I will definitely try the tongue. And our last savoury dish, grilled calamari, also left me wanting. I liked the Asian play of flavours, especially the edamame beans and sesame, and the grilled banana pepper was just delicious. But the squid itself was too tough, I kept thinking, as I sawed my way through every slice.
Only two desserts were on offer and they were good enough to make me wish there were more. The first, pieces of scone with strawberry preserves, raspberries, vanilla ice cream and crumble, was nice. But the second, fried beignets with dulce de leche, bananas, a spicy cream and walnuts, was just amazing. We ordered two beignets for the three of us, and had we not been so polite, I'm sure we would have come to blows over the last bite.
Over the last sips of our organic Rioja (Ijalba Reserva 2008), we lingered, chatting and soaking up the warm ambience. To complain a little bit, I can't avoid mentioning the occasional racket coming out of the kitchen and the fact that we often poured our own wine. But I liked Lili Co. a lot, and I see much potential here. The food is very good, the wines are great and the prices are fair. My only regret is that I didn't introduce myself on the way out. But, I guess, in a way, I get to do that here. So, thanks, guys, and hi. Oh, and by the way, nice restaurant!
Twitter: LesleyChestrman
You can hear Lesley Chesterman on ICI Radio-Canada Première's Médium Large (95.1 FM) every Tuesday at 10 a.m., and on CHOM (97.7 FM) every Wednesday at 7:10 a.m.


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Blumhouse (Split, Get Out, Whiplash) produces an original and inventive rewinding thriller in Happy Death Day, in which a college student (Jessica Rothe, La La Land) relives the day of her murder with both its unexceptional details and terrifying end until she discovers her killer's identity.
Happy Death Day is directed by Christopher Landon (Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones) and written by Scott Lobdell.
E-mail us at firstname.lastname@example.com
Subject-Happy Death Day-PHOENIX
Name & address
Website: http://www.happydeathdaymovie.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/happydeathdaymovie
Twitter: https://twitter.com/universalhorror
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/happydeathdaymovie/
This screening will be monitored for unauthorized recording. By attending, you agree not to bring any audio and/or visual recording device including laptop computers into the theater and you consent to physical search of your belongings and person have against you. Unauthorized recording will be reported to law enforcement and may subject you to criminal and civil liability (including damages up to $150,000). *This includes, by way of example only, smart phones and your belongings and person for such device. If you attempt to enter with a recording device, you will be denied admission. If you attempt to use a recording device* you consent to your Immediate removal from the theater and forfeiture of the device. Unauthorized recording will be reported to law enforcement and may subject you to criminal and civil liability
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Joining point
Kathmandu Guest House
Chaksibari Marga
Phone: +977 14700632
Joining point description
The first ever hotel in Thamel, and used to be a 'Rana' mansion. It is located right in the center of Kathmandu and boasts a famous garden, courtyard restaurant and 24hr security including CCTV. Please note, as the name suggests, this is a guest house with over 100 rooms, rather than a hotel and the rooms are generally small and basic. www.ktmgh.com/ Please note that post 2015 earthquake the old wing of the Kathmandu guesthouse has been demolished and building has commenced on a new section of the hotel. While there is building work continuing, we do not foresee it diminishing from your stay.
Joining point instructions
Please refer to your itinerary for the joining hotel name and address. An arrival transfer is included and will be pre-booked for you.
On arrival at Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport you will be met after exiting customs outside. Look for our representative holding an Intrepid Travel sign. If you have any trouble locating your transfer rep, or if your flight is going to be delayed, please call the following numbers:
+977 980 112 3617
Normal check in time at the hotel is after 12:00.
Problems and emergency contact information
In the case of a genuine crisis or emergency please contact our local office in Kathmandu on
+977 980 112 3617
For further contact details please visit:
For general contact details please use the following page: http://www.intrepidtravel.com/ourtrips/contact/
While we always endeavor to provide the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip, it is imperative that you discuss this with your group leader or our local representative straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip.
We recognize that there may be times when your group leader/local partner may not be able to resolve a situation to your satisfaction - if this is the case, please ask the leader to speak to their direct manager.
You may also choose to provide details in your online feedback, which we ask you to complete within 30 days of the end of your trip. But we do ask you to be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide any practical help after the trip is complete.
Nepal Emergency contact: +977 980 112 3617
Finishing point
Kathmandu Guest House
Chaksibari Marga
Phone: +977 14700632
Finishing point instructions
Your tranfser is included and will be pre-booked at the time of booking.
Normal check out time is 12 noon. If you are departing later, you can arrange luggage storage at the hotel.
After your travels, we want to hear from you! We rely on your feedback. We read it carefully. Feedback helps us understand what we are doing well and what we could be doing better. It allows us to make improvements for future travelers.
Essential Trip Information
Important notes
1. This trip starts in Kathmandu on Day 1 at 2pm. This allows time after the joining meeting to explore Kathmandu.
2. Due to the demands of travelling at high altitudes a Passenger Self Assessment Form is required for this trip.
3. A single supplement is available on this trip. A single room is only available for nights 1 and 14 in Kathmandu. Trekking tea houses do not have enough rooms for single supplements when trekking
4. Please bring 2 passport sized photos to your joining meeting
5. Please see important note about extreme weather, flight cancellations to/from Lukla and insurance claims
Passport and visas
Visas are the responsibility of the individual traveler. Entry requirements can change at any time, so it's important that you check for the latest information. Please visit the relevant consular website of the country or countries you're visiting for detailed and up-to-date visa information specific to your nationality. Your consultant will also be happy to point you in the right direction with acquiring visas. Visas can take several weeks to process, so familiarize yourself with any requirements as soon as you have booked your trip to allow for processing time.
All foreign nationals (except Indians) require a visa to enter Nepal. Visas are obtainable from embassies abroad on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport and at some land borders (including borders with India and Tibet).
Getting a visa at the airport can sometimes take time due to long queues. There have been instances when passengers were asked to show return flight tickets. You will also need to provide two passport photos and the following fees in US dollars cash. Other currencies are also accepted although rates may differ. The following costs were correct at time of writing:
- Multi entry visa valid for 15 days - US$25
- Multi entry visa valid for 30 days - US$40
- Multi entry visa valid for 90 days - US$100
Please note if you are staying in Nepal for less than 24 hours while in transit a transit visa can be issued on presentation of your international flight ticket, there is a nominal charge of US$5 and one photo is required.
Your visa application form may require you to state the dates on which you enter and exit that country. Please note we suggest you list your date of entry a few days before, and date of exit a few days after, your intended dates in case you encounter any delays or problems en route. To help calculate the exact dates of these crossings we have found the website www.timeanddate.com to be very useful.
Medical and health information
All Intrepid travellers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully on this trip. When selecting your trip please make sure you have read through the itinerary carefully and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please note that if, in the opinion of our group leader or local guide, any traveler is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group, Intrepid Travel reserves the right to exclude them from all or part of a trip without refund.
You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information or for any necessary vaccinations and anti-malarial requirements before departure. We recommend that you carry a first aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements (including a spare pair of glasses) as they may not easily be obtained at the locations on this trip. For legal reasons our leaders and guides are prohibited from administering any type of drugs including headache tablets and antibiotics. Please ensure that you are adequately prepared.
WARNING - HIGH ALTITUDE TRIPS (sleeping over 3500m):
This trip includes one or more overnight stays over 3500 meters/11500ft, where there is a genuine risk of being affected by Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). If left untreated AMS can be life-threatening. We would expect the majority of a group to notice the effects of being at high altitude, and while most will only feel discomfort, it is not uncommon for a small number of people to need extra care which will be provided by our leaders and local staff. All our trips that spend time at High Altitude follow our standard altitude safety measures.
A number of medical conditions or medications can also reduce your body's ability to acclimatize, and thus will affect your performance at altitude and make you more susceptible to AMS. If you are worried about any pre-existing condition (e.g. heart problems), or unsure of your physical ability, you must seek medical advice prior to booking. You may also wish to discuss medication such as Diamox that may help aid acclimatization.
Please note that while we endeavor to assist all our clients in achieving their goals, there may be times your leader makes the decision to either delay or stop your ascent based on your medical conditions and AMS symptoms.
On some days this trip may ascend faster than commonly published recommended ascent rates at altitude. However, based upon an assessment by our external safety and medical advisors, and in conjunction with our own risk assessments we consider that the ascent rate is acceptable due to the additional safety measures that are in place for our customers. If you have concerns about this, please speak to your booking representative.
Please read the following document carefully and, during your trip, utilize the table on the back daily to record your own perspective of your general health and any symptoms you may experience:
Medical treatment is expensive at western travelers' clinics in Nepal. Healthcare is poor in most places outside the Kathmandu Valley and Pokhara. It may be difficult to get rapid helicopter evacuation if you fall ill or suffer a serious accident in a remote area of the country. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad, repatriation and evacuation by helicopter.
There have been some cases of avian influenza (bird flu) among birds and poultry in parts of the country. The risk to humans is believed to be very low, but as a precaution you should avoid visiting live animal markets, poultry farms and other places where you may come into close contact with birds, and make sure poultry and egg dishes are thoroughly cooked.
Alcohol and trekking don't mix. We highly recommend that you limit your alcohol consumption in Kathmandu prior to your trip. Celebrate your achievements after your trek.
Both alcohol and caffeine increase dehydration. Limit your intake of both when hiking at high altitudes.
Food and dietary requirements
We do not include food on trek allowing you to choose what you want to eat and when. The menus in the teahouses are varied, ranging from traditional Nepalese dhal bhat to pizza and apple pie. Please note imported food and drink in the Everest region is very expensive.
Generally you can eat very cheaply in Nepal. There is a great choice of restaurants and street stalls serving traditional and local food. In bigger restaurants in areas frequented by more tourists there is a choice between Nepalese, Indian, Chinese and Western style food.
Nepal caters very well towards vegetarians and vegans with almost all restaurants having a veg section of the menu. If in doubt please check with your tour leader.
Your tour leader will be able to direct you towards restaurants that are known to have better hygiene, especially in tourist areas where they are travelling with our groups regularly
Some tips that will help you stay well when eating in Nepal include.
- Stick to restaurants and street stalls busy with locals - local families eating there are a good bet.
- Wash your hands before eating (most restaurants will have a hand basin or bathroom) or use a sanitizing hand gel
- give yourself a few days to get used to local food, especially spicy food.
- if in doubt, stick to the veg meal
- avoid salads and peel fruit to avoid eating skin that may be washed in local water
- steer clear of ice unless in higher end restaurants
- drink more chai, eat more mo-mo's
Guesthouse (2 nights), Teahouse (12 nights)
Accommodation at local lodges - better known as teahouses - are simple but comfortable. Toilets and washing facilities are shared and rudimentary, and the food is plain and filling. In a teahouse, passengers are provided with small twin share rooms with twin beds, mattresses and pillows. At times, in high seasons, and in places where there are limited number of teahouses, passengers have to make do with dormitories. In some places, teahouses don't have access to electricity, depending on solar powered lighting instead. In more remote regions, teahouses don't have running water and toilets can mean just a hole in the ground. Hot shower facilities are available in some teahouses for a price but in most of the places, a hot shower means a bucket of hot water, barely enough to wash your body.
For all flights to/from Lukla a maximum of 10kg of check-in luggage and 5kg of carry-on hand luggage per person is included with your flight ticket. Excess baggage (up to 5kg per person only) will be charged at NPR120 per person at your own expense.
Money matters
The official currency of Nepal is the Nepali Rupee (NPR).
ATMs can only be found in Kathmandu, Pokhara and Bhaktapur. Money exchange facilities are available in Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan (only outside the park) and Bhaktapur.
The Government of Nepal has banned the import, export and use of 500 and 1000 Indian rupee notes in Nepal. You should ensure you are not carrying these notes on arrival in Nepal as they will be confiscated and you may be fined.
While travelers' cheques have security advantages exchanging them can be a lengthy process, commissions can be high (up to 10%) and they can be difficult to change in rural areas, on weekends and public holidays. If you choose to bring travelers' cheques, make sure they are a major brand and major currency.
Please note that most establishments in Asia will not accept foreign currency notes that are old, torn or faded and they can be very difficult to exchange or extra fees added when exchanging at banks. Please ensure that you have new, clean notes.
When it comes to spending money on the trip, every traveler is a little different. You know your spending habits better than we do, so please budget a sensible amount for things like meals not included, drinks, shopping, optional activities and laundry. It's always better to bring a little more than you think you'll need. Also make sure you've read your trip details thoroughly so you know what's included in the trip price and what isn't. This should make budgeting a little easier. You'll find this info in the Inclusions section of your Essential Trip Information (that's this document).
If you are happy with the services provided a tip - though not compulsory - is appropriate. While it may not be customary to you, it is of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, inspires excellent service, and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many Intrepid destinations. We recommend that any tips are given to the intended recipient by a member of your group, rather than collected and passed on by the group leader.
The following amounts are based on local considerations and feedback from our past travelers:
Hotel porters: NPR50-100 is adequate for porters that assist you with bags to your room.
Restaurants: Please check the bill and if there's an addition of 10% service charge, there's no requirement for tipping. Otherwise 5-10% of the total bill amount is appropriate.
Local guides: Throughout your trip you may at times have a local guide in addition to your leader. We suggest US$2-3 per person, per day for local guides. (Including city tour guides, jungle guides, rafting guides, assistant trek guides)
Porters: Throughout your trip you may at times have a porter in addition to your leader. We suggest US$2-3 per person, per day, per porter.
Drivers: You may have a range of drivers on your trip. Some may be with you for a short journey while others may be with you for several days. We would suggest a higher tip for those more involved with the group however a base of US$2-3 per person, per day is generally appropriate.
Local transport: For a city tour we suggest US$2 per person, per day.
Your Group Leader: You may also consider tipping your leader for outstanding service throughout your trip. The amount is entirely a personal preference; however as a guideline US$3-5 per person, per day can be used. Of course you are free to tip more or less as you see fit, depending on your perception of service quality and the length of your trip. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
NOTE: Please don't tip with coins or notes of or less than NPR50, or dirty and ripped notes. This is regarded culturally as an insult.
We try to plan for every eventuality, but there are still some things beyond our control. Please make sure you have access to an extra US$500 for emergencies (e.g. severe weather, natural disasters, civil unrest) or other events that result in unavoidable changes to the itinerary (e.g. transport strikes or cancellations, airport closures). Sometimes these things necessitate last minute changes to enable our trips to continue to run, and as a result there may be some extra costs involved.
Budget for meals not included: USD450
Intrepid provide a duffel bag to carry your trekking gear.
The weight limit per person is 10kg each.
Porters are legally limited to carrying 20kg max on trek.
Please keep the weight and bulk of your trek bag to a minimum by bringing clothes made from lightweight material. Don't pack too much clothing; one or two changes will be all you need. However, as the weather conditions in the Himalayas are often unpredictable, be prepared for all eventualities, be it rain, unseasonable cold or heat. For the trek all of your gear should be packed into plastic bags to protect it from the weather - dry clothes are essential for your comfort. Your trek leader will assist you if you are unsure.
A medium size, comfortable day-pack is required for you to carry personal personal items such as camera, water bottle, valuables, sunscreen, hat etc...
You only need to carry your day pack.
Trekking Boots (broken in)
Gaiters (for winter departures - can be hired in Kathmandu)
Waterproof 3/4 season jacket and trousers (can be hired/purchased in Kathmandu)
Camp Footwear (ie sneakers or booties)
Several pairs of good quality socks
T-Shirts - Highly recommended are synthetic T shirt styles that wick away moisture
Thermal Underwear / layers
Down jacket (can be hired/purchased in Kathmandu)
Warm mid layers (fleece/micro fibre)
Trousers - Lightweight, loose fitting, trekking trousers.
shorts or skirt for summer
Tracksuit or fleece pants for evenings.
sleeveless fleece and extra layers for winter departures
Warm Hat and sun Hat
Scarf/neck warmer
Gloves and Mitts - waterproof and warm.
Sunglasses with UV protection
Head Torch (spare batteries)
Sunscreen and Lip Balm
Light weight towel
Personal First Aid Kit
Biodegradable wet wipes / toilet paper
Hand sanitizer gel
Trail mix / nuts/ muesli bars
Hot water bottle (winter months)
Daypack - The daypack you select must have the capacity for the items you may be carrying on a day's walk: rain jacket, trousers, warm clothing, water bottle, camera equipment, washing items and other personal effects. A hip/waist strap provides additional comfort. You should consider day packs of at least a 30 to 40 liter capacity.
A good quality, warm sleeping bag is essential while trekking as only blankets are provided at tea houses. Please note that sleeping bags, are readily available to buy or hire in both Kathmandu at very reasonable rates.
Your group leader can assist you in hiring gear after your joining meeting.
If you plan to hire a sleeping bag we recommend that you bring an inner sleep sheet, which adds another layer of warmth. In winter a thermal inner sleep sheet is warmer.
If you bring your own sleeping bag, please think about the time of year of your trek. We recommend a four season bag with a rating to around -10c. In Winter (Dec-Feb) a five seasons bag is recommended.
Consider bringing your own water bottle to refill along the way. The sale of bottled water contributes to an enormous environmental problem around the world. In addition to the water in bottles, the production of a 1 liter plastic bottle takes 2 liters of water and 200ml of oil. A large proportion ends up in limited landfill or discarded in waterways and natural environments. Although it can be difficult to avoid bottled water when travelling, please consider water purification techniques such as iodine or micropur and use the water dispensers which are provided at some of our accommodation. When unable to avoid bottled water it is better to buy the largest available and distribute into your smaller bottle for the day.
While trekking, boiled or safe water is available for drinking. However, you should also carry a water purification method. Options include:
- purification tablets available from camping stores or pharmacies eg. Micropur.
- 2% tincture of iodine, available from pharmacies, used at 4 drops per liter of water and left for at least 20 minutes - longer in very cold weather.
Please note you do not need to take all your gear with you while trekking - we can leave luggage behind at the hotel and collect it at the end of the trek.
Before departing on your trek, make sure you have enough Nepalese currency to purchase meals and drinks during the trek - in the smaller denominations where possible, there are no ATM's and it can be harder to change a NPR1000 note.
If you are spending further time in the region, please see some ideas for regular travelling gear to pack.
Climate and seasonal information
Weather conditions in the Himalayas can change rapidly and our group leader may be forced to change the trip itinerary accordingly. During the winter months from November to February, flights across Nepal, particularly in high mountain areas, can be delayed due to poor weather conditions. Flights to and from Lukla are particularly prone to travel delays.
In the case of delays to the start of your trip, there may be an option to charter helicopters to make the short journey to Lukla. In these instances payment for the helicopters needs to be split and paid locally by you and your group.
If helicopters are not available or conditions do not allow any flights, your group will be accommodated at your joining hotel at your own expense until we can organize flights to Lukla.
Travel in rural areas during Monsoon Season (June - September) can be hazardous, with rains causing flooding and landslides that can cut off regions for days at a time. Travelers need to be prepared for all weather conditions and changes in planned itineraries if necessary.
Kathmandu Valley-wide transport bandhs (strikes) can be called at very short notice. When these bandhs are in place the Nepal Tourism Board and the Nepal Tourist Police in conjunction with the Himalayan Rescue Association run Shuttle Bus Services between various hotels in Kathmandu and the domestic and international airports; this service costs 300 rupees person.
Group Leader
All Intrepid group trips are accompanied by one of our group leaders. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Intrepid endeavors to provide the services of an experienced leader however, due to the seasonality of travel, rare situations may arise where your leader is new to a particular region or training other group leaders.
Your leader will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. At Intrepid we aim to support local guides who have specialized knowledge of the regions we visit. If you were interested in delving deeper into the local culture at a specific site or location then your leader can recommend a local guide service in most of the main destinations of your trip.
Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all areas your itinerary covers. Please refer to our website's safety page for links to major travel advisories and updates on safety issues affecting our trip.
We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe-keeping of your passport, air tickets, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewelery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of our hotels have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage.
Your leader will accompany you on all included activities, however during your trip you'll have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. While your leader will assist you with the available options in a given location, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your Intrepid itinerary, and Intrepid makes no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Please also note that your Leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it's deemed necessary due to safety concerns.
For more details on the type of conditions and safety standards you can expect on your trip, please refer to Intrepid's operational safety policy on our website. We recommend that you take a moment to read through this information before travelling, and would appreciate any feedback on how well it's being implemented in the field:
Before deciding whether or not you want to travel on this trip, please have a read of the training for a trek document.
There have been a number of recent air accidents in Nepal. We only use airlines that have passed strict safety audits for internal flights on this trip, including Buddha Air, Yeti Air & Tara Air. EU clients please see our safety page for important information regarding internal flights in Nepal.
Pick-pocketing and bag-snatching are common, particularly in airports and on buses. Take care when walking around at night. Avoid walking on your own and don't carry large sums of cash. Keep valuables in a hotel safe if possible. Bars and restaurants now close at midnight as part of a government crackdown on illegal activities. Foreigners remaining in bars and clubs after hours have been detained by the police.
Travelling in India and Nepal whilst the Holi festival is on (a lunar festival but generally held in March every year), can at times be dangerous - a lot of locals participate in consumption of intoxicating substances. The day has been associated with physical violence and danger. Your leader will be advising you and your group on what places to avoid on this day and it may even be necessary for us to alter your itinerary for the day to avoid putting you or our group leader in high risk situation.
Depending on where you come from please note that drivers in this part of the world may drive on the opposite side of the road from what you are used to. Look both ways before crossing any road. Traffic can be a little more chaotic than you might be used to at home. Be aware!
Please be aware that local laws governing transportation safety may differ from those in your home country and not all the transport which we use is able to provide seat belts.
A couple of rules
Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on our trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land, but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for Intrepid travelers. Intrepid's philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter and in particular, the local people who make our destinations such special places. The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our group leader has the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they use prostitutes.
Everyone has the right to feel safe and secure on their trip. We don't tolerate any form of violence (verbal or physical) or sexual harassment at Intrepid, either between passengers or involving our leaders, local operators or locals.
Sexual relationships (consensual or otherwise) between a leader and a passenger are unacceptable. If you ever feel another person is behaving inappropriately please inform us immediately by contacting the emergency contact number detailed in these trip notes.
Traveling on a group trip
As you travel on a group trip you will be exposed to all the pleasures and maybe some of the frustrations of travelling in a group. Your fellow travelers will probably come from all corners of the world and likely a range of age groups too. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group - patience with your fellow travelers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience. Remember too that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, ensure that you don't keep the rest of the group waiting. We have found time and time again that the very best trips we operate are those where the dynamics within the group work well - this takes just a little effort on your part. Due to privacy reasons we are unable to provide you with contact details and any personal information about your fellow travelers booked on your trip prior to departure.
Our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and don't involve a compulsory single supplement. Single travelers share with people of the same gender in accommodation ranging from twin to multi-share. Some of our itineraries have accommodation booked on a mixed gender share basis and where applicable this will be specified in our Trip Notes. On a selection of our trips, you have the option to pay a single supplement to ensure that you have your own accommodation (where available). Please note that this only applies to accommodation during the tour - pre-trip and post-trip accommodation will be booked on a single room basis.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory for all our trips. We require that, at a minimum, you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects.
When travelling on a trip, you won't be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company's 24 hour emergency contact number has been seen by your leader.
If you have credit card insurance your group leader will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number and emergency contact number rather than the bank's name and credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country.
Please ensure that your policy does cover you up to the maximum altitude on this trip, and includes helicopter evacuation. Proof of this must be taken with you on the trip, as you will need to show it to the leader.
Responsible Travel
We believe strongly in low impact or rather positive impact tourism. Broadly speaking this means that we try to minimize the negative aspects of tourism on the local cultures and environments that we visit and highlight the positive aspects. Please visit our website for further details and suggestions on how you can be a responsible traveler.
Women should avoid wearing shorts and sleeveless tops in public places where this might be seen as inappropriate. Remove shoes before entering certain holy places. Non-Hindus are not permitted in some temples.
While we respect each individual's decisions while travelling, Intrepid does not include elephant rides or unnatural performance activities on any itinerary, and we recommend you bypass these activities should they be offered to you during your stay. Professional wildlife conservation and animal welfare organisations, including the World Animal Protection (formerly the World Society for protection of Animals) advise that contrary to common belief, captive elephants remain wild animals and despite good intentions, unfortunately many venues are unable to provide the appropriate living conditions elephants require and this ultimately impacts their well-being. While there is some merit in the argument that the money that you pay for the activity goes towards keeping the elephants and their mahouts employed, we know that it also fuels demand for elephants to be captured in the wild or captive bred. We thank you for your support in improving the welfare of these majestic creatures. Further information is available on the below link:
The Intrepid Foundation
Since Intrepid Travel commenced operating in 1989 we've been committed to giving something back to the communities we visit. One way has been through our support for local humanitarian, development and conservation projects. Many of our travelers want to contribute something too. Whilst it is often tempting to give hand-outs to those less fortunate, this has the potential to promote a culture of begging and dependency. Handouts are not a sustainable way for individuals or communities to live. That's why we established The Intrepid Foundation – to make it easier for travelers wishing to give back to communities in an effective and meaningful way.
The Intrepid Foundation is a not-for-profit fund offering a selection of excellent grassroots organisations which you can contribute to. All donations to The Intrepid Foundation will be matched by Intrepid Travel dollar for dollar (up to AU$1,000 per donor and a total of AU$400,000 for all donors in each financial year, excluding emergency appeals). And every cent gets there as Intrepid Travel pays for all the administration costs. Donating is simple and secure. Please ask your leader for information on the projects we support through The Intrepid Foundation or go to our website:
Organizations and projects currently supported by The Intrepid Foundation in Nepal include:
just-one targets disadvantaged children living in dangerous and vulnerable situations on the streets and provides them with training and educational opportunities that bring greater economic security to themselves and their families. Your support through The Intrepid Foundation will assist them in developing their current facilities to include an activity center and library at their rehab home, and help them build capacity to reach an even greater number of disadvantaged children.
*Seven Women works to economically and socially empower marginalized women in Nepal through literacy programs, skills training and income generation.
For more information on our projects in Nepal, or to make a donation, visit: http://www.theintrepidfoundation.org/projects/?projectcountry=nepal


text:
From 1968, A Long View on Movement Building
by Curtis Black
Community Media Workshop
May 23, 2012
After demonstrators were arrested and roughed up in an
unsuccessful attempt to march to McCormick Place on Sunday, I
thought it would be interesting to check in with Mel
Rothenberg. He has the distinction of leading the only
demonstration that succeeded in marching to the International
Ampitheatre, where the Democratic National Convention was
being held, in 1968.
Now a retired professor, Rothenberg has been politically
active through the intervening decades, most recently with
Chicago Jobs With Justice and the Chicago Political Economy
Group. This gives him a long view on movement building and
social change. (He and I worked together on the Chicago bureau
of the Guardian, the independent radical newsweekly published
in New York, in the 1980s.)
Chicago 1968 "was very different," he says. "It was a shock.
Everybody, the demonstrators and cops, were uncertain about
what would happen." At last weekend's NATO protest, "both the
authorities and the demonstration organizers had much more
control of the street action, and the media had already
orchestrated its coverage ahead of time."
Big differences
"In 1968 the mayor was completely unprepared and the city was
completely on edge," he says. In contrast to media pre-
coverage this time - featuring scary headlines which almost
surely depressed turnout - in 1968 "the media was trying to
keep things calm, pretending nothing was going to happen."
Also different was the police department: "In '68 there was a
lot of overt racism in the department - the Klan was operating
openly; there were conflicts within the police department."
There had been major riots in Watts, Detroit, Newark. "The
authorities were in a panic. There were National Guard and
state police, and it looked like for a while that the city
would be put under martial law."
Rothenberg helped organize the Bourbaki Brigade, a contingent
of mathematicians, who marched about 100-strong through
Bridgeport to the Ampitheatre at 42nd and Halsted. "It was
very tense," he recalls. "There were neighborhood thugs
threatening us, and the police in between, both protecting us
and threatening us."
The police "were making decisions on the spur of the moment -
they didn't know what was happening either - and they decided
to let us through; we were a small group and not very
threatening, mathematicians, college professors."
The next day was supposed to be the big march to the
convention site. "It was supposed to be peaceful. We brought
our kids." A huge crowd gathered in the park across from the
Conrad Hilton, and someone (later revealed to be a police
infiltrator) climbed the flagpole and took down the American
flag. "That was the signal, they attacked us, there was tear
gas, there was chaos."
A big flop
This year, he says, "I don't think Obama or NATO came out very
well. All the attention was on the demonstrators. The summit
was a big flop."
"There was no popular support in Chicago for NATO, no
outpouring of sentiment to support NATO." And "no one except
city officials and p.r. people thought it was going to help
the city. It was a bust from the point of view of helping the
local economy or getting favorable international attention to
"About the only thing they accomplished was to avoid a
disaster," Rothenberg said.
As for the protests, they turned out thousands of people -
certainly far more than the 2,000 reported by the police - and
wove together a range of social concerns with the issues of
war and militarization.
But Rothenberg says there needs to be more attention to
building a sustainable movement that goes beyond occasional
demonstrations to actually challenging and changing policies.
Much of the weekend's youthful energy came from the Occupy
movement, but that's "very loose and not really coherent" -
not so much due to a lack of clear demands as of "a clear
strategy for bringing and keeping people together,"
Rothenberg said. "So they latch on to what's happening."
That can be been positive, connecting them to community
issues. But "before they can become the core of a sustained
social movement they have to confront more clearly the basic
issues of class, race, gender and militarism which drive
American political conflict."
He calls the Mental Health Movement, which led a huge march
Saturday to Mayor Emanuel's home in Ravenswood, "inspiring."
"It has done so much" - mounting a vigorous, year-long fight
against Mayor Emanuel's attempt to close clinics - "with a
very dedicated multi-racial group of mental patients and very
little money. But it's going to be hard to sustain the energy
unless there are some victories fairly soon." (His wife,
Marcia Rothenberg, a retired nurse, has been active in the
He contrasts the Tea Party movement - heavily backed by
corporations and millionaires, and in control of the
Republican Party and the House of Representatives - with
progressive issue-oriented activist groups, which get "only
meager support from labor unions"; meanwhile "labor donates
millions of dollars to politicians who do little to advance
progressive programs."
The Tea Party "has organization and money. The left has
probably more of people's sentiment behind it and more
idealistic youth, but it doesn't have organization," he said.
The "black bloc" is one group that tries to step into that
Black bloc
"I don't think they're that strong," said Rothenberg. "There
may have had a couple hundred in the anti-NATO demonstration
who are really committed, and there's a fringe they hope can
be moved on the spot to join them.
"They're small but they are able to act together because they
have an agenda, a strategy," he says. "It's an agenda with
which I disagree.
"They believe that you can end oppression and injustice simply
by denying the legitimacy of the state, refusing to follow the
orders of the authorities. I wish it were that simple, but
it's not.
"Until you have the majority of people behind you, denying the
authority of the state simply makes you an outlaw. People
might romanticize outlaws but most people don't trust them,
and they're not about to join them."
They "probably feel they accomplished their agenda" when news
coverage focused on clashes with police. "They wanted
attention and they got it." But "they don't have much of a
strategy beyond that."
"They feel like people are going to be fed up with peaceful
mobilizations that don't accomplish anything," he said. "They
think that will somehow kick off something bigger."
Instead "the left gets hurt and loses support." The images of
violence are something the media "can exploit very effectively
to discredit the left and any social movement."
Still, "there is a problem with having the same old marches
over and over that don't accomplish anything."
It is clear that the Democrat Party doesn't provide any kind
of alternative - and the Democrats of Illinois are a stark
example, Rothenberg said. They control the governorship, both
houses of the legislature, and mayor's offices in major
cities, and "they have no solution to the problems of the
economic crisis at all."
"The deal they cut with the Chicago Mercantile Exchange to
give them a tax break worth $100 million a year when the state
is going through a financial crises is simply outrageous,"
Rothenberg said. "They should be driven from office for that
alone. They do what the Republicans do but with another kind
of rhetoric.
"My feeling is if you can bring in numbers of Occupy people.
progressive activists and community groups like the Mental
Health Movement, and bring in substantial support from labor,
you would have the basis of a movement that could sustain
itself." Without that, "it'll be touch and go."
Portside aims to provide material of interest to people
on the left that will help them to interpret the world
and to change it.
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text:
Mr. Akinwumi Godson Fanimokun
Group Executive, Technology & Services
First Bank of Nigerian Plc
My name is Mr. Akinwumi Godson Fanimokun,Group Executive, Technology & Services First Bank of Nigerian Plc. based in Nigeria. I am writing in respect of a foreign customer of our Financial Firm with Deposit Code: XXMD-908-14-255-114 whose name is Eng. Ahmed Mohd Elshami, an Egyptian citizen and a Federal Contractor with the Federal Governments of Nigeria and Egypt.
My client lost his life along with his wife, daughter and several others in a tragic air accident in Abuja - Nigeria. Since the death of this customer, I personally have watched with keen interest to see the next of kin but all has proved abortive as no one has come to claim his funds of US$25,500,000.00 (Twenty Five Million, Five Hundred Thousand US Dollars) which has been with our branch for a very long time.
On this note, I decided to seek for whom his name shall be used as the Next of Kin as no one has come up as his next of kin. In view of this I got your contact through a trade journal on my quest for a foreign business partner, who will be presented to the financial firm as the next of kin to the deceased client to enable them release the fund in your favour.
For your assistant I am willing to give you 40% of the total amount, 10% to cover all expenses and 50% for me and my family. Upon the receipt of your response, I will send you by fax the letter of application which you will type sign and send to the First Bank of Nigerian Plc to enable us start the processing of this claim. I will not fail to bring to your notice that this business is problem free process and shall be carried out under legitimate procedure without breaching any of the International Law, in other words, you should not entertain any fear as all modality for the smooth and easy transfer of this fund has been finalized.
Please take note my wife is the only one that I have discussed this business with and we both agreed to do it with you, I will give you more explanation on this transaction, feel free to send email to me.
When you receive this letter, kindly send me an email for more explanation, please include your private Tel/Fax numbers in your correspondence to facilitate communication.
Yours Sincerely,
Mr. Akinwumi Godson Fanimokun
Group Executive, Technology & Services
First Bank of Nigerian Plc.
This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software.


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Modified the normal of the water, has increased the moss of the railing.
Do not. I work in a very bright room. But I only have more than two hours a day doing this. HahaSpoon said:Hi Bow,
First shot looks really nice. But I cant really see much on the rest of them.
Are you working in a very dark room?
EDIT: The sun is shining here, so could also be that.
Oh, I have not finished yet. The water is due to the rain coming from the zenith loopholes.Swaggletooth said:I love the marbling and gold leaf effect! Everything here is really coming together
The only thing that bothers me is the liquid on the floor, I feel like that should be visibly seeping into the cracks of the wooden planks.
Please wait for me to finish him. Later there will be other parts of the mansion.Neoekamp said:Very nice so far! Actually gives me more of a Bloodborney feel than Resident Evilly
Love the rococo paneling especially
I really like the art atmosphere of Resident evil Remake. And I'm building an atmosphere like this.Scizz said:It's funny. I'm always scared to play horror games, but I love the art in them. Scene is looking awesome so far!
I'm building a scene model. Now you see that the mesh details are actually normal maps. After the model is completed. I'll change the light.macoll said:The meshes look really great...even if the lighting isn't finished, i really love the mood. I hope you will put some lighting from the windows (blue-ish with shadows on the ground).
Yes, I use Substance painter to make texture material.Anchang-Style said:Are the normal details coming from a Sheet or are they actually baked from a high poly (or painted in through Substance painter)?
I first make the foundation of the low mode. Then according to the low mold frame. The high mode is then imported into Substance painter for baking. Final output normals and other channel maps.Prylos said:The architecture and mood gives me the creeps! It's going to look great with the final lighting. I'm also curious how you made such exquisite normal maps. I can't wait to see the finished product!
This is a scene I improve the quality of demo. And the beginning of our project.Swaggletooth said:I love that corridor! I really wish I could actually play through this, you're doing such a stunning job here
Yes. I'm a big fan of resident evil. Never touch 3D. Has been studying the characteristics of luxury. And now I'm making a scene like this.bigodon said:fantastic, you succesfuly captures the mood of iconic re mansions
the feeling of resident evil rebirth Arklay mansion is there, the lighting, the mood, the props
as a die hard classics resident evil fan, i can easily say you are nailing this one.
Looks awesome. I'm sitting in an old hotel lobby right now and noticing on even the old wood the specular has some slight "waviness" to it reflecting the environment. Perhaps what I'm talking about has less to do with specular but more like a subtle cubemap at a low percent.B.O.W. said:Doors made of high model baking...
Thank you very much for your guidance. According to the picture you provided. I have the photos in the wood texture is very smooth. Roughness is relatively low. I made the wood material roughness is much higher. So the reflection will not be so strong.cyborgguineapig said:
Obviously this is too reflective for your setting, especially 2nd pic but if you toned it way down in your cubemap. The first image has sort of a ripply effect when you change your position viewing it. The second image I'm specifically talking about how you can see the environment (wall lamp) and wall to my right reflectwed on the wood pillar
Ok. Your suggestion is great. I will add some more reflective items to enrich the reflection of the entire environment.cyborgguineapig said:Right, so in your environment the reflection would be much less but a tiny bit of it in my opinion would push your materials to the next level.
This is just a part of the demo scene. Yes, I and the team really make a new experience demo. We will be in the right time to fully open the project, but now I can only share the beginning of production.wester said:Your material work is fantastic. I really love this!
White light I want to balance the overall tone. The overall colder.pixelpatron said:Great job, but the pure white lighting is kinda killing this for me.


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Efficacy of probiotics in improving memory and symptoms of anxiety and ADHD in children: A double-blind study
Potter, Susan
Acadia University
Bachelor of Science
In a world where there are limited treatments that do not have adverse side effects for children affected by anxiety and/or ADHD, the current study examined the therapeutic potential of probiotics for these conditions. The effects of probiotics on anxiety, ADHD, and memory were assessed in children aged 6 to 14 years. Participants (n=21) consumed probiotics or placebo for 4 weeks. Outcome measures included the Screen for Child Anxiety Related Emotional Disorders (Parent & Child versions), the Child Disruptive Behaviour Disorders Rating Scale (ADHD items only) and memory tests (visual & verbal). As hypothesized, visual memory improved in the probiotic, compared to the placebo, condition. Hyperactivity also improved, but in both groups. There were no other significant effects on any of the measures. However, many results were in the hypothesized direction. With a larger sample size, perhaps these results would reach significance
The author grants permission to the University Librarian at Acadia University to reproduce, loan or distribute copies of my thesis in microform, paper or electronic formats on a non-profit basis. The author retains the copyright of the thesis.


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A B.C. fish farm where a virus deadly to Atlantic salmon was detected won't wait for the Canadian Food Inspection Agency to confirm tests and will go ahead and cull its more than 500,000 fish.
"We have decided to start the depopulation right away," said Laurie Jensen, a spokeswoman for Mainstream Canada, in an email to The Vancouver Sun.
Mainstream earlier this week announced that fish at its Dixon Bay farm north of Tofino tested positive for infectious hematopoietic necrosis, or IHN. It's the first time in nine years that Atlantic salmon farmed in B.C. have tested positive for IHN.
The company was on standby Thursday to cull more than 500,000 one-kilogram fish, but CFIA said confirmation of test results could take up to two weeks.
"The CFIA has placed a quarantine on the facility and samples are being taken for further testing," the agency said in a statement. "Confirmatory testing on the samples is being con-ducted at the National Aquatic Animal Health Laboratory and results are expected within weeks."
IHN is endemic to wild Pacific fish, and not considered deadly to them. It's harmless to humans, but attacks the kidneys and spleen of the Atlantic farmed salmon and can lead to rotting flesh and organ failure.
Mainstream operates 27 farms in B.C., including 14 in the Tofino area. Those 14 farms began conducting IHN tests of their fish as soon as it was detected.
Jensen said Thursday that they still did not have results of those tests and were waiting to hear if any of the other farms were infected.
If IHN is discovered, a company must call in the CFIA as well as Fisheries and Oceans Canada to investigate.


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Tuesday, April 3, 2012
A Bunny Hop Bento
Since the blog hops for Valentine's Day, St. Patrick's Day and Dr. Seuss's birthday were so much fun, it's time for an Easter "Bunny Hop"! Bunnies are awesome, hops are fun, and with a few days left till Easter, there is plenty of time to borrow a few ideas.
We opted for a simple bunny today--he rests on top of a ham and cheese sandwich (ham is Eastery and Eastery is a word in my world). Besides the obvious cut out, his whiskered area is made with an inverted heart, the nose from a small oval cut of pepperoni, and his eyes are dried blueberry bits. We also have a bunny boiled egg and carrots, because bunnies + carrots = love. ;o) To the right, there's yogurt with Easter sprinkles, thanks to Nana for those, along with cantaloupe and a strawberry with a bunny pick. Check your Dollar Tree for the bunny picks, they are actually from a little peg game, but too cute not to use!
Still want more ideas? Follow the linky over to Crystal for more Easter lunch ideas, then hop around to the other participating blogs!
Posted by Shannon at 9:00 PM
Labels: ben, easylunchboxes, faith, holiday
14 comments:
Love your clever bunny face!ReplyDelete
Cute lunch! I never would have thought to use a game piece for a pic. Very clever!ReplyDelete
Super cute bunny and I love the little guy popping out of the strawberry :)ReplyDelete
Cute egg and adorable bunny :-)ReplyDelete
that is so clever with the game piece pick! cute little bunny face on the sammie too. :)ReplyDelete
I love the bunny pick! It is so cute! really such a creative way of using a game piece :)ReplyDelete
Adorable! And Eastery is a word in my world too! LOLReplyDelete
Love the cute bunny face! Cute lunch :)ReplyDelete
Such a cute lunch!ReplyDelete
Eastery works for me :) Très cute!ReplyDelete
very cute!!ReplyDelete
cute bunny! :)ReplyDelete
Super yummy and love the bunny face!ReplyDelete
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"When you get to the top, hang onto your rope!"
Those aren't the words you'll typically hear on a Ferris wheel.
Then again, this isn't your typical Ferris wheel. This is the World Scout Jamboree version, a feat of pioneering that puts any monkey bridge I ever built to shame.
It was created in part by the Danish contingent, who live in the homeland of the famous Tivoli amusement park.
In all, there are a half-dozen wooden attractions, including several variations of swings.
Seeing the jamboree from high above on a Ferris wheel made of wood and hearing it creak and groan as it moves combined for an experience I won't soon forget.


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Does your pet:
If you answered yes to any of these questions, then stem cell therapy might assist in your pets problems.
Regenerative stem cell therapy uses stem cells collected from your own pets fat to promote healing and repair of damaged cartilage in inflamed joints. This will relieve the pain and discomfort associated with chronic arthritis. The treatment is appropriate to many different chronic degenerative conditions affecting your pets joints.
Stem cell therapy has been used for many different species, including dogs, cats and horses and is one of the rapidly advancing technologies in human medicine. Stem cells in animals are harvested from the patients fat, processed in our laboratory and then activated using specific LED light sources. These active stem cells are then introduced back into the patient where they will promote healing and regeneration of damaged tissues.
Stem cell therapy is performed as a day procedure at Kippax Vet Hospital. Your pet will undergo an anaesthetic to collect the stem cell containing fat. At this same anaesthetic X-rays may be taken to identify affected joints. Your pet then recovers while we process the fat and activate the stem cells - this usually takes 2-3 hrs. The stem cells are them administered either directly into the joints or intravenously, at which point your pet is ready to go home!
If you feel your pet would benefit from stem cell therapy, come in and talk to us about how we can help your best friend!
02 6295 6089
85 Flinders Way Griffith, ACT, 2603 Locate us on a map


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Documentation: ready
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Microsoft's OneNote team announced on August 19 that OneNote for Android is now available for Android tablets. However, that was not the only update made to OneNote for Android.
Handwriting support
OneNote for Android now supports handwriting. So on the tablet, one can write and draw with a stylus (or fingers too). These notes are of course synced across all devices. Much like on the desktop version of OneNote, the inking works with images (for annotation) as well as for pure writing/drawing. For devices which come with active digitizer, the stylus can instantly invoke the inking mode so one can start writing/marking immediately.
Other features included are changing pen colors, as well as changing the paper style and color to make handwriting stand out even more.
Tablet support
The UI now supports a larger real estate on the screen. Much like the iPad and Windows Store versions, the Android tablet UI now shows a cascading list of notebooks, sections and pages with the selected page occupying much of the screen.
Ribbon for Android tablets
Similar to the iPad and Windows Store UI, the Android tablet UI now has the ribbon with several formatting options.
A quick video overview of the new OneNote:
Given that Android apps normally stretch to fill a larger screen, it is commendable that the OneNote team did not rely on that, but instead chose to build a separate UI for larger screens. It is also nice to see inking support in OneNote, and like the blog post says, it is directed towards the students going to or returning back to school.


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The transportation idea that has been making the internet rounds this past weeks is the "straddling bus". The idea is to combine the best (worst?) of buses and trains to simultaneously preserve auto traffic. The bus would run on tracks or guided lanes above moving cars on a typical road and connect to above ground stops to let passengers on and off.
Consider me unimpressed. I admit that it is thinking outside the box. However, if we're going to go through the cost of building tracks, why not just build a train? It has to be cheaper to build and operate than this behemoth. Again, if we're going to build dedicated stops, why not just run bus rapid transit or a train? Isn't that easier?
What I hate about this idea is that it prioritizes the movement of cars. Haven't we already learned that it is a mistake to build cities that depend on cars first and foremost? Let's build transit systems that encourage citizens to utilize public transportation first, rather than as an alternative.
The last part I do not trust about this concept, is the skill of the drivers passing through and around this giant machine. I work for the Chicago Transit Authority's law department currently and I can tell you that the CTA's buses and trains get into an awful lot of collisions with bad drivers, or just because there is a lot of traffic. I would not trust drivers to successfully navigate around and through this hulk. It is sure to be dinged, bumped, or straight-up collided with on a frequent basis, drawing all positive attributes to a screaming halt.
I appreciate transportation ingenuity, I welcome it. I just hope no city dedicates its resources to these unwieldy wheels of innovation.


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Managers should take steps to help problem employees improve, and protect themselves in the process.
Even when the standards for performance and behavior on the job are clearly communicated, most managers find themselves dealing with a problem employee at some point in their career. Dismissal might seem like the quickest and easiest solution when an employee's actions disrupt the office. But a disciplinary plan that sets goals for improvement and consequences for failure can protect employees and managers alike.
Progressive discipline is one process for dealing with poor performance or misconduct that features increasingly formal efforts to provide feedback to the employee so that he or she can correct the problem.
Human resources consultant Susan M. Heathfield stresses "the process of progressive discipline is not intended as a punishment for an employee, but to assist the employee to overcome performance problems and satisfy job expectations." Progressive discipline is most successful when it allows the employee to become a productive member of the organization, she says.
In the private sector, the progressive discipline system includes the following steps for managers:
- Talk with the employee to ensure he or she understands job requirements and expectations.
- Find out whether there are any issues that could be contributing to poor performance. Brainstorm how you can help the employee tackle those issues.
- Verbally reprimand the employee— in private—if poor performance continues to be an issue.
- Present a written warning to the employee and file it with the appropriate individuals in the human resources or legal department.
- Suspend the employee for as many as five days, depending on the severity of the infraction.
The Office of Personnel Management's Handbook on Dealing With Workplace Violence lays out an example of how progressive discipline can work in federal offices. First, OPM advises managers to discuss potential disciplinary actions with employee relations staff, and the Office of General Counsel if necessary. If an employee's misconduct does not endanger fellow employees or disrupt the office, then managers should apply progressive discipline before considering official adverse actions. The sequence could start with a reprimand and lead to a warning and then suspension or alternative disciplinary measures as needed. As OPM notes in its guidance, "lesser disciplinary actions involve considerably fewer procedures than the adverse actions listed below."
Managers who find an official adverse action necessary must be familiar with the attendant laws and regulations. An adverse action can be taken only for conduct that would hamper the agency's operations. When an adverse action is proposed, the employee is entitled to 30 days' advanced written notice. A lesser, seven-day notice period is allowed if the agency has "reasonable cause" to believe that the employee has committed a crime and faces imprisonment.
The written notice must provide reasons for the proposed action. Then the agency must give the employee time to respond and consider the employee's response. When a final decision is made, the employee must be notified again. If the agency decides to take the proposed action, then the employee must be advised of his or her appeal rights.
Progressive discipline is win-win for employees, who deserve to be given the chance to rise to expectations, and for managers, who deserve to be protected and supported for firing an employee when it's warranted.
Elizabeth Newell covered management, human resources and contracting at Government Executive for three years.


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They weren't everywhere like they used to be, but the return of booth babes to E3 was still noticeable. Noticeable for the boobs, but also for the hard work many of them put in.
Take Bayonetta lady, for example. She looks resplendent in photos, but in the flesh, that suit looked uncomfortable, not to mention restrictive. But the girl was up there in it, all day, posing for shots, big smile on her face.
Yvonna Lynn, who runs the Charisma+2 Booth Babe agency, says that on average, the ladies in costume "tend to average $20 to $25 an hour" working a show like E3. Put in seven hours a day for four days and that's $560-$700 a week. Not bad, but for the work some of these girls put in, not great either.
http://www.cnbc.com/id/31505321 [CNBC, via Go Nintendo]