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Sinyangwe BG1, Chirwa ER2,3, Mzengereza K3,4*, Kapute F3, Singini W3, Chirwa BB5, Kondowe B3, Zidana H6 and Jere B2,3
1Oxfam in Malawi, Private Bag B331, Lilongwe, Malawi
2Lilongwe University of Agriculture & Natural Resources, P.O. Box 219, Lilongwe, Malawi
3Mzuzu University, Department of Fisheries & Aquatic Science, Private Bag 201, Mzuzu University, Malawi
4Laboratory of Aquatic Animal Nutrition, Faculty of Fisheries, Kagoshima University, 4-50-20, Kagoshima, 890- 0056, Japan.
5Ministry of Agriculture & Food Security, Fisheries Department, P.O. Box 593, Lilongwe, Malawi
6National Aquaculture Centre, P.O. Box 44, Domasi, Malawi
Received date: October 23, 2017; Accepted date: December 02, 2017; Published date: December 09, 2017
Citation: Sinyangwe BG, Chirwa ER, Mzengereza K, Kapute F, Singini W, et al. (2017) Effect of Varying Dietary Protein Level and Stocking density on Growth Performance, Survival and Feed Utilization of African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus - Burchell, 1822). Insights Aquac Cult Biotechnol Vol.1 No.2:9
A 2 × 2 factorial experiment was conducted to determine the effect of varying stocking density and crude protein level on growth performance of the African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) fry reared in (1 × 1 × 1 m3 , L × W × H) tanks for 40 days. African catfish fry weighing 0.01 g/fish were randomly distributed into 12 tanks at either 80 fish/m3 or 120 fish/m3 . The fry were fed on diets containing either 38.8% or 52.5% crude protein (CP) respectively at 10% body weight of the fish four times daily. ANOVA was performed on growth, survival and feed utilization parameters in SPPS (16). Mean body weight, percent weight gain, survival rate, and daily growth rate were positively affected by protein level and inversely affected by stocking density (P<0.05), but not affected by their interaction (P>0.05. Results showed that growth performance of fry and overall production of fingerlings of the African catfish increased when fry are stocked at 80 fish/m3 and fed on 52.5% CP diet.
African catfish; Stocking density; Crude protein
The African catfish (Clarias gariepinus), family Clariidae, is an endemic fish species in most African countries. It has been introduced and commercially cultured in several countries in Europe,Asia and South America [1]. It is one of the highly demanded freshwater food fish and cultivable species because of its resistance to diseases, ability to tolerate a wide range of adverse environmental conditions, and high stocking densities under poly-culture conditions, relatively fast growth rate and good quality meat [2]. In Malawi, C. gariepinus was identified as the most promising candidate for aquaculture with potential yields of more than three times that of the fastest growing tilapia species, Oreochromis niloticus [3]. As at now, tilapia (Oreochromis shiranus, Oreochromis karongae and Tilapia rendalli) is the widely cultured species in Malawi notwithstanding the fact that it has premature female sexual maturation that hinders the growth rate leading to stuntedness [4]. The Malawi national annual production of catfish increased from 5 tonnes in 1996 to 17 tonnes in 2003 [5]. Despite the technical support from development partners to promote the development of catfish in Malawi, inadequate supply of fingerlings remains a major constraint in the culture of African catfish. Poor quality feed and inconsistent stocking densities have among other myriad factors led to poor growth and low fry survival rates to fingerling stage, culminating in overall low fingerling production. Low fry to fingering survival rate of less than 10% has been common in Malawi catfish culture [6]. Efforts to improve survival rates have been sporadic and inconsistent. In 2000, the National Aquaculture Centre succeeded in improving the survival rate to about 30% and produced over 20,000 fingerlings [7]. However, in 2001, the number of fingerlings decreased to 16,905 due to irregularities in feed quality and stocking of fry [6]. Catfish are omnivorous as well as predatory and therefore have insatiable appetite for high protein to satisfy their requirements. Diets with low protein that do not meet the catfish requirements triggers hierarchal cannibalistic behaviour which degenerate into low survival at fry to fingering stage. Ultimately, the overall fish production is jeopardised with low economic returns at commercial scale. In intensive aquaculture systems, dietary protein sources must be maximised because of low to absent primary production that fosters secondary zooplankton growth abundant in pond based extensive systems. According to Sirakov, optimum stocking density ensures that feed is utilised by the fish more efficiently and ensure maximum space utilization [8]. Thus, for optimal fry growth and survival and overall fingerling production, catfish fry must be stocked at optimal density and fed the right protein level - variables that are not optimised in Malawi's catfish farming industry at present. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of varying stocking density and crude protein level on the growth of African catfish fry stocked in concrete tanks.
Production of test fish
Catfish fry for the experiment were obtained by artificial reproduction of mature brood stock following a method recommended by de Graaf and Jensen [9]. Two sexually mature females (400 ± 0.1 g) and two males (each 300 ± 0.1 g) were randomly selected from pond-harvested fish at the National Aquaculture Centre (NAC) and transported to the hatchery where spawning was induced by hypophysation. The two female and two male catfishes were injected with ova prim and put into a breeding tank with air stone aerators at a regulated water temperature of 26°C.
Egg collectors locally made from fertilizer-sack material were placed in breeding tanks to collect the eggs spawned by the fish. The collected eggs hatched 48 h after fertilization. After complete absorption of the yolk sac, three-day old swim up larvae were transferred to holding tanks.
Larvae were reared inside the hatchery for 7 days while fed on chicken eggs during which egg yolk absorption was monitored under a microscope. After 3 days eggs yolk was completely depleted and coincided with anal opening marking a transition from larvae to swim up fry. The fry were then fed on cattle blood to stimulate digestive activity before being randomly allocated to 1 m3 experimental tanks.
Experimental design
The experiment was a 2 × 2 factorial with Complete Randomization. There were two factors, stocking density and crude protein level, each with two levels, thus a total of four treatments run in triplicate allotted to 12 tanks. Treatment 1 (T1) comprised of fry stocked at 120 fry/m2 and fed on 38.8% CP diet. Treatment 2 (T2) had fry stocked at 120 fry/m2 fed with 52.5% CP, Treatment 3 (T3) had fry fed at 38.8%CP stocked at 80 fry/m2. Treatment 4 (T4) was stocked at 80 fry/m2 and fed on 52.5% CP diet.
Fish stocking, feeding protocol and management
Catfish fry (0.01 ± 0.0 g) were randomly stocked in twelve tanks each with 1 × 1 × 1 m3, L × W × H capacity. The fish were hand fed by broadcasting four times a day (06.00, 10.00 h, 14.00 and 18.00 h) in split-rations at 10% body weight. The JICA catfish feed (Table 1) commonly used in Malawi recommended 38.8% CP while trial and error method was used to formulate the 52.5% CP diet (Table 2) by carefully selecting feed ingredients that could provide a feed that meet nutrient requirement of catfish (50-55%CP). Catfish fry were fed basal diet one week after stocking as acclimatization to the experimental tanks. After one week of acclimatization, the catfish fry were weaned from basal diet and introduced to experimental feed which lasted for 40 days. Uneaten feed was siphoned out every day before putting in the new feed.
|Feed Ingredient
|Composition (%)
|Fish meal
|Soya meal
|wheat flour
|Milk powder
|vitamin mix
|Mineral mix
Table 1: Ingredient composition of the adopted JICA catfish feed.
|Feed ingredient
|Composition (%)
|CP in feed (%)
|Broiler starter
|Fish meal
Table 2: Proximate composition of African catfish feed ingredients.
Sample collection
The initial body weight (g) and total number of catfish fry were recorded at the onset of the experiment during stocking and 30% of the stocked fry in each of the twelve tanks were sampled every ten days to monitor growth and survival. Volumetric comparison method was used to count the fry. A representative sample of fry was counted using a fine-mesh scoop net and then placed in a graduated cylinder containing a pre-measured quantity of water, without adding more water taken together with the fry. Change in water level when the fry was added was then recorded. The total number of fry was estimated by placing total number of fry in a graduated measuring container, recording the water level change, and then comparing the two numbers. The sampled fry were weighed using an electronic digital scale (METTER TOLEDO PG500Z-S Delta Range). Critical water quality parameters (temperature, DO and pH) were recorded using a HANNA Multi-parameter HI 8424 m (HANNA Company, USA) twice per day in the morning (09.00) and afternoon (14:00). Mean Weight Gain (MWG), Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR), Daily Growth Rate (DGR) and Survival Rate (SR) were calculated using formulae as described by Abd Al-Hakim et al. [10] and Pechsiri and Yakupitiyage [11].
Evaluation of growth performance and feed utilization
MWG (g) was calculated using the formula:
Mean Weight Gain (g) = Mean final weight (g) −Mean initial weight (g)
Statistical analysis
Data was analyzed in SPSS version 16.0 using two-way ANOVA at 5% level of significance. Significant differences between means were evaluated using Duncan's multiple range test (DMRT).
Growth of African catfish fry
Mean Body Weight (MBW) of fish stocked at 80 fish/m3 was significantly higher than those stocked at 120 fish/m3 when fed with either 38.8 or 52.5 %CP level (p<0.001). This difference was not apparent in the first ten days of the rearing period, but continued to show from the end of the first half of the rearing period to the end of the experiment (Figures 1 and 2).
Daily growth rate (DGR) and specific growth rate (SGR) were significantly higher and feed conversion ratio significantly lower when the fry were stocked at 80 fish/m3 and fed on 52.5% CP (p<0.001) (Table 3).
|Growth parameter
|Crude protein/Stocking density
|80 fry/m3
|120 fry/m3
|80 fry/m3
|120 fry/m3
|Initial MBW (g)
|0.01 ± 0.00a
|0.01 ± 0.00a
|0.01 ± 0.00a
|0.01 ± 0.00a
|Final MBW (g)
|1.60 ± 0.11a
|1.09 ± 0.06b
|2.07 ± 0.13c
|1.34 ± 0.08d
|MWG (g)
|1.59 ± 0.11a
|1.09 ± 0.06b
|2.06 ± 0.13c
|1.33 ± 0.08d
|DGR (g/fish/day)
|0.04 ± 0.00a
|0.02 ± 0.00b
|0.05 ± 0.005c
|0.04 ± 0.006a
|2.01 ± 0.12a
|4.1 ± 1.04b
|1.62 ± 0.12c
|3.01 ± 0.95d
|53.33 a
|49.45 a
|79.58 b
|56.66 a
Values without common superscripts in a row are significantly different (P<0.05)
Table 3: Growth parameters (Mean ± SE) for catfish fry fed on 38.8% and 52.5% CP, stocked at 80 and 120 fry/m3.
Water quality parameters were within normal range recommended for optimal growth of the catfish fry (Table 4).
|Mean water temp. (°C)
|Mean DO (mg/l)
|Mean pH
|25.65 ± 0.36
|6.74 ± 0.06
|7.29 ± 0.08
|28.51 ± 0.41
|7.08 ± 0.04
|7.55 ± 0.06
Table 4: Water quality parameters (Mean ± SE) in tanks during the experiment.
Growth is an index of energy gains and losses within an environment. Weight gain is one of the important parameters for measuring growth. Stocking density is one of the main factors determining fish growth. Stocking density had significant effect on growth (DGR and MWG), feed utilisation (FCR) and survival rate (SR) of the catfish fry. Under crowded conditions or higher stocking densities, fish suffer stress as a result of aggressive feeding interaction and eat less, resulting in growth retardation [12]. Suziki et al. reported increase in stocking density as a result of higher energy requirements for stress-induced activity causing a reduction in growth rate and feed utilization [13]. In addition, high stocking densities entails biological overcrowding, a scenario that increases demand for oxygen to support many physio-chemical systems such as respiration and metabolism. As a result, fish may succumb to suffocation at sublethal or anoxic oxygen levels. It is therefore important, that stocking density commensurate with carrying capacity of aquaculture systems. In the present study, the higher stocking densities might have reduced access to adequate oxygen and subsequently slowed down metabolism hence lower growth than in lower stocking density. The increased FCR (Table 3) at high stocking density (120 fish/m3) may imply that high stocking density reduced feed efficiency. Similar results have been reported in the larvae of Common carp (Cyprinus carpio) and Golden mahseer (Tor putitora) [12,14]. As a result of competition for feed resources, there is low feed intake resulting in low energy levels to drive metabolic processes that convert nutrients into flesh. Conversely, more energy is expended on stress management hence poor feed utilization efficiency. High mortality of the fry at high stocking density could be due to insufficient food arising from competition for food resources among the fish [15-18]. Results of the present study on survival (Table 3) show that higher stocking densities have lower survival rates than lower stocking densities ceteris paribas. At higher stocking densities, increased biological stress of overcrowding is a precursor to stress related mortalities and vice versa.
Effect of crude protein level on growth performance, survival and feed utilization of African catfish fry
It is widely reported that protein is the most important and expensive constituent of the feed that should be supplied in adequate amounts to support good growth with minimal cost [19,20]. In the present study, growth of catfish fry was significantly affected by different dietary protein levels. Growth (final MBW, MWG, DGR) increased at higher dietary CP level (Table 3 and Figure 1). Similar growth trends resulting from varying protein level were observed in earlier studies [18]. According to growth depression due to lower dietary levels of protein intake has been observed in various fish species under captivity. Inadequate protein amount in a diet of fish depresses its growth due to reduction in the available energy for growth [21,22]. According to a report by Brett and Groves, fish being aquatic obtain sufficient energy from chemical breakdown of proteins than land animals, thus underscoring the importance of protein in the diets of fish [23]. The lowest growth obtained with the diet with 38.8% (Figure 1) of protein can be due to the fact that most of the protein was used for maintenance making it unavailable for growth. The 52.8% CP (Figure 2) diet gave higher growth, higher mean weight gain and better protein utilization in catfish fry. This CP level is close to protein requirements recommended for other carnivorous fish fry: 48-53% for Salmo trutta; 45- 53% for Carassius auratus; 42-56% for Clarias gariepinus and Heterobranchus longifilis; 50-55% for hybrid catfish H. bidorsalis × C. anguillaris [24-27]. It is therefore important to formulate fish feeds that satisfy the nutrition requirements of the target fish species, for instance most of the carnivorous fish studied show a relatively high dietary protein requirement in the range of 35-70% [28]. Holding all factors including the varied stocking density of the present study, results (Table 3) show that dietary protein has a marked influence on feed utilization. Diet with 52.8% CP had better FCR than diets with 38.8%CP. A similar trend has also been found by different authors for other freshwater carnivorous fish species including pikeperch, Sander lucioperca and snakehead [29,30]. Higher pressure on body protein in order to satisfy the dietary needs for tissue building, repair, and metabolism has been suggested as the reason for poor growth and dietary utilization observed in fish fed sub-optimal dietary protein levels [31]. This meant that fish fed the high-protein diets (52.8% dietary protein) used dietary protein more efficiently than fish fed the low-protein diet (38.8%). Reference to Table 3 in the present study, survival rate increases with increased dietary protein level, this means low protein diets might have not met the nutrition requirements of catfish fry and thereby leading to nutrient-deficient related mortalities [32-34].
Water quality parameters
Water quality parameters (Table 4) observed during the experimentation were within the range not toxic to fish, thus any differences on growth parameters are attributable to variation in stocking density and crude protein level. Temperature values were within recommended limits for African catfish larvae and fry growth and survival. Barton et al. [33] recommends that temperatures should be within 23°C-30°C corroborating with FAO. Optimum temperature for maximum growth African catfish is 28°C as reported by Hecht [35]. There is fish growth depression at temperatures above or below the optimum temperature [36] and thus the growth possible higher growth rates of fry than presently reported in this study, if temperature was regulated values recorded during the experiment were within allowable range of 6.0-9.0 and similarly DO levels were within optimal levels as they were above 6 mg/l in all treatments as recommended by FAO [33,35-37].
Both crude protein level and stocking density have significant effect on growth and survival of Clarias gariepinus fry in tanks. Based on the result of this experiment, starter fish feed of 52.5% crude protein and fry stocking density of 80 fish/m3 are needed for higher catfish fingerling production. Similar studies need to be conducted in other culture facilities such as ponds and cages.
Authors are grateful to the staff of the National Aquaculture Centre (NAC), Domasi, Zomba for availing the station's facilities for the experiment and the technical support rendered during the experiment. Authors are also indebted to Mzuzu University for financing the project.


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Since the beginning of ATLAS, collaboration members have devoted hours, days, weeks and months teaching High Energy Physics (HEP) to anyone willing to listen. But sometimes those willing to listen do not have the means, especially when oceans and continents separate them from our experiment in Geneva. How can we overcome these geographical distances to allow anyone interested in HEP to learn?


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J Cancer 2017; 8(7):1129-1136. doi:10.7150/jca.16201
Research Paper
Knockdown of COPS3 Inhibits Lung Cancer Tumor Growth in Nude Mice by Blocking Cell Cycle Progression
1. Cancer Center, the First Hospital of Jilin University, No. 71. Xinmin Street, Changchun, 130021, China;
2. Pathological diagnostic Center, the First Hospital of Jilin University, No.71.Xinmin Street, Changchun, 130021, China;
3. Stanford University Medical School, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA.
Pang J, Yan X, Cao H, Qian L, He H, Tian H, Han F, Wang G, Chen X, Zhao Y, Hu JF, Cui J. Knockdown of COPS3 Inhibits Lung Cancer Tumor Growth in Nude Mice by Blocking Cell Cycle Progression. J Cancer 2017; 8(7):1129-1136. doi:10.7150/jca.16201. Available from http://www.jcancer.org/v08p1129.htm
COPS3 encodes the third subunit of the COP9 signalosome and its aberrant expression is associated with many RITE ("Region of Increased Tumor Expression") genes in lung cancer tissues. To elucidate the specific role of COPS3 in lung cancer, we examined its expression in lung cancer tissues by immunohistochemical staining. We found that COPS3 was overexpressed in most of the lung cancer samples examined, particularly in small cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. The expression of COPS3 protein was positively correlated with the level of Ki-67 cell proliferation index (p=0.001) and negatively related to the degree of tumor differentiation (p=0.012). In a xenograft tumor model in nude mice, shRNA-knockdown of COPS3 significantly reduced tumor growth. In lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells, shRNA-knockdown of COPS3 induced cell cycle arrest at G0/G1 phase by upregulating the cell cycle regulator protein P21 and downregulating cyclin B1 and CDK4. These data suggest that COPS3 may promote tumor growth by regulating cell-cycle associated proteins.
Keywords: Lung cancer, COPS3, gene expression, xenograft tumor, cell cycle.


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Strange the Dreamer – Laini Taylor
Published March 2017
'Names may be lost or forgotten. No one knew that better than Lazlo Strange. He'd had another name first, but it had died like a song with no one left to sing it.'
For Lazlo Strange names are important. Robbed of his original and bought up an orphan, identified as such through the familial title 'Strange' and the first name of a monks tongueless uncle, Lazlo knows very little about who he is. What he does know is that for as long as he can remember, he has been fascinated by the mysterious city across the desert, the fabled city of Weep. But Weep has not always been Weep, and Lazlo alone seems to be the only one that remembers its original name being plucked from his head.
With the first part of the book following Lazlo's ascent into 'dreamer' status, the reader is introduced to other characters key to the story in an unobtrusive fashion, including the antihero Thyon Nero who seems to exist to antagonise Lazlo but also bring out his best characteristics.
The God Spawn are also introduced – the offspring of the rape of the young denizens of Weep by the very Gods themselves. Or at least by those who act as Gods. Sarai, Ruby, Sparrow, Feral and Minya are the last surviving offspring of these pairings, and each one has a gift. They are also bright blue. Imprisoned in their floating citadel, suspended over Weep, the citizens unaware of their presence but fearing their home, the Godspawn live part lives awaiting discovery or death.
To some extent this is where the story really begins. A party of individuals, including Lazlo Strange, is created by the God Slayer to solve the problem of the floating citadel and restore Weep its sky. Yet the citizens do not know about the gifted teenagers in that metal prison, and it is an especial shock to Lazlo when he meets Sarai in his dreams. To say anything more would be to spoil the story completely – but I cannot encourage the reading of it enough. Some books lodge in your mind and make a small corner their home, never to quite leave, and this is one of those.
As per her other books, Taylor's writing is the perfect blend of poetic description and skilful storytelling that appears her trademark. I know no one else that writes quite so beautifully, and perhaps Taylor herself should wear the moniker of 'dreamer', as it is an accurate description for the quality her work possesses. I cannot wait for Muse of Nightmares, and as it launches in the UK tomorrow, I cannot think of a more appropriate time to look back at Strange the Dreamer.
As mentioned previously, names are important things. The following idea particularly struck home:
'What if it works, but my terrors come, too?'
Lazlo shrugged. 'We'll chase them away, or else turn them into fireflies and catch them in jars.'
Hence the name of the blog. Writing terrifies me – it has done since being told that my writing style was not academic enough whilst at University. Ironically my dissertation tutor pointed out that I would be better suited to blogging or journalism rather than academia, but that doesn't make this any less scary. But at the same time I have suddenly become unemployed in a very crappy way, left without a source of income for the first time in a decade, and apparently that is far more terrifying than writing. In fact, it is so terrifying that writing about things I like seems a good form of escapism. So this is something for me to channel my energy into (apart from the endless job applications) and to focus on. A goal, if you will. This blog is very much going to act as my jar, and each single post will be a firefly, reminding me that I can overcome situations and that there are things in life that I love, that bring me hope, happiness and peace. Massive thanks goes to Stephen @mywickedwords www.wickedwords.co.uk who offered a blog as a prize, and in doing so started this whole escapade off.


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Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Are we there yet????
Since we are going on vacation soon I thought I would take some time to tell everyone our vacation traditions...you knew I had them, right?
First of all, how many of us get tired of hearing our children ask every twenty minutes:
Are we there yet? (Does it LOOK like we are there?)
How much longer? (Remember how we said it was going to be a long drive? Have we been in the car for a LONG time yet?)
How long have we been driving? (What time was it when you asked the last time?)
What time will we be there? (Creative way of asking...HOW much longer?)
Oh, I could come up with a lot more, but you know what I mean. They come up with all kinds of ways of asking. And it drives a parent nuts, because you know there are ten more hours of being asked, every 15 minutes, how much farther do we have to be cooped up in this car.
So I try to make it more fun.
1. Everyone gets a dollar in dimes (or quarters, if you are older). Every time you want to know how much farther, or any derivative of such, it costs a dime. If you don't "spend" your money, you get to keep it. Only Kati spends her dimes to find out how far we still have to go.
2. To make it even easier to not ask every 15 minutes, we announce the time, the distance and how much farther we have to go, hourly. You would think they could wait, right?
3. I pack a bag of goodies. Candy, snacks, games, puzzle books, small toys. Every hour when we announce how much longer we have to drive, and where we currently are, I give something out of the bag to each child. They can trade them and share.
4. We play bingo. Usually at stake is candy. Ashlea made a travel bingo game where the cards are laminated, so you just mark them up and erase them later.
5. On long trips (REAL vacation and not just visiting family) everyone gets a set amount of money. Whenever we stop at the store they can buy whatever they want with their money. However, once it's gone, it's gone. You just don't get to eat that day. KIDDING. No, of course, we pay for meals. You just don't get to spend any more money.
a. Only one soda allowed per day...long car rides + soda = too many potty breaks.
b. Only one sweet per day...long car rides + sweets = wild, crazy, hyper kids.
6. I print off pages with all the states to play the license plate game, which is ongoing. We play slug bug, which is ongoing.
7. I print many, many fun pages of activities and games from Mini van mom.
8. We play the ABC game, sing songs, tell stories, have a spelling bee.
9. We read, a LOT.
I have to honestly say that it would be NICE to have a DVD player in the car. AND YET, every time we go somewhere I think of buying one and am always glad I don't. We really have fun on the way there. It's part of the memories.
I also print off some journaling pages so they can keep a trip journal.
What about you? How do you fill your time on long trips?
5 comments:
- Mama-Dawn said...
I love your ideas! We play a game similar to the Dora the Explorer show. We tell the children to look foor 3 things in the next hour that will be on our way. When they find the last thing, we give them the next list. If we're going through Memphis, we always use the pyramid as one. Sometimes we see who can find things like other travelers picking their nose, a piece of blue litter (or whatever color). And on those *special* occasions, we give treats for who can find the next rest stop :)
- September 2, 2009 at 8:59 AM
- Aleta said...
I don't have any children and we didn't play those types of games. We kept pretty quiet or I slept most of the drive, because it was either - sleep or get motion sickness. Lol. I love all those ideas though - cool!
- September 2, 2009 at 11:19 AM
We have only gone on one REALLY long car ride with everyone and we didn't expect it to take so long. We brought my husband's computer and let the kids watch a movie. But, we do get the questions of how long just driving a little over an hour to my in-laws house. Crazy, I know. But, I am definitely going to bookmark this page with your ideas for when we do take a LONG car ride (which hopefully will be next summer).
- September 2, 2009 at 4:01 PM
- Yara said...
10 hours in the car with the kids awake? You, my dear, are cruel. yes, I said it. And I mean it! So there!
I was gonna say I'd NEVER drive anywhere that far with my kids... then I remembered, we just did in spring.
BUT... I left late, drove all night while the kids slept. In fact, when we arrived, they still slept an hour or two.
On the way back, we stopped. A lot. And--- we played dvd's in the van. Using a laptop. Cuz I refuse to buy a dvd player for the car. That's just well, I mean, I have a perfectly good laptop that plays movies!
My kids are not allowed to ask 'are we there yet'
if they do, I say yes & make them get off. That's how I lost most of my children. No just kidding! I haven't lost any of them! But I do say "yes, now get off and go to your room" to which they usually reply "ahhh! this isn't it, we're not there yet!"
and I say "well then... why did you ask?"
My kids are too little for me to give them money. I just use all my money myself ; P
- September 2, 2009 at 4:18 PM
- Andrea said...
Those are SUCH good ideas! With our kids being only 1 and we're basically stuck with snacks, songs, books and little toys...but it works! :) I'm heading over to check out that mini van mom site now....thanks!! Hope you have a fabulous vacation!
- September 3, 2009 at 10:33 PM


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Hello, last time we landed on an island with a huge place in the global music catalogue, Jamaica. A production hothouse and they say the Weed makes you slow and lazy-go figure. Without the ganja driven reggae music Jamaica would have remained a Caribbean backwater and dare i say would never have given us Bolt, the fastest man in the world.
These last months there's been plenty of reggae & dub from Jamaica, we kicked off with a man who's name became synonymous with Jamaican Reggae, Bob Marley, together with The Wailers It makes sense to me to finish our 9 months stay at Jamaica with a couple of posts of the man who in a sense made it all possible, and dragged a niche music into the global mainstream. And when I say global i mean truly global not just the ' West' , but from South America and Africa to the hights of the Himalayas his voice can be heard and all this expansion predating the Internet, truly remarkable.
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Marley was born in the small village, his father, Norval Sinclair Marley was a Jamaican of English descent, with parents from Sussex. Norval was a Marine officer and captain, as well as a plantation overseer, when he married Cedella Booker, a black Jamaican then eighteen years old. Norval provided financial support for his wife and child, but seldom saw them, as he was often away on trips. Marley was ten years old when his father died of a heart attack. Thereupon Marley and his mother moved to Kingston's Trenchtown slum . He was forced to learn self-defense, as he became the target of bullying because of his racial makeup and small stature (5'4" or 163 cm tall). Marley became friends with Neville "Bunny" Livingston with whom he started to play music. He left school at the age of 14 and started as an apprentice at a local welder's shop. In his free time, he and Livingston made music with Joe Higgs, a local singer and devout Rastafari who is regarded by many as Marley's mentor. It was at a jam session with Higgs and Livingston that Marley met Peter McIntosh (Peter Tosh).
In 1962, Marley recorded his first two singles, "Judge Not" and "One Cup of Coffee", with local music producer Leslie Kong. These songs attracted little attention. In 1963, Bob Marley, Bunny Livingston, Peter McIntosh, Junior Braithwaite, Beverley Kelso, and Cherry Smith formed a ska and rocksteady group, calling themselves "The Teenagers". They later changed their name to "The Wailing Rudeboys", then to "The Wailing Wailers", and finally to "The Wailers". By 1966, Braithwaite, Kelso, and Smith had left The Wailers, leaving the core trio of Marley, Livingston, and McIntosh. Marley took on the role of leader, singer, and main songwriter. Much of The Wailers' early work, including their first single Simmer Down, was produced by Coxsone Dodd at Studio One. Simmer Down topped Jamaican Charts in 1964 and established The Wailers as one of the hottest groups in the country. They followed up with songs such as "Soul Rebel" and "400 Years". After a conflict with Dodd, Marley and his band teamed up with Lee "Scratch" Perry and his studio band, The Upsetters. Although the alliance lasted less than a year, they recorded what many consider The Wailers' finest work.
The Wailers' first album, Catch A Fire, was released worldwide in 1973, and sold well. It was followed a year later by Burnin', which included the songs "Get Up, Stand Up" and "I Shot The Sheriff". Eric Clapton made a hit cover of "I Shot the Sheriff" in 1974, raising Marley's international profile.The Wailers broke up in 1974 with each of the three main members going on to pursue solo careers.
In 1975, Marley had his international breakthrough with his first hit outside Jamaica, "No Woman, No Cry" from the Natty Dread album. This was followed by his breakthrough album in the US, Rastaman Vibration (1976). In December 1976, two days before "Smile Jamaica", a free concert organized by the Jamaican Prime Minister Michael Manley, Marley, his wife, and manager Don Taylor were wounded in an assault by unknown gunmen inside Marley's home. Taylor and Marley's wife sustained serious injuries, but later made full recoveries. Bob Marley received only minor injuries in the chest and arm and performed at the concert. Marley left Jamaica at the end of 1976 for England, where he recorded his Exodus and Kaya albums. It was here that he was arrested and received a conviction for possession of a small quantity of cannabis while traveling in London. Survival, a defiant and politically charged album, was released in 1979. Uprising (1980) was Bob Marley's final studio album, and is one of his most religious productions, including "Redemption Song" and "Forever Loving Jah".
July 1977, Marley was found to have malignant melanoma in his big toe. Marley refused amputation, citing worries that the operation would affect his dancing, as well as the Rastafari belief that the body must be "whole": This belief may have cost him his life as the cancer spread until may 81 when he died of it. Bob Marley had 13 children (2 adopted) the last one being born 3 weeks after his death, spring 72 he managed to father 3 sons within a month..go figure well the tabloids werent interested in him in those days..
Bob Marley's music has continuously grown in popularity in the years since his death, providing a stream of revenue for his estate and affording him a mythical status in 20th century music history. He remains enormously popular and well-known all over the world, particularly so in Africa. Marley was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994. Time magazine chose Bob Marley & The Wailers' Exodus as the greatest album of the 20th century.
Over the years many compilation albums of his sixties work have been released the one i present here gives a nice overview with a good sound quality
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Originally issued in 1970, Soul Rebels was the first album credited to Bob Marley & the Wailers, and it was also the band's first full-length collaboration with producer Lee "Scratch" Perry, for whom they had already recorded a string of fairly successful singles. Working with the newly configured Upsetters band, Marley and crew delivered a strange and wonderful set of early reggae that at times plays fast and loose with the already established conventions of the genre -- on "My Cup" the beat sounds inside out, while "It's Alright" sounds like a slightly Jamaicanized version of Motown soul. Other songs, such as the beautifully harmonized "Try Me," show their deep roots in rocksteady. One of the most arresting tracks on the album is the Peter Tosh sung "Four Hundred Years," on which Tosh unburdens himself of some of his typically dread pronouncements in his rich, chesty voice. This here is sourced from a DVD-A
Bob Marley and The Wailers - Soul Rebels ( 265mb)
01 Soul Rebel 3:20
02 Try Me 2:46
03 It's Alright 2:36
04 No Sympathy 2:14
05 My Cup 3:35
06 Soul Almighty 2:43
07 Rebel's Hop 2:39
08 Corner Stone 2:29
09 400 Years 2:32
10 No Water 2:09
11 Reaction 2:42
12 My Sympathy 2:24
Bonus Tracks
13 Dreamland
14 Dreamland Version
15 Dracula
16 Soul Rebel Version 4 2:52
17 Version Of Cup
18 Zig Zag
19 Jah Is Mighty
20 Brand New Second Hand.flac
21 Brand New Second Hand Version
22 Downpresser
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The Wailers' fourth album overall, Burnin', was their second for Island Records, released only six months after its predecessor, Catch a Fire. Given that speed, it's not surprising that several tracks -- "Put It On," "Small Axe," and "Duppy Conqueror" -- are re-recordings of songs dating back a few years. But they fit in seamlessly with the newer material, matching its religious militancy and anthemic style. The confrontational nature of the group's message is apparent immediately in the opening track, "Get Up, Stand Up," as stirring a song as any that emerged from the American Civil Rights movement a decade before. The Wailers are explicit in their call to violence, a complete reversal from their own 1960s "Simmer Down" philosophy. Here, on "Burnin' and Lootin'," they take issue with fellow Jamaican Jimmy Cliff's song of the previous year, "Many Rivers to Cross," asking impatiently, "How many rivers do we have to cross/Before we can talk to the boss?" "I Shot the Sheriff," the album's most celebrated song, which became a number one hit in the hands of Eric Clapton in 1974, claims self-defense, admits consequences ("If I am guilty I will pay"), and emphasizes the isolated nature of the killing ("I didn't shoot no deputy"), but its central image is violent. Such songs illuminated the desperation of poor Jamaican life, but they also looked forward to religious salvation, their themes accentuated by the compelling rhythms and the alternating vocals of the three singers. Bob Marley was a first among equals, of course, and after this album his partners, Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer, quit the group, which thereafter was renamed Bob Marley and the Wailers. The three bonus tracks on the 2001 reissue are all by Tosh and Wailer, though recorded at the album's sessions, suggesting the source of their frustration.
Bob Marley And The Wailers - Burnin' ( flac 204mb)
01 Get Up, Stand Up 3:15
02 Hallelujah Time 3:27
03 I Shot The Sheriff 4:39
04 Burnin' And Lootin' 4:11
05 Put It On 3:58
06 Small Axe 4:00
07 Pass It On 3:32
08 Duppy Conqueror 3:44
09 One Foundation 3:20
10 Rasta Man Chant 3:43
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Natty Dread is Bob Marley's finest album, the ultimate reggae recording of all time. This was Marley's first album without former bandmates Peter Tosh and Bunny Livingston, and the first released as Bob Marley & the Wailers. The Wailers' rhythm section of bassist Aston "Family Man" Barrett and drummer Carlton "Carlie" Barrett remained in place and even contributed to the songwriting, while Marley added a female vocal trio, the I-Threes (which included his wife Rita Marley), and additional instrumentation to flesh out the sound. The material presented here defines what reggae was originally all about, with political and social commentary mixed with religious paeans to Jah. The celebratory "Lively Up Yourself" falls in the same vein as "Get Up, Stand Up" from Burnin'. "No Woman, No Cry" is one of the band's best-known ballads. "Them Belly Full (But We Hungry)" is a powerful warning that "a hungry mob is an angry mob." "Rebel Music (3 O'Clock Road Block)" and "Revolution" continue in that spirit, as Marley assumes the mantle of prophet abandoned by '60s forebears like Bob Dylan. In addition to the lyrical strengths, the music itself is full of emotion and playfulness, with the players locked into a solid groove on each number. Considering that popular rock music was entering the somnambulant disco era as Natty Dread was released, the lyrical and musical potency is especially striking. Marley was taking on discrimination, greed, poverty, and hopelessness while simultaneously rallying the troops as no other musical performer was attempting to do in the mid-'70s.
Bob Marley And The Wailers - Natty Dread ( flac 256mb)
01 Lively Up Yourself 5:11
02 No Woman, No Cry 3:46
03 Them Belly Full (But We Hungry) 3:13
04 Rebel Music (3 O´Clock Roadblock) 6:45
05 So Jah Seh 4:28
06 Natty Dread 3:35
07 Bend Down Low 3:19
08 Talkin Blues 4:07
09 Revolution 4:20
Bonus Track:
10 Am-A-Do 3:20
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Bob Marley - Early Days 1 ( ^ 98mb)
Bob Marley - Early Days 2 ( ^ 95mb)
Bob Marley & The Wailers – Catch A Fire ( 106mb)
Bob Marley And The Wailers – Live At The Rainbow ( 77 164mb)
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Welcome to Waterski SA!
Waterski SA is part of the Tournament Division of the national organisation Wakeboard & Waterski Australia (awwf.com.au) and promotes three-event (slalom, trick & jump) waterskiing throughout South Australia.
New members are always welcome and highly encouraged! Boat ownership is not required. If you are keen to get on the water and share our interest in waterskiing, we encourage you to contact any of our member clubs for more information.
For additional details and contact information for each club, please visit the respective club pages in the About Waterski SA section of our website.
Waterski SA – Latest News & Events
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608, 2019
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Kylie Jenner is up to something, people.
A couple of hours ago the Instagram sensation posted a few cryptic images to her account of her in lingerie with the caption "@thekylieshop".
Upon clicking through to this mysterious new account, followed by both Kylie and Tyga, there's 12 photos which together make up one huge image of Ky in a different set of lingerie, and no further explanation apart from a website link—kyliejennershop.com.
Okay, so now we're on the website which tells us absolutely nothing apart from the fact that something is going to go down in 20 days.
From the looks of these saucy images, we're guessing the Kylie Cosmetics beauty queen is releasing her first lingerie line.
With already 148k (and counting) followers in less than five hours, and all of her 79m fans on the edge of their seats, we're guessing this will be yet another sell-out Jenner collection.
Stay tuned.


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Both Matip and Henderson have traveled with the squad
If we're serious title challengers then we should be winning fairly comfortably, especially considering we've dropped the FA cup given some key players, who worked hard to win us 9 matches in December, a game off so that we regain fitness for this. How Arsenal fared against them has no relevance. Arsenal are not even close to being a challenger for the title.
I'd be a lot more confident with one of our regular centre back pairs, but VvD and Fabinho should be OK.What young options do we have in the side? Hoever seemed promising, but a bit green for the likes of the experienced Brighton striker.
Ian DoyleVerified account @IanDoyleSport 1m1 minute agoMoreThe confirmation of the #LFC team news is sure to prompt some real talking points though😏😉🤨🤔😩
If we're serious title challengers then we should be winning fairly comfortably, especially considering we've dropped the FA cup so that we regain fitness for this. How Arsenal fared against them has no relevance. Arsenal are not even close to being a challenger for the title.
He seems to say that a lot, not sure if he's on a wind-up.
Fabinho CB
Thats bllocks though. City lost at home to Palace, and whilst they wont get near the title Spurs lost at home to Wolves. So whos are genuine title challangers then?
I think we'll find out in the month or so personally, City have proven they not only have the squad but the staying power too. We have a lot to prove still despite being brilliant in the first half of the season, long way to go yet.
I think you are massively missing the point
Brighton are gonna play very defensive so well need open them up! Our key players have had a long break so no excuse for plenty of energy to play at a high tempoGonna be tough but Ill say 2-0
The good news is that their kind of defensive often involves a lot of a pointless passes around the back and between the centre backs and midfield. Hopefully it plays into our favour
He says it literally every game.
Sabu retch at putrid "fan", born to screech, doom'd to lose.
Probably, what were you trying to say then?
Serious challengers don't lose to Palace and Leicester surely?
They've proven themselfs challengers over a period of time, the only point I'm making is that we have not. Admittedly if we lose today then go on to challenge in the final month then my point is void, we would have shown we can recover from 2 defeats on the bounce.
Surely the press box doesn't get the team sheet this early.. it's released 60 min before KO.. I would guess it's circulated to the press 15 minutes before that??
Im quite nervous.
Would that be a talking point?It's been a given for most of the week that he'd start there until it was reported this morning that Matip has travelled.
Mate, he's just a wind-up merchant this guy does it everytime as he knows fans will fall for it.
We went on a worse run this season already though. I dont understand what exactly is the question? That we cannot win the league or that we have to prove we can win after going through a few results that havent gone our way?
You're right.. but with all of us or at least most of us on edge, c*nts like him don't help..
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vFrame Hybrid Metal Bumper Frame (Aluminum + TPU) Case for Apple iPhone 6 / 6s Plus (5.5")
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Real AluminumVena vFrame is designed using high quality aluminum to provide the exclusive premium look. The beveled volume and power buttons are made of real aluminum and are carefully crafted to maintain the same great tactile feedback from your device's buttons.
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Additional Information
Additional Information
|vFrame Hybrid Metal Bumper Frame (Aluminum + TPU) Case for Apple iPhone 6 / 6s Plus (5.5")
|iPhone 6 Plus
Product's Review
Five Stars Review by Yariel Pabellon
good product
Great Case-Slim but protective Review by Roland Hairston
Great Case. It has protected my phone from minor drops. Looks great and it is not bulky.
The back of case showing soiling easy but does not impact functionality.
I would recommend for future purchase.
Nice Review by Mike
Ordered red but it's more pink so I can't give a 5 star but great case for price.


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Construction work starts at warehouse and industrial complex
Work has begun on a new warehouse and industrial complex in Swindon.
Manufacturing and distribution units of 36,750 to 78,750 sq ft will be built at Trinity Park at Hillmead, Swindon by Trebor Developments and partner Hillwood.
"We are pleased to commence the construction of this speculative development following another off-market site acquisition," said James Drew, development director at Trebor Developments.
"Swindon has a long-established industrial heritage with a skilled workforce and is strategically located with access to the M4 and the wider Motorway network.
"We are already having positive discussions with occupiers from a range of sectors and seeing construction commence on site reinforces the message to the market that the new accommodation will be available to occupy at the end of this year."
Trinity Park is well connected by road, with Junction 16 of the M4 just three miles to the South West and the A419 three miles to the North West.
Trebor and Hillwood are represented by joint agents CBRE and WBM Property.
Councillor Oliver Donachie, Swindon Borough Council's cabinet member for the economy and place, said: "Trebor Developments' investment in Trinity Park is a real show of confidence in Swindon and I am delighted the company has recognised the potential in the site.
"We have a strong economy most cities would be proud of, fantastic transport links and we know we have talented people in our town.
"It is encouraging there has been such strong interest in the site from potential occupiers and I look forward to seeing which new employer wants to join the long list of major companies that already do business in Swindon."


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I got to spend the WHOLE week camping with my friends Chloe and Courtney! I had so much fun.
He said
Here we sit two weeks from our last post, on the other side of a completely wonderful vacation camping in our beloved Wolfie and having added more amazing family memories to the collective story we're writing together. Of course we took last week off from posting being that we had much more pressing things to do—most namely finding out how amazing the new campfire confection in our repertoire, the "S'moreo" is! (that is a reverse S'more made with Oreo cookies, white chocolate and of coarse, the freshly fire-roasted marshmallow)
So last time we left our story here, I had just (in the nick of time) had finished the repair (er… well, upgrade to LED) to the tail lights on the trailer. And the good news was, two Friday's ago as I hooked up the trailer, just ahead of a torrential downpour that included hail, I connected the wire harness to the Pilot and turned on the lights, everything worked! Eureka, we had the Pilot and Wolfie connected and we were officially ready to go the next morning – bright and early. All we had to do was pack. And try to get some sleep… in spite of the overwhelming excitement.
The alarm seemed a little early given that we were headed out on vacation, but the moment we realized we were hitting the road for a week of camping, the adrenaline kicked in and we were readying the car for our early departure. Before we knew it, we were on the road and making good time with the sun as it rose into our eyes over the 401. But the best part of the early departure was hitting Toronto before traffic had any chance of slowing us down. We even managed to avoid the 407 ETR toll road given the traffic was so light. We breezed path both sides of Toronto without a single tap of the break pedal or leaving the comforts of cruise control. It was validating justification for waking up at such an unholy hour on vacation.
We managed a stop at The Big Apple to get a snack and some more coffee for the road before the last 40 minutes of driving to Presqu'ile Provincial Park. It's funny, this park was one of the first ones we ever visited in Wolfie and we both remember liking it quite a lot but neither Danielle or I could really remember the park, aside from having a monster thunderstorm pass through – our first scary storm test in her – when we stayed there. But, from the moment we approached the park it all started coming back to us: beautiful, sandy beach; wonderful tree-lined campground; and their lighthouse. And aside from the 'fragrant' smell wafting in from Lake Ontario (much akin to the smell of a fish factory toss pile baking in the August summer sun for weeks), we were delighted to have this as our home-away-from-home for the next week.
We got in to the park about 2 hours ahead of the check-in time and we able to set up in our site for the night right away. Knowing that we were moving the next day a site over to be next to our camp-friends, the Jornitz's we didn't set up our full compound. We did however get enough out to have a quiet little night that included campfire, making some friendship bracelets, and even dinner cooked on the aforementioned fire. Danielle and I had a few of our adult beverages we made in the weeks leading up, and then we all retired for the evening after a long day of travel had taken it's toll on us. What followed was probably the best sleeps Danielle or I have ever had camping.
The next day was all about packing up and moving over to our neighbour to the Jornitz's site next door. We packed up Wolfie as loosely as we could an then patiently awaited the tenants on the site's departure. And waited. And, waited… And, finally by the 2pm checkout time the family was gone and we could begin our moving over to our site for the rest of the week. Shortly thereafter, the Jornitz's arrived and we all began the process of settling in and setting up our homes for the week. We were all in and ready for the short walk down to Lake Ontario before dinner. We played in the water, collected skipping stones and even some of us (myself included) cooled down in the brisk waters with a quick dip. With our friends here, us situated in our sites, all that was left was to spend the next week relaxing. And that we did!
The area we were situated, The Pines, was the smallest one (in terms of sites) in their campground and proved to be a perfect location from the bike paths, the amphitheatre f0r the evening programs, and morning walks to Lake Ontario where would have our coffees at while Emelia and the girls would search for stones to collect for later painting. Even better was The Pines was a very quiet campground. Despite not being a 'radio free' campground where no music is allowed at any hours, it was a fortress of solitude pretty much any hour of the day. In fact, our two sites were probably the loudest in The Pines… and we were pretty quiet. It made for great sleeps and perfect nights by the fire — save for the night we were visited by the family five raccoons accompanied by a skunk!
The other gem of this park was the big, sandy beaches they had for swimming. Like the ones at Sandbanks that we've fell in love with, these ones were easily half to a third as busy. But, they have you the same long, white sandy coverage and were nice and shallow quite a ways out so that kids could play freely with a lot less supervision. It gave Emelia and the girls the space to play and splash around and the parents (yours truly) the room to cool off and refresh. Of the six days we were there, we spent portions of five of those days at the beaches in the water frolicking and it was perfect.
The weather for the entire week was sunny and hot which led to a daily routine of getting up when we damn-well wanted to, and then having coffee down at the lake before breakfast, then going for some version of a bike ride or walk before having lunch and then planning an afternoon at the beach. After dinners, we typically then took in the odd night kid's program show at the amphitheatre before settling in to the Jornitz site for campfires and S'Mores. It was perfectly wonderful routine that we were able to maintain till Thursday before a brief bought of rain caused us to make a plans adjustment for the day to include some cards and a trip into Brighton to get some supplies.
And before we knew it, the Jornitz family were packing up and leaving. And, then the next day we were doing the same. While parting ways and leaving the camp site was sad, were heading home with some of the best camp memories we had ever created in Wolfie and with a definite new location for our summer itinerary—somewhere only three and a half hours from home and half way between us and the Jornitz's! Add in all that we liked about this campground, and that it's a great midway spot, and I think we may have a place to create many more family memories at for us, for years to come!
Different than previous vacations, and something new we're trying this year, we're coming home on the Saturday before returning to work on Monday. Normally we want to squeeze every last minute in Wolfie that we can, but to the detriment of being able to give us appropriate time to unpack, unwind and get ready to get back to the grind. For this trip specifically, it also gave us the opportunity to not miss out on Home County like we did last year. And that worked our tremendously as we both friends playing the festival this year and friends we've made through CBC Radio 3 and attending festivals like this one coming too.
We were back in town in time to meet up with our friends and see the ones that were hitting the stage, before they did. We ended a last night with a wonderful night of music, friends and lots of laughs. We went to bed tired but happy to be waking up to a bit of another day with those friends and music before we all had to go our separate ways and return the the regular daily grind, which is where we are at now. Here it is two full weeks from our last post, me with a body full of happy memories and a little sad that it's over. But then, again a little delighted, that in three short weeks we're back at it again, for our August trip to Bon Echo!
She said
What a glorious week, the week was the perfect blend of sunshine, fresh air, time with friends and lots of time as a family. As John has mentioned we returned last week to Presqu'ile, a park we went on our very first trip out with Wolfie. I remember the beauty of the park and the many activites we could do there so I was so happy to get back to the park for longer than our last trip there which was only two nights.
The whole week could not have been better, we had mainly sunshine, some heat and a tiny bit of rain. It was the best camping weather we have had since getting our trailer 3 years ago. We only had one day with a mild amount of rain and that didn't last and was replaced with sunshine.
We spent much of the week in the sunshine, the girls played for hours at the beach playing and jumping over the waves. The beach itself was really quiet, that was the theme of the park much of the week. I have to say although we adore Sandbanks, Presqu'ile might have jumped ahead as a favourite. The park is much quieter but with the same feel as Sandbanks. Sandbanks attracts a lot of day use traffic but Presqu'ile doesn't seem to so the park was much quieter. But there was still a ton to do, there were children's programs some of the evenings, there was the nature centre, the lighthouse, the beach and lots of hiking and bike trails. Even with a full week there we didn't get a chance to take in everything.
Once again we camped with our friend's the Jornitz family, we met them 3 years ago at Sandbanks and have stayed really good friends and our girls get along so amazing. The girls get along so well that it allows the parents to enjoy some time together while the girls happily go off and play. But the real sanity saviour this week was our Emelia, you can tell she was raised in daycare because she was amazing with Courtney (3.5 years old), assuring she was always including in the girls games and made sure she was staying safe. Emelia was so good this week, she was up past her bedtime more nights than we can count, her schedule and routine were in the tank and she still was amazing the whole week. We couldn't have been prouder.
As always with vacation the week flew by in a flash and before we knew it the Jornitz family had to pack up and we had to do the same the next day. This year when we were booking our camping trips we opted to come home a day earlier to get life back in order at home. There is always a mountain of laundy and a house that doesnt have a bit of food in it when we return. So I wanted to come back home to get life back in order at a normal pace and not feel burnt out going right back to work. This worked perfectly this time.
We woke Saturday morning at a lazier pace and let ourselves sleep in but once we were up we got ourselves organized quickly and by 11:30 we were on the road. Going to our we hit no traffic but we were on the road at the crack of dawn, this time we were leaving and timing to hit Toronto at the peak of traffic so heading home we opted for the toll road home and few through Toronto. We were home in no time and ready for the rest of our day.
We were happy to be home but we didnt have much time to relax, we took quick showers and changed out of our camping clothes and then we were off to Home County to see some of our favourite Canadian acts. We were also joined by our friend Dawn who was able to make it down for the weekend. It was the perfect end to an amazing week.
In 8 short days we managed to squeeze in the things that mean the most to us, family, friends, camping and music. It was perfection.


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Ancestors Legacy, so far the most complex game from Destructive Creations, releases today on
PS4 and Xbox One, retailing at the price of EUR 34.99 / USD 39.99, with a 15% launch discount on PlayStation TM Store US.
Later this year, a physical version of the game for PlayStation®4 including bonus material will be made available in
selected retail stores for EUR 39.99, as will the PS4 digital and retail versions for Japan and Asia.
With porting support from Slipgate Ironworks, Ancestors Legacy is bringing
all its main features to consoles: an enticing history-inspired storyline, tactical squad-based battles, day-night cycle,
action camera, pleasing visuals on a par with the PC version, and the extra hours of gameplay in skirmish and online
multiplayer modes.
The addition of a first-rate RTS to non-PC platforms, where such titles are scarce, has been highly anticipated by
many gamers and Ancestors Legacy will not let them down in terms of content, quality and accessibility via the
controller, the use of which has been prepared and tested for right from the very beginning. Following a challenging
development for PC, additional free updates and a paid DLC, the porting of the game was no easy task, and having
finally brought it to the remaining platforms is a gratification for the whole team. The cooperation with Slipgate
Ironworks on the PS4 build cannot be stressed enough.
Ancestors Legacy, so far the most complex game from Destructive Creations, releases today on


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I got an email today that made me chuckle.
I am speaking at a homeschool conference this weekend on homeschooling through high school. A lady who is on an email list that I help manage emailed me and said that she's looking forward to meeting a "homeschooling guru" like me.
If she could see my kids and my house right now she would probably give a a title other than guru!
Technorati tags:
Thursday, March 09, 2006
Homeschool Guru?
Posted by Jane at 3:58 PM
2 comments:
- Henry Cate said...
I have found that in general homeschoolers are a bunch of rugged individualists.
One of the things about homeschooling I really like is the do-it-yourself attitude. We take advice from experts, but we don't run our lives by what the "experts" say.
Good luck in giving "advice" at the homeschooling conference.
- Jane said...
Yep, me too.
In fact I'm so much the individualist that I've never listened to the presenters at a homeschool conference. :)
Anyway, it was fun. My main goal was to help parents figure out some strategies for doing the things that work for them and I think I was able to do that.
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Pizzanista, Los Angeles
2019 E 7th St · Los Angeles, CA 90021 · Neighborhood: Downtown
What do you get when you mix traditional New York style thin-crust pizza and fresh, local California ingredients? Throw in a dash of "eclectic" and a pinch of "hip" courtesy of the downtown arts district… not to mention the super chill and friendly skateboarding-surfer owners… Voila! you've got yourself Pizzanista.
Pizzanista is an unassuming little restaurant in the middle of nowheresville… and those are the best finds after all. I've driven up this downtown street a handful of times and never once noticed it. Granted, they have only been open since late summer 2011, but locals are already in the know about this little gem.
There's not much else around it but a little saloon, a few warehouses, artist studios and residential lofts. My only complaint is that I wish they were located closer to me! Still, when I am in the downtown area and need a good pizza fix, this place hits the spot without breaking the bank.
The owner, Salman introduced himself to us as he stocked the refridgerator with tasty looking "real sodas in real bottles", sparking or still waters and assorted Kombucha.
He doesn't seem as concerned with flagging down new customers so much as providing a quality product. The pizza speaks for itself. Pizzanista has already been written up in Los Angeles Magazine and LA Weekly. I'm currently lovin' on the Meat Jesus – a delicious mix of quarter sized-pepperoni, sausage and bacon. Yes, please!
The restaurant is small with a few outside stool seats that face the simple but manly interior. The menu offers reasonably priced, by-the-slice and large pie NY-style pizzas. Think: fluffy-on-the-inside, crispy crust outside, with big fold'em up large slices (minus all the grease-down-your-arm). There are also salads and the usual sides like garlic knots and homemade meatballs which also looked tasty.
(A little birdie told me it's one of Roy Choi's favorite spots — Not a bad recommendation!)
BYB Tip: Love the Maine Root Mandarin bottled soda – tastes like Crush (but better!) I drank one and had to order another – it was so refreshing and goes perfect with the pizza.


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Why not explore the local area in style with a leisurely cruise down our tranquil stretch of the River Thames. Whether you choose to skipper your own vessel or sit back and relax while an experienced captain guides you along, there are few better ways to make the most of your time at The Oakley Court.
Make the most of summer with our Picnic Basket offering!
Have your very own Afternoon Tea Picnic Basket … You can enjoy:
- A freshly made selection of finger sandwiches
- A freshly baked plain and seasonal scone served with clotted cream and fruit preserves
- A selection of cakes and fancies
- Tea or coffee and a bottle of still or sparkling water.
£45.00 per person
Please Note: Pre booking is essential. 24 hours notice will be required for each booking. No wet-weather alternative available. Please be advised that picnic blankets will not be provided.
External Hampers are strictly prohibited, only hampers purchased from The Oakley Court will be permitted in the grounds.
(Available April – October)
Fancy the idea of captaining your own boat? Why not! Thanks to our self drive electric boats you can be a skipper in no time.
The idea way to spend an hour or so, exploring the river at your own leisurely pace – our electric boats are available to hire throughout the summer months and can be driven without prior experience. These boats are moored at the hotel, making them an ideal way to enjoy the local area in style.
With capacities up to 6 guests, why not make it a group affair!
Boat hire can be made on the day (subject to availability) but we do recommend booking in advance.
A selection of four luxury river cruisers can be hired via the hotel to experience the scenic beauty of the river in style!
Each vessel has its own unique style and is skippered by a professional driver allowing you to sit back, relax and enjoy the sights.
With capacities for up to 12 guests, a private river cruise is perfect for any occasion from birthdays to corporate drinks receptions or even a romantic trip for two.
We can even provide picnic baskets and drinks (must be pre-booked) to ensure you have all you need for a truly luxurious outing.


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Let's face it -- all of us can use some pampering from time-to-time, whether it's getting a facial or a massage. But seeking out professional spa services can be costly. If you want to treat yourself on a regular basis, here are eight affordable ways to pamper yourself at home:
1. Take a bubble bath
Nothing says "relax" like a luxurious bubble bath. You can surround your bathtub with scented candles, dim the lights, play some soft music, and add some bath salts or bath bombs to your bathwater. While you're destressing in the tub, you can also apply a face mask. Taking regular bubble baths is the ultimate way to unwind after a hard day at work.
2. Give yourself a facial
Professional spa facials can cost upwards of $100. But you can easily give yourself a facial at home for a fraction of the cost. You can create an all natural oatmeal scrub by combining two teaspoons oatmeal, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and water in a bowl until you reach a paste-like consistency. Then apply the mixture to your face, and rub in a gentle circular motion. Rinse well and pat dry.
After exfoliating your skin, you can create a luxurious chocolate face mask by mixing together two teaspoons cocoa powder, two teaspoons sour cream, and one teaspoon honey in a bowl. Apply to your face and neck, and leave on for 15 minutes before rinsing with warm water.
3. Catch some extra ZZZ's
A restful night's sleep can really help to recharge your batteries, especially after a long work week. Make sure that your Saturday or Sunday mornings are free for you to sleep in. You'll wake up feeling refreshed and ready to start the week again.
4. Indulge in yoga
When you're feeling burned out and stressed, yoga is the perfect exercise to help you feel calmer and more peaceful. The bonus is that you can do yoga in the comfort of your own home. More specifically, restorative yoga benefits your body through gentle poses so that your experience is more healing and recuperative. It's very useful for soothing the mind because restorative yoga uses breathing techniques and contemplation.
5. Give yourself a mani/
You don't have to go to a nail salon to get a high-quality manicure and pedicure. You can easily give yourself one at home. It's simple. First soak and scrub your feet, hands, and nails. Then soften your cuticles by rubbing them with coconut oil. Gently push back cuticles by using an orange stick. Combine equal amounts of coconut oil and sugar to create a foot scrub. Gently rub your heels and all dry areas using a circular motion, and then rinse well.
Before applying nail polish, apply a clear base coat to create an even surface. Paint two layers of your favorite nail polish and finish with a clear top coat. Clean up any nail polish on your skin, and once your nails are completely dry, moisturize your hands and feet with lotion.
6. Cook a gourmet meal
Cooking yourself a delicious, gourmet meal is a great way to pamper yourself, especially if you're a foodie. Browse recipes online until you find a few recipes that pique your interest. Feel free to try out a totally new cuisine or dish you haven't yet cooked. Then set aside some time to purchase the ingredients and cook the meal. As you're cooking, take your time to really enjoy the activity at hand. Once the meal is finally done, try to really enjoy it. Don't be afraid to invite some friends over to indulge!
7. Get lost in a book
For lots of people, reading a good book helps them unwind and escape the reality of life. Set aside some time to just read for a couple of solid hours in your favorite spot in your living room. You can read a romance novel, blog posts, or magazines. According to research, reading improves brain cognition and function. Drink some tea while you're reading, too!
8. Give yourself a massage
While a professional massage might be one of the best things ever, a self-massage is the next best thing. You can give yourself a neck, back and shoulder massage using an inexpensive self-massaging tool, or you can use your hands.
You can self-massage your shoulders and neck by placing two or three fingertips on the back of your neck where your neck and shoulders meet. Then press firmly and hold until the muscles there feel more relaxed. Roll your shoulders forward and back slowly.
Easily massage your lower back by using a tennis ball. Place it on the floor, and lie on it so that it's centered in the middle of your back. Move your body slowly up and down and side to side. The tennis ball will be able to massage muscle tightness.
Treat yo self!
Pampering yourself doesn't have to involve spending loads of money. You can easily pamper yourself at home through DIY spa treatments, such as facials, manicures and pedicures, and relaxing bubble baths. Try one of the above suggestions, and you'll instantly feel more rejuvenated.
- "6 Ways to Pamper Yourself at Home," Melyssa Griffin, n.d.
- "15 Cheap Ways to Pamper Yourself," The MDM, n.d.
- "8 Simple and Inexpensive Ways to Pamper Yourself," Alternative Daily, April 26, 2016.


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Articles tagged "Sumo"
This Sucks: Akebono Is in the Hospital
Best wishes to sumo's first ever foreign grand champion. Full story
A Real Yokozuna: The Vindication of Kisenosato
Kisenosato Yutaka has long had a reputation as a man who falls at the last hurdle but at the March 2017 basho he had the chance to silence his critics. We examine the wildest sumo tournament of the last decade. Full story
Kotoshogiku: The Japanese Ozeki Who Could
A decade after the last Japanese born rikishi won a major tournament, Kotoshogiku's victory in the January basho has fans rushing back to sumo. We cover Kotoshogiku's path to the crown through the three Mongolian yokozuna. Full story
Egypt Steals the Show at US Sumo Open
You wouldn't normally associate the nation of Egypt with the traditions of Sumo wrestling, but at the US Sumo Open this past Saturday, the Egyptian contingent made quite a large impact. Full story
Sumo: The Art of Six Second Fighting
With the Nagoya Basho currently underway it might be time to try sumo. We take a look at the split second decision making and mind games which make the difference in a battle of strength and wits. Full story
Grand Budo: Inside the Fukuoka Sumo Championship
Photographer Keith Haist takes an up-close look at the Sumo Wrestlers of the Fukuoka Sumo Championship, a 15-day event this past November. Full story
Photographing the Next Generation of Sumo Superstars
Daniel Ali spent the day at a sumo school high in the Japanese Alps. Full story
The Mixed Martial Arts of Victorian London
Before BJJ, there was Bartitsu.
Jonathan Maicelo: The Last Inca
Peru's up-and-coming boxing star.
Kron Gracie on Jiu-Jitsu, Skateboarding, Older Brothers, and Famous Fathers
The ties that bind are strong.
Joel Tudor on the Art of Surfing, Fighting, and Style
A surf icon helps MMA keep its sense of tradition.
Japan's Karate Kid: Kyoji Horiguchi
Japan's brightest MMA prospect.


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3 out of 5 stars
Okay, so to start with Ii'm going to say that this is not a bad book. It isn't. Silvia's writing is actually beautiful, and I would definitely try to read another one of her books. But this is just one of those books that just didn't work for me.
The Beautiful Ones is not a plot-based book. To be honest, there are only two main things I can name that happen. This book has three main characters; Nina (who is a complete sweetheart that I just wanted to wrap up in cotton wool), Hector (who was an arsehole at first, but then became less of an arsehole, by which time it was a little late for me) and Valérie (who is a GRADE A FUCKING BITCH oh my god).
The beginning of this book reminded me a bit of the Lady Helen books, in the sense that there are a lot of beautiful descriptions and world building, but not a lot of action. The difference, for me, though, was that the Lady Helen books had an event. There was something that happened to Lady Helen that changed her, allowing her to grow and change over the course of the book. There was no such luck with Nina and her story, though.
What I do want to stress is that The Beautiful Ones gets a lot of good reviews on Goodreads, and I am in the minority with my 3 star rating. If you're okay with character-driven books, then this is probably worth a try. Silvia did a brilliant job at making me feel like I was living the parties and the balls, but sadly it wasn't enough to fight off my boredom.
*Thank you so much to the publisher for giving me the chance to read and review this novel*


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is it possible to set up IKEv2 in response only mode with a dynamic remote peer IP address?
In the "IPsec IKEv2 Tunnel" you can configure 0.0.0.0/0 as the remote peer when you set "Initiates Tunnel" to no. But then I always get a "no proposal chosen" failure from the NG Firewall when the remote peer tries to connect.
Other vendors can manage this and I think the problem is, that the NG-Firewall can not match the Initiator Request to any existing tunnel configuration because it does not know the peer ID at this Moment. But in IKev2 it should response with one of the requested and supported proposals, so that the SA_AUTH is possible and the remote client can send its ID, so the NG-Firewall can match the connection to a configured tunnel configuration.
Has anyone got such a scenario working yet?


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To Drive or not to Drive? That is the question:
There's a funny scene in the cult classic film, "Raising Arizona," where two convicts named Gale and Evelle Snoats, played by John Goodman and William Forsythe, escape from prison and steal a station wagon. As they're driving it across the vast foreboding desert, John Goodman bangs on the roof and exclaims, "I just looove to drive."
I often feel that way when I take the wheel. The forward motion, changing landscape, rhythm of the tires and feel of the wind all combine to give me a mesmerizing sense of traveling through space and time. I welcome diversions and alternate routes, and though I'm heading to a destination, I never know what I'll see on the way.
Driving awakens the adventurer in me, while at the same time it allows my inner thoughts and dreams to come to light. I've probably had a thousand epiphanies while driving, seen a million things I'd never have seen, and been exposed to all kinds of great topics and music on the radio (when I turn it on).
It also allows for a solid place to have a great conversation. When you're united with someone while you're driving, it's easier to get to know them. The time lines up with the white lines on the freeway and there always seems to be something worth seeing or doing at the end of every journey.
So when I read about Iceland, its Ring Road and wide open spaces, I knew that this was exactly how I wanted to spend my time there with my wife Wendy and our best friend Willie.
While I normally wouldn't recommend a trip in which you sit in a car most of the
time, Iceland is different. There are so many utterly amazing things to see and they're often right off the road. In the United States, we drive long distances to get to our greatest national parks, but in Iceland you're already there, driving through a country that is in itself a massive wilderness.
There's plenty of specific information about car rentals and road conditions online, so over the next few posts I'll cover general information to help you decide if driving the Ring Road is for you.
First of all, you don't have to drive. There's a limited but comfortable and reliable public bus system that goes to most villages, towns and cities in Iceland. There's also a good airline system for traveling farther faster. Tours are available too, and some people hitchhike.
As a former world-class hitchhiker in my youth, I'll say that Iceland is a place where you could grab your backpack, put your thumb in the air, and hit the road. There are lots of places to raise your tent and you'd very likely not have to worry about crime or violence.
The statistics on crime in Iceland are ridiculous. With a population the size of St Louis, there are less than 500 people convicted of crimes that require jail time in the whole country. Even petty theft is uncommon. The "wrongness" of stealing in Icelandic culture goes back to Viking times, and the social safety net – provided to the people by the people – eliminates most of the hardships that can push those on the margins in my country (the United States) to commit crimes.
There's also a strong feminist history in Iceland, and women there are more respected, appreciated, and protected than I've seen in other places. While I can't speak as a female hitchhiker, I noticed that respect.
Having said all that, I wouldn't hitchhike in Iceland, even as a youngster. The weather conditions can change to anything at any time, and the wind can be brutal. By brutal, I mean that you wouldn't be as concerned with your tent blowing away while you were gone as you would with it blowing away while you were in it. We're talking winds strong enough to shred a kite or sandblast the paint right off a car.
And distances are no joke – it's often hours between the smallest of towns with few cars on the road between them. In addition, the roads are relatively void of any shoulders and standing around them can be dangerous.
There are hardcore, and I do mean hardcore people who bicycle the Ring Road. They are, in my mind, simply insane. There's no accounting I can offer for them other than to shake my head and say "holy guacamole." If you doubt their struggle, just check out their pained expressions as they grind past you, their faces flush with wind burn.
My next entry will be on renting a car in Iceland.


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Viewing Listing MLS# 60167709
No Recent Price Change
Willow Brook Lake & Estate
Branson West, MO 65737
- Land
- Acreage
- Active
Agent Remarks
Welcome to Willow Brook Lake & Estate, this one of a kind 91-acre parcel located near Silver Dollar City and adjacent to Ledgestone Golf Course, includes a 9 +/- acre lake, formed by a 33-foot earthen dam built in 2007 and fed by a stair stepped limestone creek with waterfall given adequate rainfall. The East side of the lake has utility, water and sewer hookups for twelve lots with paved road for easy access. Plentiful cedar trees inhabit the property and is the perfect location for hunting with deer, turkey and water fowl await the most discerning buyer, fantastic location for a private family estate or future residential development! Don't miss this once in a lifetime opportunity!
Sale Info
Foreclosure: No
Restrictions Info
Lot Info
Lot Dimensions: 91 +/-
Lot: Acreage, Lake View, Mature Timber, Paved Frontage, Trees, Water Front, Water View, Wooded/Cleared Combo
Surface Water: Lake, Spring(s), Yr Rd Creek
Utilities / HVAC
Utilities: Electricity,High Speed Internet Access
Miscellaneous Info
Inside City Limits: No
Road Frontage: County
School Elem: Reeds Spring
School Middle: Reeds Spring
School High: Reeds Spring
Courtesy of listing office Murney Associates - Primrose


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« ՆախորդըՇարունակել »
ASILENT world, —yet full of vital joy
Uttered in movements manifold, and swift Clear smiles that flashed across the face of
The hidden doors of sound were shut and sealed.
Shaded by drooping tendrils of brown hair,
Waited in vain for messengers to pass,
And thread the inner paths with flying feet,
And swiftly knock upon the inmost doors,
And enter in, and speak the mystic word
To Vera, sitting there alone and listening.
But through those gates no message ever came:
Only with eyes did she behold and see, -—
With eyes as crystal-clear and bright and brown
As waters of a woodland river, —eyes
That questioned so they almost seemed to speak,
And answered so they almost seemed to hear,—
Only with silent eyes did she behold
The inarticulate wonder of the world.
She saw the great wind ranging freely down
Interminable archways of the wood;
_And tossing boughs and bending tree-tops hailed
His coming: but no sea-tuned voice of pines,
No roaring of the oaks, no silvery song
Of poplars or of birches, followed him:
He passed; they waved their arms and clapped their hands ;
But all was still.
The torrents from the hills Leaped down their rocky stairways, like wild steeds Breaking the yoke and shaking manes of foam. The lowland brooks coiled smoothly through the fields, And softly spread themselves in glistening lakes Whose ripples merrily danced among the reeds. The standing waves that never change their place In the swift rapids, curled upon themselves, And seemed about to break and never broke ; And all the wandering waves that fill the sea Came buffeting in along the stony shore, And plunging in along the level sands, And creeping in through creeks with swirling tides And eddies. Yet from all the ceaseless flow And tumult of the unresting element Came neither shout of joy nor sob of grief, For there were many waters, but no voice.
Silent the actors all on Nature's stage
Performed their parts before her watchful eyes, Coming and going, making war and love,
Working and playing, all without a sound.
The oxen drew their lead with swaying necks,
The kine came sauntering home along the lane,
The trooping sheep were driven from field to fold,
In mute obedience. Down the unseen track
The hounds, with panting sides and lolling tongues,
Pursued their flying prey with noiseless haste.
The birds, the most alive of living things,
The quickest to respond to joy and fear,
Found mates, and built their nests, and reared their young,
And waged their mimic strifes, and flashed athwart
Dark avenues of shade as sparks of light,
And over sunlit field as spots of shade;
They swam the flood of air like tiny ships
Rising and falling o'er invisible waves,
And, gathering in great navies, bore away
To North or South, without a note of song.
All these were Vera's playmates, and she loved
To watch them, wondering oftentimes how well
They knew their parts, and how the drama moved
So swiftly, smoothly on from scene to scene
Without confusion. But she sometimes dreamed
There must be something hidden in the play
Unknown to her, an utterance of life
More clear than action and more deep than looks.
And this she felt most surely when she watched
Her human comrades and the throngs of men.
They met and parted oft with moving lips
That seemed to mean far more than she could see.
No deed of anger or of tenderness
Could bring such sudden changes to the face,
Could work such magical effects in life,
As those same dumbly-moving lips. She saw
A lover bend above a maid beloved
With moving lips, and, though he touched her not,
Her cheeks bloomed roses and her eyes flashed light.
She saw a hater stand before his foe
And move his lips ; whereat the other shrank
As if he had been smitten on the mouth.
She saw great regiments of toiling men


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Spice Girl talent show axed
Plans for a talent show to find new members for Spice Girls have been axed due to Victoria Beckham and Mel Chisholm being reluctant to be replaced in the group.
Fans of the Spice Girls could have had the opportunity to audition to become a member of the 90's girl band.
Mel B, Emma and Geri planned to search for new members to make up the five piece as they prepared to make a comeback for the Spice Girl's 20th anniversary last year.
A talent competition would take place where they would judge girls hoping to join the band. However, reports have now claimed that the show, that was due to appear on screens in April on BBC, has been cancelled due to Victoria and Mel C refusing to be replaced.
A source claimed: "Unfortunately, that won't be happening now. Neither Victoria nor Mel C were on board with the idea and faced with an "us and them" situation, it was dropped. It's a shame because it would have been one of the most sought-after prizes in reality TV show history. Given how unpredictable the Spice Girls reunion has been so far, there's a chance it could be resurrected. But there has been no movement on it since last year."
It is the latest project to not go ahead, following an axed international tour in 2016 to mark "Wannabe's" 20th anniversary and a London Hyde Park show this summer that would have marked the new members debut.
It has been known to fans that Mel C and Victoria have not shown interest in rejoining the band. Mel C spoke about her thoughts on a reunion in an interview saying: "I'm not saying that I would never perform with the girls again because you really don't know what the future holds – but at this point, I think it really only could be five. Our individuality is our strength, so with somebody missing, it's not complete… I know lots of bands historically have got back together to make a few quid, or whatever… but to me, Spice Girls is more important than that."
Meanwhile, Geri, Emma and Mel B have joined as a three-piece and recorded new music under the name GEM.