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Corinne Olympios Wants to 'Clarify a Few Things,' Reveals She Was Asked Back for 'Bachelor in Paradise'
Corinne Olympios has released a new statement to clarify her side of things after it was found that no sexual assault took place on the set of Bachelor in Paradise while she was on the show earlier this month.
"In light of the overwhelming amount of misinformation that has been spread in the media, I want to clarify a few things. My intent over the past few weeks has been to learn and understand what happened on June 4. While I never filed complaints or accusations against anyone associated with Bachelor in Paradise, my team and I felt it was very important to be thorough in getting to the bottom of what had occurred. I felt victimized by the fact that others were judging me through conflicting and unsubstantiated reports, while I myself had no recollection of the events that transpired," Corinne's statement read.
"My team's investigation into this matter has now been completed to my satisfaction. I am also happy about the changes that have been made to the production of Bachelor In Paradise. While I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to have been a participant on The Bachelor, and while I was invited to return to Bachelor In Paradise when production resumed, I respectfully made the decision not to return," she continued. "I understand the media's interest in this story, and I greatly appreciate my fans' concerns for my well-being, but I think it is best if I keep any further thoughts private for now."
DeMario Jackson, who was also investigated in a possible connection in the sexual assault allegations, will also not be returning to the cast. The show is back in production in Mexico.


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The Committee was established by the AOA Board in 2007 to provide policy advice for the table olive sector, current membership is:
- Peter McFarlane, McFarlane Strategic Services (SA) Convenor
- Prof. Stan Kailis, Australian Mediterranean Olive Research Inst (WA)
- Jim Smyth, olive consultant (retired) (SA)
- Dr Michelle Wirthensohn, University of Adelaide (SA)
- Helen Wylie, Pendleton Fine Foods (SA)
- Bob Gilliver , Talinga Grove (SA)
- Peter Herborn, Laguna Olives( NSW)
- Stephen Mitchell, Lisborne Grove (NSW)
- Damien Vodusek, Rich Glen Olive Shop (Vic)
AOA welcomes expressions of interest from other table olive producers, processors, marketers and technical experts who are interested in contributing to this important committee.
The major achievements of the Committee include application of AOA's Code of Practice for Table Olives, including development of a HACCP style food safety / food quality template for table olives, and developing and implementing a new Voluntary Industry Standard for Table Olives in Australia (RIRDC 12-111), with the aim of enhancing consumer confidence in Australian table olives and distinguishing these in the market place from imported products by applying an AOA Certification Trade Mark logo that guarantees the authenticity, product safety and quality of Australian table olives produced by Code Signatories:
The Committee also serves as an ongoing reference group to the Board to provide advice on meeting the needs of table olive producers and marketers, including effective pasteurisation methods, timing of competitions and development of point of sale materials. Over the next year the Committee will be involved in the development of a competency based sensory training program for table olive quality assessment.
Table Olive Competitions: The Voluntary Standard for Table Olives in Australia is now integrated into AOA's National Table Olive Competition rules. New compliance testing arrangements were implemented for the 2014 production season, requiring all exhibits to be tested against specified minimum testing parameters in accordance with the Standard. The Olives SA / Royal Adelaide Show table olive competition, Royal Melbourne Fine Food Awards and the Australian Golden Olive Awards have each adopted the Standard and testing protocols for their 2015 competitions. Other state and regional jurisdictions are also encouraged to adopt minimum testing requirements, as these arrangements are necessary to ensure table olive exhibits are safe for competition judges to taste.
Off the supermarket shelf table olive products: One innovation for the 2014 and 2015 table olive competitions (AOA and Olives SA) was to include in laboratory testing and blind tasting by the competition judges a range of commercial green, black and Kalamata table olive products purchased from local supermarkets. Whilst these products are not eligible for awards, interestingly the imported products average competition score was 18 out of 30 points (below medal contention) compared to the Australian product average score of 22 out of 30 points (which is around the cross over score between bronze and silver medal contention). The encouraging message for Australian table olive producers and consumers alike is that locally produced table olives are generally superior to pasteurised products currently available on supermarket shelves – these are mostly imported from Greece and Spain.
Whilst the quality of Australian table olives is considered to be of a high standard, ours is a small developing industry of mostly boutique growers that currently supply the local tourist market. Local production is around 3,000 tonne per annum meeting only 10% of consumer demand, and with minimal exports. Australian production will need to be scaled up in order to reliably supply specialty continental food shops and the major retail chains. To achieve this goal growers will also need to master mechanical harvesting of their table olives.
Join AOA's Code of Practice: Table olive producers and marketers who are interested in including table olives in their Code of Practice accreditation should contact the Code Administrator Peter McFarlane email@example.com.

subset: commoncrawl


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Internet will shock and threaten the world security: CEO Baretzky & Associates Kiev Security Forum
Kiev, Ukraine – The Internet as we know today is already of the past, says Ricardo Baretzky. This week, Facebook's director Mark Zuckerberg testified before the US Congress because of the largest ever data leakage in the history of the social network. As The New York Times and The Guardian write, nearly 89 million users […]Read More
CEO Baretzky & Associates "Warns Global Economical and Security Risks Are High !"
On April 12-13 Kyiv hosted the 11th Kyiv Security Forum. This year's participants of the Forum were the Prime Ministers of Ukraine, Lithuania, Moldova, current and former heads of the Ministries of Defense of the EU, the USA, Georgia, high representatives of the European Parliament, senior diplomats from the United States, Great Britain, Germany, leading […]
Baretzky & Associates announce the world's first Cyber Risk Audit for ATF/AML and eCurrencies operations.
LONDON – March 12, 2018 – PRLog — Baretzky and Associates announce the world's first Cyber Risk Audit for ATF/AML and eCurrencies operations. The landmark presentation by the Baretzky team at the 37th General Assembly of the UN in Geneva caused quite a stir. The next step is our visionary practice for reviewing and certifying […]Read More
Experts demand terrorism-impacted children have access to justice
Tehran, March 11, IRNA – The Association for Defending Victims of Terrorism (ADVT) discussed a number of issues concerning children impacted by terrorism in a side event dubbed "Access to Justice as a Strategy for Constraining Violence against Children" at the UN headquarters in Geneva A panel of five experts as well as a victim […]
Book Ricardo Baretzky for Speaking
Ricardo Baretzky has over 25 years of experience and broad involvement in International Cyber Intelligence and information and operational technology security leadership across both the public and private sectors. He is President and Global Chief Cyber Strategist for CYPERPOL, the International Cyber Policing Organisation and President of the European Centre for Information Policy and Security […]Read More
Call For Bitcoin Take Down By Victims Of Terror at United Nations 37th General Assembly !
World News Geneva United Nations: United Nations Headquarters, room XXV, Palais des Nations, 27th General Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland in defending Victims of Terrorism. "Dura Lex Sed Lex", the law is harsh, but law is the law." The Association for Defending Victims of Terrorism (ADVT) discussed a number of issues concerning children impacted by terrorism […]Read More
President of CYBERPOL to speak at Caribbean American Legislative forum on Capitol Hill
Renowned international cyber expert, President of CYBERPOL and ECIPS, Mr. Ricardo Baretzky, is one of the leading experts to attend and speak at the 19th Annual Caribbean American Legislative Forum, JUNE 21st-22nd in Washington DC. The two-day forum which will include sessions at the Inter-American Development Bank, the Senate Dirksen Building and the Rayburn House […]Read More
Every 40 seconds, a company gets hit by ransomware !
European Centre for Information Policy and Security ECIPS Internship Programme 2018 2017's Biggest Cyber Attack The biggest cyber-attacks from WannaCry to Petya and Fireball, could have all been avoided with Desktop Central! Petya Skype Fireball Delta Charlie WannaCry May 12th, 2017 witnessed the biggest ever cyber-attack in the Internet history. A ransomware named WannaCry stormed […]Read More
New GDPR risk assessment finds that 84 percent of US respondents expect to be ready ?
The TrustArc/IAPP survey looked at perceived risk for non-compliance of 11 GDPR requirements by US and UK firms. With GDPR Day — May 25, 2018 — now less than seven months away, companies are beginning to assess the risks of not complying with the new European Union regulation. To help focus their thoughts, security/compliance firm […]Read More
CEO Before Members of Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Western……
CEO Ricardo Baretzky Speaks before Members of Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere Transnational Crime Washington DC Capitol Hill ANNUAL CARIBBEAN AMERICAN LEGISLATIVE WEEK WEDN, 21st JUNE Legislative Forum on Capitol Hill, Dirksen Senate Office Building, 1st Street and C Street entrance, Washington, DC Ricardo Baretzky (President CyberPOL) Speaks before Members of the United […]Read More


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Government to pump cash into railways
The government has announced new cash for the Swedish railways. The money, to be spent on track maintenance, will form part of the Spring supplementary budget next week.
SEK 620 million is to be set aside this year, and SEK 1.24 billion a year annually for three years after that.
"Our aim is to have more reliable railways in the near future", Finance Minister Magdalena Andersson told news agency TT.
The government had already stated that it felt that the railways were in need of increased maintenance, and Green Party spokesman Gustav Fridolin claims train delays and cancellations caused by the problematic tracks cost the Swedish economy SEK 5 billion a year.
Read the full text news in resource site…
Source News: Radio Sweden
Photo: Bertil Enevåg Ericson/TT samt Jessica Gow/TT


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Cairo - Egypt's Interior Ministry says nine police have been detained after a man was beaten to death while in custody in the southern Luxor province last month.
Police spokesperson Abu Bakr Abdel-Karim says the arrests on Friday and Saturday were based on a forensics report which found that the detainee, Talaat Shabeeb, was beaten to death. He says the policemen will be held for four days pending further investigations.
President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi delivered a speech last week vowing to punish officers who make mistakes amid mounting criticism of the force following the death of three detainees in recent weeks.
Police brutality was one of the main grievances of protesters in the 2011 uprising that toppled longtime autocrat Hosni Mubarak.


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Watching too much TV is bad for your health. According to some sources, being a couch potato will make you less smart. It will consume your time, influence your social relationships, affect your physical health in a very bad way, affect your emotional well-being, and skew your worldview. And the list goes on.
But this isn't an article about the perils of TV watching. It's an article about why books might be a better pastime (or passion, if you get to that level) for you to pick up.
1 You'll sleep better
Sleep has two nemeses: light and stress. TV screens, your smartphone, and your tablet emit light. And the blue part of the spectrum they emit is especially problematic because it makes you more alert and affects the production of melatonin, a very important hormone in the sleep-wake cycle. Stress also causes the body to release hormones that interfere with sleep.
And how can a book help you? Well, it doesn't emit light. And it also helps reduce stress levels.
2 Not all good books have movies or TV shows based on them
The interplay between TV shows and movies based on books can work to your benefit. Let's say you like Fight Club. You loved the story, you loved the weirdness, you got hooked on the transgression it shows. But you can't find many movies that give you the same sort of rush. Luckily, the movie was based on a novel by Chuck Palahniuk, and it's not the only good one he wrote. So far, two of his novels have been adapted for the big screen, but to access the majority of his work, you will have to read.
3 Some of the TV shows or movies you like are based on real books
That interplay we mentioned works the other way around, too. You like Game of Thrones? You know it's based on a book series. You like Harry Potter? Also based on a book series. And just imagine how much more content these books contain compared to their screen adaptations. You're missing out if you're not reading them.
4 Books are like jogging for your brain
Studies have shown that reading books with a strong narrative arc leaves an impression on your brain, boosting the connectivity in the parts of your brain responsible for language reception. That boost lasts for a couple of days, so you need to keep it up to reap the benefits. The takeaway is that reading books will make your brain work better.
5 You get what you put in
How many hours of fun can a book give you? It depends on how long the book is, sure, but it also depends on how much of yourself you invest in the book. Will you spend time thinking about it, imagining what every character looks like, how they must have felt when this or that happened to them? In that case, a book can keep you happy and entertained for weeks.


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When there are doors to breach, bangs to toss and bad guys to catch, nothing gets you there in style like an armored SWAT truck.
Like all our products, covered by our "buy once, cry once" guarantee.
-Short sleeve
-Sizes 2T through Youth XL
-100% cotton
-Printed in the USA


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Today we ran into each other at the grocery store. We don't know each other well, but our kids have been in the same class together several years now, and once we were very compatible room mothers. We chat about our kids (of course), their school, how fast summer is approaching. It's the obligatory two to three minutes of conversation, but truth be told we both like each other, and despite our long list of things to accomplish that day we're happy to have seen one another. I think in another lifetime we would have been friends. Hell, I like your daughter so much had she been born 30 years earlier we would have been friends too. I have lots of acquaintanceships and friendships after living here more than a decade now. A number of my relationships have a great deal more depth to them (my cub scout wife comes to mind, thank God she volunteered to "be prepared" too), and a handful of them are moms to autistic kids as well. I made sure to make friends with moms of kids in both the severe and mild camps, as frankly, while I know it's a spectrum (who doesn't now) my kids' "autisms" present as totally different entities, with so little crossover to call them both just "autistic" is laughable.
Okay, I'm not laughing, but you know what I mean. The truth is, I really only unburden myself to the other autism mommies, in part because to explain what's really going on at home would take a lot more time than two to three minutes (understatement of the century), and in part because I need the people I vent to to just "get it." My mommy friends of "high-functioning " (a label I hate) kids get my angst when my youngest has a friend issue or has decided he'll never take care of his older brother when he's older because he's too much work (which I really, really get, but one can have hope). My "low-functioning" (another label I hate) mommy friends talk me off the ledge when I talk about sleep deprivation/potty issues/ his overwhelming need to hide my keys 12 times a day and know just to listen and not suggest anything, because I've been on the autism rodeo for fourteen years, and damned if there isn't anything left to try. Believe me, I'm A type. I'm thorough. I know, my grocery store friend, we see each other fairly often. I'm the one in the decent-looking blue t-shirt after school trying to interest seven boys in a scouting program that just got with the twenty-first century. I'm at PTA meetings (although I've backslided this year). I volunteer at school for various events I'm not sure my son cares if I attend anymore (he says he does, but perhaps he just knows how to work his mom). I usually have a smile on my face (I once won a scouting award which touted I was "Kim Happy Clown McCafferty," which was accurate on so many levels it was uncanny.) I look happy. I am happy. But there's this too.
I won't even attempt to speak for other parents of autistic children here. There's not just a spectrum for our kids, there's one for the parents as well. I have read essays and even met parents of severely autistic children who literally wouldn't change a thing about their kids because they believe it might change the core of who they are. I have read pieces by and met parents of severely affected kids who would do anything for a cure, who would get them to take that magic pill no matter how many pillswallowing programs their kid had to attend to get that damn magic down their gullet. For the record, I'm somewhere in between "autism is unicorns and rainbows" and "suck it out of him."
Where I am on that spectrum depends on the day. Hell, sometimes it depends on the minute.
The truth is I vacillate on many things that affect my beautiful, severely affected teenaged boy. There are some days I am deeply sad about my boy never attending college, getting married, or driving a car (okay, maybe not that one so much). Some days my rational mind tells me he doesn't think about these things (yes, I presume competence, no, a child still entranced by Baby Einstein in puberty is not worrying about his ACT scores) and is mostly happy with his life, and I should just be grateful for that. And I am. And despite the accompanying OCD that often threatens the fragile harmony of our family he is happy and thriving. It's just that when things disappear constantly on his 50-year-old mother who desperately needs visual cues, sometimes I am not. Autism mostly happens to the individual who has it, but it happens to the rest of the family too.
If I'm being perfectly honest with you dear acquaintance, I function, I present that smiling countenance to the world because I compartmentalize. You see, my son's age and impending adult have arrived, and that "future thing" I put on the shelf because I was trying to get him to pee in the potty for a year-and-a-half has come to call. This fall will be his first transition IEP, and while I know his amazing, "Disney World-esque school" (I know it's not a word but it should be) will do their best by my boy, the reality of post-21 is scary as hell.
The truth is, contemplating his future, is, well, impossible. You see, even if his dad and I can figure out something worthwhile and safe for him most days after 21; even if we can find a safe residence he'll actually stay in when technically he's old enough to drink; even if we can fashion a world that will never be as wonderful to him as his school placement but will hopefully keep him happy enough the problem is, his dad and I will die.
And planner that I am, even I can't get out of this one. I am confident that his little brother will play some role in his care-keeping, even if it doesn't involve living with him. His cousins are close enough to his age I'm sure they will check in on him as hubby and I approach our dotage, and will do so after our deaths. I'm hopeful I can figure out what the hell to do with him, as the "group home versus "buy a place with our last dime and staff it" options are a constant melody in my mind. Frankly, I mostly block out the statistics on his chances of being sexually assaulted or left in a van to die (and no, I'm not being dramatic) because these issues are too painful to contemplate, and even I can't help him from beyond the grave. But damn, I'd give it my best try.
The truth is, the weight of his future world is always there. It's there when I slink into the back of a PTA meeting 15 minutes late because I had to help my husband get my son upstairs for bed. It's there when I'm hoping for 45 minutes of solitude at my youngest's karate class because that afternoon was soul-grindingly hard. It's there when things are actually good and I'm just directing kids through an obstacle course at field day. It's there when I run into you in the produce section, the products of which are still considered an abomination by both my kids. That weight, that tangible weight, is always there, no matter how deep my smile, or if I remembered your name. Please know that's why I might have forgotten what you do for a living, or why I halved my volunteer services this year because I'm just too damn tired. Despite the beautiful, vindicating, soul-strengthening moments I have with my family, that weight, that uncertainty, that impossibility, is always there too. So please, just know.


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Nov. 15, 2004 -- Staying fit may help reduce some of the risk associated with having a clustering of heart disease and diabetes risk factors known as metabolic syndrome, a new study shows.
Researchers found that physical fitness was associated with lower levels of an inflammation marker associated with heart disease, known as C-reactive protein. The effects of fitness on lowering C-reactive protein were particularly prominent in people with the metabolic syndrome.
One in four adults in the U.S. has signs of metabolic syndrome, which include high blood pressure, elevated blood sugar, high cholesterol, and obesity. Studies have shown that the risk of heart disease, heart attack, and stroke is nearly three times higher in people with metabolic syndrome than those without this group of risk factors.
"Our study shows that fitness is an important determinant of C-reactive protein levels in subjects with the metabolic syndrome," says researcher Doron Aronson, MD, of the Rambam Medical Center in Haifa, Israel, in a news release. "Subjects with the metabolic syndrome who maintain a high fitness level have markedly lower C-reactive protein concentrations compared to those with low fitness levels."
Researchers say that based on these results, increasing exercise and improving physical fitness may be a simple and effective way to lower C-reactive protein and the risk of heart disease-related complications.
Exercise Lowers C-Reactive Protein
In the study, researchers assessed the physical fitness levels of 1,640 people and measured their C-reactive protein levels. Previous studies have shown having high levels of C-reactive protein in the blood can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke in people with the metabolic syndrome.
The results appear in the Nov. 16 issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
About 20% of the participants had metabolic syndrome. Researchers found that people with metabolic syndrome who were physically fit had much lower C-reactive protein levels than those who were inactive.
Among the most physically fit people with metabolic syndrome, the average C-reactive protein level was half as much as the average level among the least fit (4.62 milligrams per liter vs. 2.2 milligrams per liter).
In addition, the effect of physical fitness on C-reactive protein levels was more pronounced in people with metabolic syndrome than in healthy people.
"We were surprised by the large effect of fitness levels on C-reactive protein in subjects with the metabolic syndrome," says Aronson.
The study shows that physical fitness has a positive influence on C-reactive protein levels, regardless of a person's other risk factors. Based on these findings, researchers say people with metabolic syndrome should be encouraged to increase their level of physical activity in order to reduce their risk of heart disease and stroke.


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Misdemeanors and Felonies
Criminal offenses in Texas are categorized as either a misdemeanor or a felony, and each of those categories are broken down into classes. If you are charged with a criminal misdemeanor, we can help. Misdemeanors are broken into three classes of crimes: Class A, Class B, and Class C. Each class carries different ranges of punishments and the punishment is dependent upon whether you are a first-time offender or repeat offender.
Class C
Class C misdemeanor is the lowest level criminal offense. A typical punishment for Class C's is a fine up to $500. There is no jail time with a Class C Misdemeanor, but there can be serious consequences if convicted. Class C Misdemeanors can appear on background checks and negatively affect your chances of employment. In addition, convictions for theft charges will be considered crimes of moral turpitude which may affect your employment and/or professional licenses. Any type of drug paraphernalia conviction could affect your ability to apply for and receive financial aid since these are drug convictions.
Some types of crimes that are classified as a Class C Misdemeanor include:
- Most Traffic Tickets
- Disorderly conduct
- Public intoxication
- "Hot" checks less than $20
- Simple assault
- Criminal trespassing
- Gambling
- Bail jumping
- Leaving a child in a vehicle
- Petty theft such as shoplifting under $50
- Possession of alcoholic beverage in a motor vehicle
- Driving under the influence of alcohol by a minor
- Minor in possession of alcohol
- Minor in possession of tobacco
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
If you are being charged with any of these crimes, know the consequences of a conviction before you plead guilty or pay a fine. You may not believe it will have a significant impact on your life now, but it may seriously affect your future.
Class B
Class B Misdemeanors are serious crimes that can follow you the rest of your life. A conviction for a Class B is punishable by a maximum of 180 days in the county jail and/or a $2,000 fine. A Class B can be enhanced so that a person charged with two Class B crimes may be charged with one Class B and the second charge enhanced to a Class A. A Class B conviction, regardless of how long ago in the past it was, can be used for enhancement.
Some examples of Class B Misdemeanors include:
- First-offense DWI
- Indecent exposure
- Prostitution
- Failure to pay child support
- Minor drug possession
- Harassment
- False report to a police officer
- Child enticement
- Criminal trespass
- Evading arrest on foot
- Terroristic threat
- Vandalism
If you have been arrested and charged with a Class B misdemeanor, you will most likely have to post a bond to get out of jail. You will also need to hire a defense attorney to assist you. If you are unable to afford an attorney, the state may appoint an attorney to represent you. Regardless of your circumstances, being convicted of a Class B could have severe consequences. You should speak to an attorney about your options prior to entering any type of plea.
Class A
Class A Misdemeanors are the most serious kind of misdemeanor offenses. If you have been charged with a Class A misdemeanor, it is imperative that you seek the assistance of a qualified defense attorney. If you are convicted of a Class A misdemeanor, you could spend up to one-year confinement in the county jail and be fined up to $4,000. Texas law also allows for increased sentencing depending on the circumstances, such as being a repeat offender, using drugs or controlled substances to commit the crime, or if the crime is motivated by bias or prejudice ("Hate" crimes). If a person has previously been convicted of a Class A, there is a mandatory minimum of 90 days in the county jail. In the case of controlled substances or if the crime is motivated by bias or prejudice, then there is a mandatory minimum sentencing of 180 days in the county jail.
Class A Misdemeanors include:
- Second-offense DWI
- Assault with bodily injury
- Burglary of a vehicle or vending machine
- Cruelty to animals
- Gambling promotion
- Perjury
- Possession of 2 to 4 oz of marijuana
- Public lewdness
- Resisting arrest
- Unlawful carrying of a weapon
- Unlawful restraint
- Violation of protective orders
Similar to a Class B misdemeanor, if you have been arrested for a Class A misdemeanor, you will most likely have to post a bond to be released from jail. Before entering any kind of a plea, you should know your legal rights and the consequences of such a plea. Class A misdemeanors are serious crimes and you should seek a criminal defense attorney if you are faced with a Class A charge.
It is possible to have your record expunged after one year if you have been arrested, acquitted, or your case has been dismissed. This is not possible if you have been convicted. If you are charged with any class misdemeanor, it is important to hire a defense attorney to assist you in avoiding a conviction.
If you have been arrested and charged with a misdemeanor, contact our office today for a consultation. We are here to help you.
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In Introduction to Python, we will start at the beginning: Installing python 3 and using virtual environments. With a working environment, we will learn how to manipulate strings and numbers, and gain working knowledge of data structures and flow control. We will build on that by introducing modules and classes and learn how to interact with our python applications using command line switches, console input and files.
At the end of this course, you'll have a great working knowledge of Python, fully capable of creating your own Python projects from scratch or jumping into an existing application with the capability to read, understand, and contribute to the application.
Check out these community notes for this course on Github.


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A study by Keynote Systems revealed that Virgin Racing takes the top position with online performance, while the Williams website struggled because of its flash rich content.
Keynote Systems, the world's leader in Internet and mobile cloud monitoring, tracked the performance of the home pages of Formula 1 teams using real browser monitoring every important race weekends. This week, Keynote monitored the websites of ten F1 teams that participated in the 2011 British Grand Prix at Silverstone, with its measurements taken from locations around the world.
The company monitored the sites of Force India, Ferrari, GP, Hispania, McLaren, Lotus, Mercedes GP, Virgin, Williams and Red Bull.
According to the results, Virgin was revealed to be the top performing website with an average success rate of 99.96 percent and a response time of 2.75 seconds, while Force India took the second spot with 99.82 percent. The Williams site came in last place with a 84.48 percent success rate and an average download speed of 28.52 seconds, almost 26 seconds slower than Virgin's.
"It's inevitable that Formula 1 sites will receive a vastly increased number of visitors during race weekends," said the Keynote Systems Lead Solutions Consultant Robert Castley. "Many of the sites monitored struggled with load times this weekend and that's likely to be caused by the amount of rich content and live feeds that are displayed on many of the home pages. The Williams site has numerous large flash files making the homepage over 8Mb. Similarly, the Mclaren site offers a live feed throughout the race weekend which is likely to vastly slow down the page loading."
"While rich content is attractive to consumers, and to advertisers, it's important that this content isn't included to the detriment of the overall site performance. Content providers should think about the real end-user perspective when designing their site, and should understand how flash files and heavy sites will impact the overall performance. Only two of the sites monitored, Virgin and Mercedes, achieved download times of less than ten seconds, yet this should be a realistic goal for all sites. Content providers need to ensure that fans are able to access useful timely team information during practice, qualifying and the race, however this is impossible if they're being made to wait almost half a minute to access the home page."
So at least the Virgin Racing website is fast 😉


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Twitter Careers: New Jobs Posted This Week
This continues our series highlighting new positions posted at Twitter each week. Check out past listings here.
This week, Twitter added 15 new jobs to its career page.
And here they are:
Account Executive
Account Manager, Sales – UK & Ireland markets
Bluefin Labs – Jr Data Analyst
Los Angeles
Media – Contractor
New York City
Product Manager – Content Discovery
Director – Media Partnerships
San Francisco
Accounting Manager
HR Business Partner – COO Organization
IT – Senior Client Engineer
Mobile Group Product Manager, Partner Products
Product Manager, Twitter Ads
Software Engineer – International Engineering
Software Engineer – Corporate Productivity Front End
Software Tools Engineer
And remember, you can always find more great social media jobs on our job board. For real-time openings and employment news, follow @MBJobPost.
(Bird image from Shutterstock)


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Economy, Water, Trade and Labor were Big Topics at 32nd Agribusiness Conference
By Patrick Cavanaugh, Editor
The reality of the 2014 Federal water allocation, new trade agreements, and the prospects of immigration reform were some of the topics discussed at the 32nd Agribusiness Management Conference, held at the Radisson Hotel and Conference Center in Fresno, and hosted by Mechel Paggi, Director of California State University Center for Agricultural Business.
California State University, Fresno (CSUF) President Joseph Castro, the first CSUF president native to the Central Valley and close to agriculture, opened the conference. "I'm happy that our Jordon College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology has had such a tremendous impact in helping to provide a well-educated work force to serve the many facets of the agricultural industry in the valley and beyond.
Following Castro, Terry Barr, Chief Economist, CoBank, presented an economic outlook. He noted that economic decisions are not being made fast enough, because the economy is about the same as it was a year ago. "There are still many issues that are unresolved," he said, adding, "If you don't make decisions then you don't move forward."
"We have been through a very dynamic period over the last 10 years. In the first half of that 10 year period, everyone was talking about the rising middle class in China and India and what it was doing for agricultural product demand," said Carr. "From 2004 to 2008, we had the best of all possible worlds with strong economic growth and growth in the middle class. That was an extremely strong time for agricultural exports. In late 2008, we experienced different economic turmoil and global recession; however, agriculture was pretty well insulated," Carr added.
"Today, demand for agricultural products remains very strong, mainly due to global shortfalls of some commodities and, of course, growth in China. Going forward in the next five years, we expect a period of continued turmoil, requiring policy changes to realign management, including budget deficits," noted Carr.
"China is still going to be important but there will be some major geopolitical realignments globally. We are not going to see rapid growth with solid demand. As we go forward, agriculture will probably have to find the new normal," he said.
"In the US, there is a lot of policy inaction, and there is no long term strategy to reduce the debt. The US dollar is important to agriculture in terms of our competiveness on a global basis," Carr explained. "From 2002 to 2011, the US dollar fell in value by 38 percent, and our global competitiveness was extremely strong during that time. But we have to believe that the dollar is going to get stronger, not weaker, against most other currencies, with the exception of China."
Carr noted that China is really driving the global economy at this point in time and what happens there has extraordinary influence on Ag pricing in the future. "They have a lot of room for stimulus, and they have $3 trillion in reserves that they are deploying both domestic and globally," he said.
Paggi then spoke about two trade agreements that are on currently in the forefront, the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) and the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP).
"Basically every commodity we work with in California, particularly from the Central Valley, has a huge stake in the export market," said Paggi. "We produce about $44 billion worth of product and 38 percent of it moves into international trade. It's tremendously important to us," said Paggi.
"TTP and TTIP are the two most important preferential trade agreements to be negotiated since NAFTA," he noted.
"Our TPP partners encompass a market of nearly 500 million consumers with a combined GDP of nearly $12 trillion," Paggi said. Partner countries include Canada, Australia, Mexico, Malaysia, Singapore, Chile, Peru, New Zealand, Vietnam, Brunei and Japan.
"The TTIP with the EU spans 28 countries with more than 500 million consumers and a GDP of $16.5 trillion," said Paggi.
"These agreements would give us more marketing opportunities, which at the present time are less than completely open to us, so the benefits would have tremendous potential for us," Paggi explained.
Paggi said that there is tremendous debate on these potential agreements within the U.S. Also, farmers in the foreign countries involved are worried about opening up their market to U.S. imports.
These agreements would also help to strengthen the existing trade agreements that already are in place with many of the countries in the area.
Paggi said, in summary, the U.S. has a choice to remain engaged or be left behind. None of these agreements or policy solutions is perfect, so there will have to be a pro-con compromise.
"Also, keep in mind," Paggi continued, "that trade agreements promote economic well-being, and economic stability promotes political stability, so the benefits of these agreements often transcend simple market access and sales opportunities."
Tom Birmingham is General Manager of Westlands Water District, an agency of 615,000 acres on the west side of the San Joaquin Valley in Fresno and Kings Counties. "We are here to talk about 'What's on tap,' which is a metaphor that creates an image I wish were applicable on the west side of the San Joaquin Valley," Birmingham began, "I am not just talking about the Westlands Water District, I am talking about the west side of the San Joaquin Valley that includes the service of every agency that has an agricultural contract with the U.S."
"Unfortunately, and it almost brings tears to my eyes, next year, when the farmers in the Federal Water districts that use water from the Central Valley Project they open their taps, nothing is going to come. Nothing, that is, unless we have a dramatic change in the hydrology that we have been experiencing over the last year, actually the last eight months," Birmingham warned.
"In California, water years fall in one of five classifications of hydrology; they have been classified as wet, above normal, below normal, dry or critical. If you talk about average hydrology in California, average rain, average snowpack, average runoff, it doesn't mean a lot," said Birmingham. "Because in fact, what is considered to be an average year, falls into a classification that is called, 'a below-normal water year,'" he noted.
Birmingham continued, "But Westlands is projecting, and these are projections that the Bureau of Reclamation doesn't take any issue with, that if we have average precipitation or hydrology for the rest of this water year, plus the same operational constraints the Endangered Species Act imposed in 2013 on the state water project and the Federal Central Valley project, our water supply will initially be zero. If we are lucky, we might get to 5% or 10% of our water supply."
"So, we are facing a repeat of what we saw in 2009," he noted, "when nearly half of the bare ground lay fallow in the Westlands Water District; where farmers over drafted the groundwater basin; where we experienced incredible unemployment; where people were forced to stand in lines to receive food, in some cases getting to the front of the line to be told the food bank had run out of food, or to get to the front of the line and be given carrots – grown in China. That, in my perspective, is a tragedy; it is unconscionable," explained Birmingham.
"The bad news is that in Kern County or the Friant-Kern service area, farmers and the Westside of the San Joaquin Valley, where groundwater is available, growers have been over drafting the groundwater basin," said Birmingham.
"Westlands has one of the most sophisticated groundwater management programs that exist in the state," explained Birmingham. "In fact, in 2009, when the state legislature adopted statutes requiring the development of groundwater management plans, Westlands was actually used as one of the examples of the types of information that could be collected.
But Westlands is projecting that in 2013, farmers in the district will use 598,000 acre feet of groundwater from the groundwater basin, compared to a safe yield of approximately 150,000 acre feet.
"The last time farmers in Westlands Water District extracted that much groundwater was in 1992, the fifth year of an extended drought," said Birmingham.
"We have talked about subsidence and how it has historically occurred, and we are beginning to experience it in numerous places north of Fresno, Madera and Merced Counties," he said.
"We will continue to experience subsidence, but the rate of subsidence will accelerate. Currently the groundwater levels in Westlands are approximately 100 feet higher than in 1967 when deliveries from the Central Valley Project began. When we fall below that historic low groundwater level, we're going to experience the types of subsidence that led to the authorization of the San Luis unit.
"Congress authorized construction of San Luis to alleviate subsidence on the Westside of the San Joaquin Valley," said Birmingham.
"One of the things on tap is there is going to be some type of groundwater regulation. California is one of the few states that generally does not regulate the use of groundwater," he noted.
There is a lot of groundwater monitoring in California, and in a few regions there are special groundwater management districts created by the legislature. But, generally the use of groundwater is not regulated to the same degree as surface water.
"There exists a lack of statewide effort to regulate the use of groundwater. I would suspect that all of our agencies would oppose that type of statewide legislation," said Birmingham. "From our perspective, regulations should be made at a regional level because every groundwater basin is different and should be managed on a case-by- case basis instead of state-wide regulations."
"But it is interesting, half of the farmers in the Westlands Water District take the historic agricultural position that groundwater is the resource available to overlying landowners, and no one has any business regulating their groundwater," he said.
"If the other 50% of farmers in Westlands, do not become proactive in its management of ground water, as opposed to its monitoring, then the state will step in and do it on behalf of everyone in the state," said Birmingham.
"Equally as controversial, if management is not done by regional entities like Westlands Water District, it will be regulated by county or state."
"So, Westlands Water District is actively looking to get into the business of regulating the use of groundwater."
There is some good news, tempered with bad news. The good news is there are a lot of resources that can be reasonably and more effectively and efficiently managed.
Westlands Water District has experienced chronic water supply shortages on a regular basis since the implementation of the Endangered Species Act, and has coped using water transfer contracts based annually or on a longer-term basis with a fixed price.
Also speaking about water was Ron Jacobsma, General Manager, Friant Water Authority. He gave an interesting history of the San Joaquin River, Friant Dam, Millerton Reservoir and canal that serve 1,000s of growers on the East Side of the San Joaquin Valley from Madera to Kern County.
Brent Walthall, with the Kern Water Agency, talked about the many different and historical water districts in Kern County, as well as describing the innovative water banking that is taking place in Kern County during flood years.


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Fun Kids Thanksgiving Table Ideas
Thanksgiving is such a special time of the year. Getting your family and closest friends together to celebrate your love and being thankful for one another is such a blessing. I love decorating for Thanksgiving and getting the table all set up. I tend to not put all the kids at one table because they complained years ago that they wanted to sit by other people like Grandpa, etc... So I mix them in with the adults. But they can become restless sitting there for that long. So keep them occupied.
Here are some ideas to help you out!
Picture by Pottery Barn Kids
Turkey Pencil Holder Party FavorsThese handmade turkey pencil holders serve lots of purposes: they're festive table decorations, great party favors, and the perfect way to give kids something to do while they wait for Thanksgiving dinner to be served. Make one for each of your littlest guests and set the table with sheets of paper for them to draw on, and watch their faces light up when they sit down. (you can use color crayons for the younger ones too)
Click HERE to see the instructions on how to make this cute little guy from Pottery Barn!
Here is a whole place setting for your kids!
This might look tricky but once you see how it is all made you will be surprised how easy it is to make! Click HERE to get the instructions from Fiskar
Simple and sweet – an easy way to keep 'em busy with a cute coloring page
Click HERE for instructions and more ideas from Blissfully Domestic
Mayflower Treat Holder
Click HERE to get instructions on how to make this from My Cotton Creations
Sugar Cone Cornucopias
(you have to read the instructions on this... the tips are curled slightly) :)
Click HERE for this cute idea!
Gumdrop Turkeys
Look at these cute gumdrop turkeys! Click HERE
Kids Straw Toppers
Click HERE for instructions
Pom-Pom Turkeys
These could even be used for everyone... not just kids. :) Click HERE for Martha Stewarts instructions
Kids Placemats
Click HERE for instructions
Turkey DIY Placemats w/ Clear Plates
Click HERE for instructions on how to make these
Hopefully these will help you out with your Thanksgiving table decor! :) and don't forget to get the kids involved (if you want)!!
Labels: Celebrations, Dinner, Parenting, Thanksgiving


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Canadian County Extension Office
Serving the people of Canadian County with resources and services based in university research.
Cooperative Extension provides research-based resources (many free) you can use to improve your home, workplace and community. This office's programs and services are specifically designed to solve the problems county residents face. It's a service of Oklahoma State University and functions as part of a nationwide network of university extension offices dedicated to providing trustworthy public education and service.
Services offered through Canadian County
Producers are encouraged to respond by Nov. 10.
The webinar will begin at noon. There is no cost to participate. Advance registration is required.
OSU Extension's newly redesigned catalog of self-paced, online courses also offers an introduction to agronomy and instruction on prescribed fires, selling home bakery items and understanding county government.
Armyworms do not overwinter in Oklahoma, but until first frost occurs, keep a close eye on the status of crops.
Local EventsVIEW ALL EVENTS
Thu 10/29
Wed 11/18
Wed 12/9
Thu 12/17


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Safety Subjects: Virginia-Highland Security Patrol
By Kay Stephenson, VHCA Vice President and Safety Committee Member
Do you know about our neighborhood patrol also known as Fight Back Against Crime (FBAC)? This member-supported private security patrol was established over 25 years ago and is one of the longest running neighborhood patrols in the city.
Staffed by off-duty Atlanta Police Department officers who patrol in uniform and with full policing powers, the greatest benefit of the program is the increased police presence on our streets. An alarm system is a great way to notify police of a problem after it has occurred. But, alarms are essentially a reactive tool.
Most of an APD beat officer's on-duty time is spent responding to 911 calls. They don't have the time to do much proactive policing. This stands in contrast to our patrol where the primary focus is to proactively work to prevent crime.
FBAC officers not only patrol in vehicles but also get out of the vehicle and walk the streets. They engage and get to know residents and business owners, and they know the offenders who target Virginia-Highland. They question people walking in unlikely places at odd hours to determine their business. In this way, individuals with outstanding warrants and who have no proper business in our neighborhood can be stopped before they offend again. The FBAC patrol officer is the replacement for the beat cop of earlier times.
Benefits for single family home members include access to officers while on duty via cellphone; a monthly newsletter with crime reports, safety tips and the schedule for the upcoming month; home checks while you are on vacation; a yard sign and window decal to let criminals know you are protected; a home security evaluation with one of our officers; and a safe ride home when officers are on duty. Officers are patrolling the most likely crime areas of the neighborhood by car and on foot to spot potential criminal activity before it happens.
There are also options for individuals living in condominiums or apartment complexes and businesses. You can find more information and sign up to become a member at fbacvahi.com.


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Planet Earth 3D HD LWP is a live wallpaper rendered with Open GL ES2.0 for smooth graphics. It has atmosphere and in the night time you can see the light from the cities. You can zoom in earth close. Now you can set a fixed location with latitude and longitude.
Buy it and try It! If you don't happy with this lwp application you can have your money back if you press the refund button in Google Play in a certain amount of time.
Now you can have a fixed point with Latitude and Longitude values.
You can zoom in earth close.
Try it now!


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White supremacist in shock after DNA test shows he's 14 % African
EXCLUSIVE: Watch the moment white supremacist trying to take over North Dakota town refuses to fist bump black host after she tells him he is 14 per cent African
- Hate crimes fugitive Craig Cobb confronted with result of genetic heritage test on The Trisha Show
- Rejects DNA results which prove he is 14 per cent Sub-Saharan African as 'statistical noise' and 'short science'
- 'Pure evil' Cobb, 62, has quietly bought up land in Leith, N.D, to turn it into a white enclave
- Cobb and his followers say they are not racist but 'racially aware'
- Says racially offensive terms are 'holy words' laid out in the 'White Man's Bible'
- Leith's only black resident says things are 'only going to get worse' as town runs out of legal options to halt Cobb's march
By LAURA COLLINS PUBLISHED: 08:07 EST, 11 November 2013 | UPDATED: 08:47 EST, 11 November 2013 The white supremacist attempting to turn a small North Dakotan town into a 'white enclave' has undergone a DNA test which proves he is of Sub-Saharan African heritage, MailOnline can reveal. Craig Cobb, 62, submitted to the test as part of The Trisha Show's ongoing Race in America series and was given the results of the DNA Diagnostics test by the host, Trisha Goddard, to the whoops of her studio audience. On hearing the results Cobb, who insists he is not a white supremacist but a Creator, a religion which favours 'racial awareness', immediately dismissed the news that genetically he is 14 per cent Sub Saharan African, 86 per cent European, as 'statistical noise.'
He said: 'I tell you. Oil and water don't mix.' With a fixed grin Cobb, a man who relies on a dizzying array of statistics to underpin his own agenda of racial discrimination and sexual intolerance, shook his head and tried to wave these ones away. As the studio audience jeered and crowed in delight, Goddard insisted: 'You have a little black in you.' When the 55-year-old British host tried to fist bump her guest, with the words, 'So there you go bro,' Cobb visibly recoiled and twice refused to meet her touch. Speaking to MailOnline Cobb said: 'I agreed to the test because I assumed it was science.' Instead, he said, it was a scientifically bankrupt procedure, the product of 'craven and debased executives,' whose 'goal is to shock.' He said: 'When I told Jeff Schoep [leader of the National Socialism Movement] he just laughed.' He described it as 'short science' used by a sensationalist television show to 'promote multiculturalism.' When pressed over how he would feel if a test he respected were to show the presence of such DNA he said: 'Well if I did have any nigger we don't want anymore of it.' He would, he said, consider himself a 'border guard for the pure breds.' He explained: 'Keeping the peace if possible but if we have to fight, keeping the frontline in the war.'
War, or the threat of it, is what the residents of Leith fear, Cobb has brought to their doors. His plans for the tiny North Dakotan town of Leith came to light earlier this summer. Then, amid a fury of local and national reaction, it emerged that the wild-haired eccentric who had been living in the town for more than a year, was a hate crimes fugitive who had quietly bought up lots of land with the intention of turning the community into a haven for white supremacists. But now, after an immediate flurry of rallies and town meetings, residents fear they are powerless to halt the man whose plans they regard as 'pure evil,' and who has put up a sign condemning their town as 'The Village of the Damned.' Since his plans were exposed, they say, he has goaded and harassed them in an attempt to provoke them into violence and open the way for him to bring charges or a civil suit.
The town's only bi-racial couple Sherrill and Bobby Harper have come under particular pressure. Bobby is the only black man in town. A note pinned to the couple's door recently read: 'What are you doing "married" to a Negro?' and demanded Sherill leave her husband and 'join Mr Cobb's movement.'
Two weeks ago Mr Cobb confronted the Harpers on The Trisha Show, demeaning their relationship with the words: 'She has her pet you see.' Speaking to MailOnline Mr Harper was philosophical and dignified. He said he was 'better' than Cobb but expressed his belief that the situation was 'going to get worse.' In an interview with MailOnline Mr Cobb referred to African Americans as 'jungle bunnies' and 'Orks' and said that black people were: 'Strolling biological early warning devices. They look bad, they sound bad and often times they smell bad.'
In what he referred to as a 'better world where we are in charge,' he said that all black immigrants to America would be instructed on arrival: 'If you try to have sex with our white handmaidens we will hang you.' He used profoundly offensive racist and mysogynistic language saying he was 'very proud' to do so as he regarded the terms as 'holy words' enshrined in the 'White Man's Bible,' in which, as a Creator, he believes. In a recent town meeting Cobb singled out Leith town councilman Lee Cook, 49, the founder of the town's Legal Defense Fund established to pay for their fight against Cobb.
Thirteen years ago Mr Cook's 17 year old daughter, Crystal was murdered by the then boyfriend of his ex-wife. Now remarried and with three children by second wife Heather, his move to Leith was, in part, a bid to escape the painful associations of the Washington town in which the murder took place. Cobb suggested that Mr Cook was in some way responsible for his daughter's death. According to Mr Cook: 'He hoped to get me to beat him up so that he could sue me. He wants to look like the victim but this is all his doing. 'It was an evil attempt by a demented individual to aggravate me.' Today Mr Cook sleeps with a loaded by his side and has bought his wife a firearm. In a desperate bit to prevent Cobb from fulfilling his dream in Leith, the town council have voted through a string or ordinances putting a moratorium on building, instituting standards of potable water and sewerage and prohibiting anyone living in a trailer on Leith land for more than 10 days straight. But ultimately, Mayor Ryan Schock, 38, admitted: 'We don't know what comes next.'
One family of White supremacists have already responded to Cobb's call for followers and have moved into his ramshackle home on what passes for the town's main street. Kynan and Deborah Dutton, both 28, moved to Leith from Oregon on 23 September. Their five children aged between 11 and four are home-schooled by former teacher, Deborah. Dutton, a Marine Corps veteran who served in the Iraq war in 2004 and 2005 is proud to call himself Cobb's Sergeant in Arms. He puts flags, including that of the Third Reich, The National Socialist Movement, and one symbolising the right to bear arms, in front of Cobb's home each day. He takes them in at night because, he said: 'The native Americans are notorious for coming and stealing them.' With just 16 residents in the town Cobb is confident that his bid to outnumber the locals with his followers and take over the council will succeed. He claims another family is on their way and has threatened to bring member of the 'hard core Aryan Nations' group to the town and ex-convicts who have 'been in Federal prison for 20 years.' He said: 'We will become the majority there is no doubt. Do not ask for whom the bell tolls, it tolls for Leith.' This episode of The Trisha Show, by NBCUniversal, airs on Monday 18 November Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2493491/EXCLUSIVE-Watch-moment-white-supremacist-trying-North-Dakota-town-refuses-fist-bump-black-host-tells-14-cent-African.html#ixzz2kM3xzn1D


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Tucked away in the Florida Panhandle on a peninsula separating the Gulf of Mexico and Choctawhatchee Bay lies Destin, otherwise known as "the world's luckiest fishing village." If you're Destin-ation bound (heehee), Destin's white sands and emerald green waters are sure to please. Here are our notes from our weekend in Destin. Have fun!
Getting There and Around
The closest airport to Destin is Northwest Florida Regional Airport (VPS), followed by Pensacola (PNS) and Panama City (ECP). VPS is approximately 20 minutes away from Destin, while PNS and ECP are approximately 1 hour away. You'll need a car to get around; I didn't see much by the way of public transportation.
We stayed at the Country Inn & Suites by Carlson for 28,000 Club Carlson points. The hotel was no-frills, but it had free Internet and breakfast, so for 28k points you can't really complain. It is located across from Henderson Beach State Park and right in the middle of Destin, so location was ideal. The hotel also had free fresh-baked Otis Spunkmeyer cookies nightly!


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Superintendent Message
District 66 Families,
The 2019-2020 school year is off to a great start! We are thrilled to welcome students and staff back to our newly renovated and improved facilities.
Many exciting things are happening in District 66! Upcoming Community Open Houses are planned at Elizabeth Ide and Lakeview Jr. High to showcase the newly remodeled buildings (see more details below). Additionally, the search for the new superintendent is about to begin. There will be an Open Forum for district parents and the community on Monday, September 9 at 7:00 p.m. at Prairieview School. This meeting is designed to secure feedback regarding the necessary characteristics of the new superintendent and all are welcome to attend.
Our continued goal is to keep District 66 moving forward as we plan for your future.
Raymond Lechner, Ph.D. and Griff Powell, Ed.D.
Interim Superintendents
Center Cass School District 66 will hold an Early Childhood Screening for children ages 3 - 5 who reside in District 66, on Friday, October 4, 2019 at Prairieview School, 699 Plainfield Road, Downers Grove, IL 60516. The purpose of the screening is to identify students who may need special services prior to entering Kindergarten. Areas to be screened are speech, language, vision, hearing, and coordination.
To schedule an appointment, please call the Department of Student Services at 630-783-5168 by Friday, September 27, 2019.
SEL at District 66
District 66 continues to be committed to Social Emotional Learning for all students and staff. What is social emotional learning? It is the process through which children and adults acquire and effectively apply the knowledge, attitudes, and skills necessary to understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions. (CASEL)
During the 2019-2020 school year, we are excited to continue on our SEL journey! Our teachers and other adults throughout the district will be focusing on self-awareness. Self-awareness is the ability to accurately recognize one's emotions and thoughts and their influence on behavior. This includes accurately assessing one's strengths and limitations and possessing a well-grounded sense of confidence and optimism.
Students at Elizabeth Ide and Prairieview will continue to have daily Morning Meetings. During this time, staff will incorporate the social emotional learning and activities to foster such growth. At Lakeview Jr. High, students will have weekly Advisory Periods during which time lessons will focus on Social Emotional Learning.
During Curriculum Nights staff will be sharing student-friendly social emotional learning vocabulary with parents. We encourage you to watch for newsletter information throughout the year, as to how parents can support this SEL journey!
The Center Cass Community Band is entering its fourth full season and we hope you will join us this year. We are looking for new members to join other adults from the District 66 community to perform with the Center Cass Community Band. Do you or did you play a band instrument? Are you looking to bring music back into your life? Do you have a child, neighbor, or family member who would like to be a part of a performing group. Anyone 18 years and older is welcome.


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When my visit to Karlstejn castle in the Czech Republic was cut short by gray skies and rules saying that you can't take photos inside the castle walls, I did what any tourist would have done - I went into the surrounding woods to find mushrooms and toadstools to photograph!
The gloomy skies made fungi one of the few photogenic subjects left in the area, and the rain that had obviously fallen before I visited made conditions perfect for the mushrooms and toadstools to make an appearance above ground.
Most people don't realize how many different colors fungi come in, like this kinky purple number.
This is a fly agaric mushroom (Amanita muscaria) which was growing in the pine forests above the castle. They're usually brighter red than this but despite the dampness while I was there, this mushroom and the previous one look like they came up when it was a bit drier, so that might be why it's more orange, or perhaps it was just an old mushroom losing its color.
There is a theory that fly agaric mushrooms are the source of the Santa Claus story. In pre-Christian Lappland shamans used to eat them, the poisons in the mushroom producing first a coma and then strong hallucinogenic effects, which is said to be the origin of flying reindeer. When Christian missionaries arrived they assimilated these myths into the legend of Saint Nicholas, using the red and white of the mushroom's cap as the colour scheme for Santa Claus.
Whether or not it is the model for Santa Claus, the fly agaric is undisputably the most popular type of mushroom for garden gnomes to sit on or under!
These mushrooms were in a damper part of the forest with deciduous trees. They're obviously a very attractive shade of pink and red, but as you can see something else has found them attractive enough to eat! Fungi are eaten by various insects including some species of beetles, and later we'll see tell-tale signs of another mushroom-munching meanie.
This large mushroom might be chocolate coloured, but presumably it's not chocolate flavoured. There is, however, a mushroom which grows in the United States called the chocolate milky!
Another very large mushroom, but yellow and pink this time!
Another yellow mushroom, of a slightly slimy, icky type. Surprisingly, some species of slimy mushrooms are considered very good eating, like the varieties "slippery jack" and "slippery jill".
I didn't check, but the previous mushroom might have belonged to the bolete family, like the mushroom shown here. As you can see from this photo, boletes don't have the gills of "normal" fungi, instead they have tubes which serve as the maturation place of the spores, which are the fungi equivalent of a plant's seeds. Despite their unfamiliar appearance, the bolete family contains more edible mushrooms than any other, and in the United States the king bolete is widely considered to be the best of all edible mushrooms.
Here's another fungus without gills, this time it's some type of polypore. Most fungi live on dead matter and serve an extremely important function in recycling this material back into a form which can be reused by other plants or animals, however as you can see some fungi like this one grow on living plants and animals as parasites.
Here's a really tiny mushroom, growing directly out of a dead leaf!
And here are some fungi growing directly out of a fungus; the black dot at the end of each thread is a bundle of spores.
Since most mushrooms only last for a week or so, you can just imagine how quickly parasitic fungi like these must grow.
There are quite a few fungi that parasitize other fungi, as well as others that parasitize insects and even larger animals like us - just ask anyone who has suffered from athelete's foot!
Another group of mushrooms with plenty of representatives in the Czech Republic is the puffballs. They don't have gills, tubes or pores, instead the spores form inside the enclosed head and when mature are expelled from a hole in the top. Many schoolboys around the world have learned the joys of accelerating this process by stomping on them to release a dark smoky cloud of spores. Incidentally, the slime in the bottom left of this photo is the trademark of those deadly enemies of the mushroom I mentioned earlier - slugs and snails!
Here's the largest mushroom I found, the appropriately named giant puffball. This one is about 20 centimeters across but they can reach an incredible 70 or more centimeters, and even average sized ones are said to contain around 7 trillion spores. The spores are so tiny that they can be carried from one continent to another by the wind, which is why this species is found all around the world. Most puffballs including the giant puffball are edible while still white inside, and you can see that some critter has taken some pretty big chunks out of this one. I photographed a huge snail in this area, there were even wildlife identification signs in the area describing the snails, unfortunately I didn't make any notes about them.
Some puffballs come in extraordinary shapes, like this earthstar which begins as a solid ball whose thick outer layer splits to reveal the thin-walled inner chamber, which has the characteristic hole at the top.
The outer layer might not look tasty to us, but as you can see the nearest "petal" has been nibbled by something.
This puffball doesn't have an interesting shape like the earthstar, but it is paired up with a strange-looking fungus, a so-called bird's nest fungus.
Here's a closeup of the bird's nest fungus.
The white "eggs" within the cup are actually packets of spores. Water splashes into the cup and throws the packets away from the parent, however it's hard to imagine them going very far, and it seems like normal wind-borne spore dispersal would be a better approach.
Here's one photo I didn't take near Karlstejn, a coral fungus which I photographed at Lednice in South Moravia. It was another gloomy, rainy day when I was there, making photography of the chateau and the huge surrounding park pretty hopeless. Some of these coral fungi species are edible, but this one example was really small - though you can see that there's an even tinier but fully grown mushroom in the photo with a classic mushroom shape!
Back to Karlstejn, but staying with the theme of weird shapes, here's one that looks like it was extruded from the stump as a molten mass. It's similar in appearance to the chicken of the woods fungus that I photographed some years previously in Illinois. That fungus is said to taste much like its namesake, and indeed this Czech example has also had large chunks taken out of it. I don't know what made the bite-shaped marks on the left, but the surface indentations look like the work of slugs or snails, and there's certainly plenty of slime around.
Here's a seriously concave mushroom.
The flaky patches on the top are remnants of what is called the "universal veil" which sheaths and protects the fungus when it erupts from below the ground.
The colour is completely different, but the cap looks similar to the fly agaric earlier on this page, and I suspect it belongs to the same Amanita family. This family is said to cause about 90 percent of all fatal mushroom poisonings, and contains many of the deadliest fungi on earth, such as the death cap and the destroying angel.
After a few seriously concave mushrooms, how about one that's convex?
This mushroom might strike you as somewhat phallic but it's nothing compared to the phallic mushrooms I've photographed in the United States.
These little sweeties were growing in a park in the incredibly beautiful town of Telc. Unlike all of the other photos on this page, it was a bright, sunny day so I actually had to shade the sunlight to even out the lighting.
A wolf spider surveys its domain from the top of a handy mushroom.
Like some other spider families, wolf spiders don't build webs and wait for prey to come to them, instead they go out and actively hunt. Unlike passive hunters, wolf spiders also have relatively good eyesight so they can track their prey by sight. I doubt, though, that this wolf spider did actually climb the mushroom to get a better view, it probably just climbed up there to see if there was anything to eat.
When I travel I usually try to combine several activities on the trip. The main reason for my Czech trip was to go to an airshow called the Czech International Air Fair, but I also made a point of visiting tourist attractions, photographing spiders, insects and other wildlife, and of course searching out the local fungi!
Not such a nice colour, but the parasol shape looks good! This little army of mushrooms is called "trooping crumble cap", as well as "fairies' bonnets".
Here's one of the last photos I took at Karlstejn.
I'd been wandering around in the forest for most of the day and ended up totally lost. The light was starting to fade and it was beginning to rain more heavily. Fortunately I was well armed with a waterproof poncho and an umbrella, and I met a nice Czech couple on a farm track out tending their cows, who kindly drove me back to the village and refused my offer of petrol money.
The last photo might seem an odd way to end a section called "safety in numbers", but if you look at the base of the mushroom you'll see why I put it here! Here's a closer view, with what looks like tiny regular mushrooms on the left and weird orange globules on the right. The globules are spore containers, but they don't belong to a fungus, instead they belong to a slime mould. Although the name suggests that they're fungi, slime moulds are now treated as a separate category of life, with several unusual characteristics. Mushrooms are really just the fruit of fungi, which exist as strands called mycellium, which might well be what the white strands on the right-hand side of this photo are. Mycellium grows but is fixed in location, like the roots of trees, however slime moulds actually move through wood, actively hunting down bacteria and other food sources. The same species can take the form of a colony of separate cells like amoeba, or as a single giant amoeba within one cell wall, which can be up to two square meters in area. As musician David St Hubbins of the mythical rock group Spinal Tap said, "They are both plant and animal, it's like they can't make up their mind, but if they ever did then they could take over just like that!".


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Background and Context- This passage from Matthew is particularly dense with OT references, uses language that has already appeared in earlier Matthean verses (thus already having an contextual meaning), and because of its eschatological setting, invites comparison with other sacred writers, especially, St. Paul. Hence a bit more "context" is needed, or better said, background.
Who is being judged? Our first impression is that this is a general judgment on all humanity. But coming at the end of Matthew's gospel, one in which the meaning of discipleship was been an important message, we might be tempted to think that this judgment is one upon Christians and not necessarily a general judgment. Who are "all the nations" and who are "the least"? The usual interpretation understands "all the nations" as including all humanity, and "the least" as including people in distress of some kind. Therefore, at the final judgment all humanity is to be judged according to acts of kindness done to poor and suffering people.
But is this what Matthew and his community understood by the story? In Matthew's Gospel, "nations" and "all the nations" usually refer to people other than Israel (see 4:15; 6:32; 10:5, 18; 12:18, 21; 20:19, 25; 21:43; 24:7, 9, 14; 28:19). In several passages (see 10:40–42; 18:6, 14), the "least brothers" seem to be Christians. If these terms have the same meaning in our gospel passage that they have elsewhere in the Gospel, "all the nations" are the Gentiles who have not explicitly accepted either Judaism or Christianity, and (in a strict interpretation) "the least" are Christians with whom the Gentiles have had some contact. According to this interpretation, the Gentiles will be judged according to acts of kindness done to Christians (see 10:40–42).
Can both be correct understandings? Certainly, but take note of the implications of Gentile (i.e., non-believers) being judged according to the acts of kindness done to Christians; and perhaps to non-Christians?
Either way, the theme of readiness comes to its climax in a vision of the judgment when, in fulfillment of the vision of Dan 7:13–14, the Son of Man is enthroned as judge over "all the nations," and the great division will take place between those who are ready and those who are not ready. Where readiness was the primary theme, now we find a more explicit statement of the criterion of judgment, in the way people have treated "the least brothers of mine."
How are they being judged? This passage has traditionally been an embarrassment especially to Protestant readers because it appears to say that one's final destiny—and nothing could be much more final than "eternal punishment" or "eternal life," v. 46—depends on acts of good works, a most un-Pauline theology and one which sounds uncomfortably like Pelagianism. Some point out that the righteous don't earn the kingdom, but they inherit it (v. 34) and that an inheritance is determined by the giver, not the receiver. The verb "to inherit" (kleronomeo) is used only three times in Matthew, with three different objects:
- The meek inherit the earth (5:5)
- Those who have left everything will inherit eternal life (19:29)
- The righteous inherit the kingdom (25:34)
While this addresses strict Pelagianism (pure works-righteousness) it does not address the Matthean emphasis on doing the will of God as the characteristic of God's people. Some interpreters point out that this is Matthew and not Paul. Just as the preceding parables have told us that the master on his return will praise the slave who has been getting on with the job (24:46) and who has achieved good results (25:21, 23), this too is a call to good works which will be rewarded. The "For" which begins vv. 35 and 42 at least states that these acts of kindness are the evidence that the reward or punishment is deserved; but it may equally be read as stating the actual basis, or at least part of the basis, for the judgment given. That, and one only has to read Paul's Letter to the Romans to see that Paul also calls for judgment according to works and the good that one does (Rom 2:6-7). St. Paul is no Pelagian, but he surely has something in mind.
But there is one feature of this scene that has led probably the majority of recent interpreters to a different conclusion. The recipients of the acts of kindness are Jesus' "least brothers," and what is done to them is done to Him (v. 40). So, is the final judgment concerned not with response to human need in general, but to the need of disciples in particular, and thus indirectly with how people have responded to Jesus himself in the person of the least of my brothers? Has their response to disciples in need been their way of "acknowledging Jesus," which was presented as the basis of judgment in 10:32–33? That interpretation has a firm foundation in the earlier language of this gospel, which has spoken of true disciples as Jesus' brothers and sisters (12:46–50; cf. 28:10) and has used the phrase "these little ones" to denote members of the disciple community (10:42; 18:6, 10, 14—note in particular 18:6, "these little ones who believe in me"). In 18:5 we have been told that to welcome one such child in Jesus' name is to welcome him, and that child becomes the basis for the phrase "these little ones" in the following verses.
Anonymous Christians? It is probably right to read "least brothers" as a description of disciples. But to draw that conclusion does not establish that the "sheep" are commended because their treatment of disciples reveals their positive attitude to Jesus himself. For the striking feature of this judgment scene is that both sheep and goats claim that they did not know that their actions were directed toward Jesus. Each is as surprised as the other to find their actions interpreted in that light. They have helped, or failed to help, not a Jesus recognized in his representatives, but a Jesus incognito. As far as they were concerned, it was simply an act of kindness to a fellow human being in need, not an expression of their attitude to Jesus. They seem closer to what some modern theologians call "anonymous Christians" than to openly declared supporters of Jesus himself.
So it does not seem to be possible to read this passage as expressing a "Pauline" doctrine of salvation through explicit faith in Jesus. A systematic theologian can devise a scheme whereby justification by grace through faith and judgment according to works are together parts of a greater whole, but Matthew is not writing systematic theology, and the present passage brings to its fullest expression his conviction that when the Son of Man comes he will "repay every person according to what they have done." (16:27) This is the ultimate outworking of the Matthean motif of reward for those who have lived according to the will of God. And that will is here spelled out in terms of the way people have responded to the human needs of "least brothers."
Sovereignty. The debate about the criterion of judgment, however, theologically important as it is, should not be allowed to distract the reader from what is surely the main thrust of this passage as the climax of the discourse on judgment: its portrayal of the ultimate sovereignty of the Son of Man as the universal judge. This theme has been developed in Matthew especially through the imagery of Dan 7:13–14, and that passage provides the language in which the scene is set in v. 31. The sovereign authority displayed in the judgment on the temple (24:30) now finds its eschatological counterpart in the judgment of all nations (v. 32). The focus on Jesus' parousia in the preceding part of the discourse from 24:36 to 25:30 encourages the reader to associate this final judgment also with the parousia, as part of the same complex of eschatological motifs, but the scene itself is apparently set, like that of Dan 7:9–14, in the heavenly throne room, to which all people are summoned. There is no indication within this passage of the Son of Man coming to earth, unless that is assumed to be the meaning of the language of Dan 7:13, and we have already seen repeatedly that that is not how the Daniel vision is framed. The word parousia is not used here. The "coming" of v. 31 is no more specifically parousia language than it was in 24:30 and in all the other allusions to Dan 7:13–14; it is the context rather than the wording of this passage which allows the reader to associate this judgment scene with the time of the parousia.


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Architecture is central to the major issues affecting society today. The performance of the built environment is a subject of national and global concern in relation to its impact on climate change, the use of resources, economic development and the health and well-being of individuals.
The WSA offers all the qualifications necessary to become a registered architect in the United Kingdom, and has a reputation for producing graduates with the ability to cope well with the diverse demands of practice.
Postgraduate Taught (PGT) at Cardiff University Welsh School of Architecture
Professor Chris Tweed (Head of School): "We want our architecture graduates to design and make beautiful buildings that respond to changing technological, social, cultural, economic and professional contexts. We want our Masters graduates to use their expertise to shape sustainable buildings, cities, and communities. And all of our graduates should leave us as creative problem solvers who can apply their newly acquired understanding, knowledge and skills to the challenges practice and life throw at them."
Real design projects with real clients, field trips and practical and experimental activities are an integral part of all our taught courses which underpins the broad spectrum of built environment professions, embracing environmental and sustainable design, conservation, urban design and professional studies.
All of our PGT courses follow a similar structure and comprises taught modules worth 120 credits and a 60 credit research dissertation. Both full and part time options are available. In addition, the MSc in Environmental Design of Building also has the option of full distance learning.
Two type of postgraduate academic degrees will be awarded in Master level: Mater of Arts (MA) in Architecture and Architectural Science Masters (MSc).
MA in Architecture: Professional Studies
The MA in Architecture: Professional Studies is a two-stage postgraduate Diploma/Masters course; where the Diploma has RIBA/ARB recognition for the RIBA Examination in Professional Practice (Part 3). On the course, students are encouraged to develop a critical awareness of current challenges and will have the opportunity to acquire an in-depth understanding of the legal and economic aspects of architectural practice and construction procurement, as well as to develop the related skills necessary to practice effectively on entry into the architectural profession. The course is undertaken while the student is in an approved work placement, and is taught through a combination of distance learning and intensive residential short courses normally held in October, January and April. Students eligible for admission will hold a degree validated at RIBA/ARB Part 2 level, and will have completed the requisite period of Professional Experience.
For more information please see WSA Diploma/ MA in Professional Studies page: Course Website
MA in Urban Design
This course is run jointly by the Cardiff School of Planning and Geography and the Welsh School of Architecture. It is accredited by the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI), and the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). The course responds to the need for professional skills for designing 'places': intimate public spaces to urban neighbourhoods; details of materials to strategic policy analysis. Design is central to the course, with the six taught modules leading to a final Research-based Design thesis. Study visits are a highlight, with day visits, a London study visit in the autumn and a European visit in the spring.
This course is suitable for graduates in design, architecture, planning, landscape architecture, highway engineering, surveying, real estate management, civil engineering, while all graduates will be considered.
For more information please see WSA Diploma/ MA in Professional Studies page: Course Website
Architectural Science Masters (MSc)
The WSA also offers taught programmes in advanced practice that are open to candidates from non-architectural backgrounds. Among these is a suite of five MSc degree programmes that draw on the School's established and widely recognised research strengths. Designed for practitioners who have some involvement in the production or management of the built environment, each of these programmes offer a perspective on approaches to minimise the impact that the built environment has on the sustainability of our planet and its inhabitants.
MSc in Theory and Practice of Sustainable Design (TPSD)
As environmental and social problems become ever more prominent in our global community, there is an increasing need for attention to the principles of sustainability in the procurement, design and construction of buildings, which is the focus of the specialist taught modules. The course presents the principles of sustainable practice and methods for applying them, from setting sustainable development targets as part of project briefs to realising them through design and sustainable procurement and site practice. The course is designed for graduates or experienced professionals in disciplines related to the built environment, such as architecture, town and country planning, engineering, construction and client representatives. It is also appropriate for people from social sciences, ecology, environmental sciences, politics, management studies etc. without a design background but working in relation with or having an interest in the built environment.
Live project work plays a central role in the programme, where it is designed to empower students to become critically reflective practitioners, enabling them to develop their own personal stance with respect to holistic sustainability.
More information are available in MSc in Theory and Practice of Sustainable Design page: Course Website
MSc in Environmental Design of Buildings
(Local and distance learning options)
The materials of which buildings are made, the services they incorporate, their siting and configuration, and the way they are run have an effect on our economy, on the sustainability of our global resources, on the conservation of the natural environment, and on the wellbeing of society. This trade-off between immediate local advantage and longer term sustainability places a responsibility on building designers. Appropriate for all members of the building design team, the course aims to return students to their disciplines as specialists in environmental design. Underlying the course is the belief that only by bridging the knowledge gap between disciplines, can environmental design advance. The subject of the course is the physical environment in and around buildings, with the focus on consideration of how to minimise the wider global impact of building environments, ensuring they are not only comfortable but healthy, energy-conscious, and sustainable. The taught modules, practical teaching and experimental activities encourage an understanding of both the principles and application of this approach to design.
A distance learning study route is available and offered in one year full-time, 2 year part-time or 3-year part-time modes. Distance students have the opportunity to join local students on study visits and local students can take the advantage of online supports for distance learners.
More information on this course is available on Course Website
MSc in Sustainable Mega-Buildings
Suitable for candidates with degrees in architecture, urban design, engineering, environmental science or other related disciplines, or relevant professional experience in the field of sustainable mega-buildings. Until recently, large buildings have been viewed as mega-scale energy consumers with little regard for sustainable design and performance. However, this is changing with a new generation of mega-buildings that have been designed with energy conservation and sustainability as their principal criteria. The programme focuses on principles of sustainable planning and design of mega-buildings. This course aims to train students to respond to the environmental challenges associated with mega-buildings, and to adapt to shifting demands on this role as sustainable policies are increasingly supported by the public and governments worldwide.
More information on this course is available on Course Website
MSc in Sustainable Building Conservation
The value of Britain's Heritage Construction Sector as an element of GDP was valued in 2012 at £12.5bn and provides over 530,000 full time equivalent jobs. There are in the region of 30,000 listed buildings in Wales, 375,121 in England and 47600 in Scotland. The question of how to marry demands for energy conservation with those of historic building Conservation is a key context for debate in practice which raises demand for skills and knowledge in this area to become more widespread.
The course is open to candidates from architectural and a range of related built environment backgrounds such as Architects, Surveyors, Project Managers, Curators, Archaeologists, Planners, Conservation Officers, Engineers, Building managers, Developers and other related Built Environment professionals. The programme is recognised by the RIBA as offering "Advanced CPD".
Beyond offering a RIBA approved and IHBC accredited master's degree, the Welsh School of Architecture's MSc in Sustainable Building Conservation focuses new career paths by enabling students to develop expertise with regard to energy conservation and the sustainable use of materials in the context of historic buildings. Taught elements take place across six two day sessions (Friday-Saturday) per year offering a two year part time option to students who may be employed or in full time practice. Full time students attend twelve of these sessions and complete the course in one year.
More information can be seen on Course Website
Finance and funding
As a prospective student of the Welsh School of Architecture funding may be an important consideration as you plan your future academic studies or research. This page will help you explore potential funding opportunities that may be available to you: click here
Additional Information
Additional information on Cardiff University Welsh School of Architecture can be found on its website


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Three months ago, someone left the following comment on one of my blog posts:
Only an INSANE man would get married in America today, considering how biased the divorce courts are against men and how useless 99 percent of American women really are.
71 percent of men between the ages of 18 to 34 in America have no interest in marriage:
And the following essay really explains very lucidly exactly why so many men are avoiding marriage:
Why Modern, Western Marriage Has Become A Bad Business Decision For Men
The above comment didn't fit with the post on which it was supposed to be a commentary, so I've kept the comment in moderation all this time, thinking I would use it as a blog post sometime, but I could never think of anything to say about the situation. I'm not a man, so I don't know the man's viewpoint, but it seems to me from my research on various online dating sites, that many men are looking for wives. These men, of course, are way beyond the age 34, so perhaps the statistic about the huge number of men younger than 34 who don't want to get married is a sign of their immaturity, not having met the right person, meeting too many willing partners, no interest in progeny, or a total focus on business. Or something else entirely — skewed statistics perhaps.
At any rate, I thought the points in the articles were interesting enough to save.
Pat Bertram is the author of the suspense novels Light Bringer, More Deaths Than One, A Spark of Heavenly Fire, and Daughter Am I. Bertram is also the author of Grief: The Great Yearning, "an exquisite book, wrenching to read, and at the same time full of profound truths." Follow Pat on Google+. Like Pat on Facebook.


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Cebu is known as the Queen City of the South. This province in the Visayas is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Philippines. Cebu boasts some of the best white sand beaches in the country. The beaches of Moalboal, the Sugar Beach of Bantayan Island and the Santiago Bay of Camotes Island are just a few of must see beaches in Cebu.
Cebu is also home to the majestic Kawasan Falls and also a site for whale shark watching particularly in the town of Oslob. There are also a lot of tourist spots in Cebu such as the Tops, the Mactan Shrine, Fort San Pedro, Guitar factories, Magellan's Cross and other attractions.
Lapu-Lapu Monument in Mactan Shrine
One of the must see events in Cebu is the Sinulog Festival. This is one of the grandest festivals in the Philippines and is attended by millions of participants and viewers every year. Highlights for this event are the Street Dancing Completion and the Fluvial Parade. The Sinulog Festival in Cebu is held every January.
How to go to Cebu?
Cebu can be reached by plane or by boat. Taking a plane is the easiest way to reach Cebu. It just takes about an hour and 15 minutes from Manila to reach Mactan International Airport in Lapu-lapu City. Various airline companies have daily trips to Cebu such as Cebu Pacific Air, Philippine Airlines, Zestair, Tiger Airways and Airphil Express.
The Mactan International Airport also serves international flights to and from Hong Kong, Singapore and others.
Cebu Pacific Air is one of the most preferred airline companies when flying to Cebu. This airlines is known for its budget seats and promo fares such as their famous Piso Fare promo. Cebu Pacific is a budget airline that offers several flights from Manila to Cebu and vice versa daily.
Cebu Pacific uses the NAIA Terminal 3 in Pasay as its hub for domestic flights such as those bound for Cebu.
If you want to fly via Cebu Pacific next time you visit the "Queen City of the South", you can book to any of these daily flights from Manila. Here is the list of the Cebu Pacific Daily Schedule of Flights from Manila to Cebu and Vice Versa to help you out when planning your vacations here.
Cebu Pacific Air Daily Flight Schedule: Manila to Cebu
Cebu Pacific Flight Schedule: Cebu to Manila
These are the new daily schedule of flights of Cebu Pacific Manila to Cebu and Cebu to Manila. The new schedule was released last December 1, 2012.
You can book your tickets at the booking website of Cebu Pacific Air or to any of their Sales Offices and authorized travel agents. You can also call the Reservations Office of Cebu Pacific at these contact numbers: (02) 70-20-888 in Manila and (032) 230-88-88 in Cebu.
Like the We LOVE Cebu Facebook Page to get more Cebu news, events,promos and travel tips.
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