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The foam padding gives your clients fully comfortable and relaxed feelings while sitting. Material: PVC leather and stainless steel armrest. Dimensions: (44.88 x 27.56 x 35.44) / (114 x 70 x 90)cm (L x W x H). Features: Hydraulic lift, electroplate iron foot-stand.Multifunction Folding Craft Sewing Table Computer Desk. US 6V Safety Kids Ride on Toys Car Electric Battery. 60/90W 120/180LED Solar Power LED Street Light. 32''H Rustic Barn Door Wood End Table Wood Console. 3x BaoFeng UV-5R 136-174/400-520MHz Dual-Band DTMF. 400lb LCD Digital Bathroom Body Weight Scale Tempered. International Buyers - Please Note: a. If you need return, please contact our customer service representative, let us know the detailed problem and send us some pictures for confirmation. If you are dissatisfied for any reason, please do not be quick to leave negative/neutral feedback. We work hard to make sure EVERY CUSTOMER 100% SATISFIED and resolve any problem for you.
Work Time: Monday to Saturday. If you are dissatisfied for any reason, please donot be quick to leave negative/neutral feedback. Work Time:Monday to Saturday.The item "Heavy Duty Hydraulic Recliner Barber Chair Shampoo Salon Beauty Spa Hair Styling" is in sale since Saturday, January 5, 2019. This item is in the category "Health & Beauty\Salon & Spa Equipment\Salon Chairs & Dryers". The seller is "windeast" and is located in Multiple Locations. This item can be shipped to United States.


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John R. Goodman makes stuff up
Novelist and playwright John R. Goodman always wanted to write and made many attempts to finish something publishable over a long career of writing procrastination.
His local theatre indulged him by producing some of his short plays and when coronavirus sent us all into lockdown in 2020 he buckled down and actually finished a novel.
Books he wrote.

subset: commoncrawl


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If you're a trail lover, the coldest part of the year shouldn't discourage you from hiking. Many popular destinations, such as Yosemite National Park or the Grand Canyon, look stunning in winter. With smaller crowds and landscapes blanketed in snow, they offer wonderful views and great memories to all adventurers. But before you pull on your hiking boots and head off, you'd better be prepared. Hitting the trail in winter is a challenge, and those who ignore all the risks can easily end up lost or freeze to the bone.
To ensure you get the most out of your winter hiking experience, read our guide. Check what skills you already have and what else you need to keep in mind.
Plan Your Trip Carefully
Better planners are happier hikers. First and foremost, check the weather forecast – if the snow conditions aren't stable, consider rescheduling your trip. It can also tell you whether to take any additional gear or clothes. Make sure to know how to use crampons or an ice axe if you decide to bring them with you. Take your time and read about the proper usage and maintenance of your equipment.
When packing, don't forget high-energy food and snacks. Eat a big breakfast before you leave and bring lunch that is easy to eat as you go. You'll also need lots of water, sunglasses and sunscreen, a flashlight (or headlight), a whistle, and a personal first aid kit. Create a checklist so you're sure you have all the essentials in your backpack before you leave.
Dress Wisely
There is no such thing as bad hiking weather, just bad clothes. To make your winter adventure a happy one, choose the right ones. Pick water-resistant, breathable, and flexible fabrics. Protect yourself from bad weather with waterproof and windproof outerwear. Put on a brightly colored jacket if you have one – should the worst happen, you'll be more visible for your rescuers.
Make sure to dress in layers so you can adjust your outfit while walking. Don't start overdressed though, as you'll get hot very fast. Excessive sweating in wintery conditions puts you at risk of hypothermia. It's better to dress less when you start hiking and warm up naturally as you go.
Stay Hydrated
Beginner winter hikers may think drinking regularly isn't as important as it is during summer. This, however, is a mistake. Your body still needs lots of water to keep warm and be ready for all the effort. Drink a lot and try not to let the water got too cold. To prevent it from turning into ice, use an insulated bottle sleeve. If you don't have one, but the bottle in a thick woolen sock or a warm beanie and keep it in your backpack.
If you want, take a warm drink with you. Enjoying a cup of hot tea or chocolate when admiring snowy mountains can warm up both your body and soul. Avoid alcohol, though – it lowers the temperature of your body.
Keep Your Batteries Warm
With winter weather and its low temperatures, your body finds it harder to keep you warm. That's why eating high-calorie meals and proper layering is so important. Another way to prevent yourself from getting cold is to walk during the daylight hours. Try to start your trip as soon as possible so the sun is still shining when you come back home.
Your devices don't like the cold either. To be able to take pictures or call for help when necessary, you need to give them some warmth. One way to do that is to keep them close to your skin while hiking. Just put your phone in the chest pocket and switch it off to save the battery. If you plan to camp, you can place your electronics inside your sleeping bag. They will stay warm as you get your well-deserved rest.
Don't Rely on Tech
Although technology can be of great help when hiking, you'd better know how to cope without it. What if your phone battery dies or there's no signal? You should revise how to read maps and use a compass. Bring them both in case your GPS stops working. Also, learn the basic SOS signs. This way you'll be able to find the way or call for help in the worst-case scenario.
Telling your plans to other people is also a good practice. Before you go, inform someone about your route and the estimated time of your return. Make sure they know who to ask for help when you don't come back on time.
Ready for Your Winter Adventure?
Changing your environment and getting some physical activity will positively influence your mental health and will allow you to come back to your life more energized and well-rested. Winter hiking is a great opportunity to admire the beauty of Mother Nature in peace and quiet. It will help you get your mind off your worries and problems, and truly relax. It's even better if one knows how to prepare for a winter hike and how to act on the trail. By following our tips, you can make your trip safer and more satisfying. After all, hiking lovers should be able to fully enjoy their passion all year round; why exclude the winter months…?
RELATED READS – 5 Winter Hiking Skills You Need to Embrace to Level Up Your Experience
So, till then KEEP TRAVELING……………… KEEP EXPLORING……………………………………………………
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DISCLAIMER – The content of the blog is solely my views of a place or a thing. This is not to offend any class, religion, ethnicity or nation. My views can change from time to time. This blog may contain some advertisements or links to commercial products and for that, this site is not responsible after you click those advertisements. We are the independent owner of this site and views expressed in this are our own. All photographs are owned by me. There can be slight differences in distances, locations or some details for which I (owner) am not responsible. This post may contain some affiliate links, means at no additional cost to you. I will earn if you will click through affiliates and make a purchase


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Armenia Country Profile
Capital: Yerevan
Currency: Cape Armenian Dram (AMD)
Travel Advice: Armenia Travel Advice
Visas: Armenia Visa Information
Vaccinations: Armenia Vaccination Information
The Republic of Armenia is a landlocked country at South Caucasus area. Being the first country to adopt Christianity as the state religion, it has one of the most beautiful churches in the world. It also has the oldest Christian civilizations like the Greco Roman Temple of Garni, Etchmiadzin Cathedral and Khor Virap Monastery.
The country recorded a population of 2.965 million in 2019 and covers an area of 29,743 km2.
The capital city is Yerevan and it is one of the oldest cities in the world and it still maintains the Soviet-era architecture. It has the Matenadaran library, which preserves the ancient Greek and Armenian manuscripts.
The second-largest city is Gyumri, which is the administrative centre of Shirak Province at northwest Armenia.
The Capital, Yerevan, with Mount Ararat in the background.
It was under the Ottoman rule but became independent after the defeat of the Ottoman Empire in World War I.
It was integrated into the Soviet Union in 1922 but later pulled out of Soviet Union in 1991.
Food/ culture
The culture is demonstrated through the flavours, arts, lifestyle and literature.
The crops grown in the country include wheat, barley, grapes and potatoes.
Wildlife animals found here include wild boars, porcupines, snakes, Caucasian bear and bearded goat and Armenian leopard.
Annual events/ celebrations/ festivals
The major festivals include the Yerevan jazz day, Dolma festival, Rafting festival, haybuys festival and Bread in the Mountains festival.
Things to see
History Museum of Armenia preserves the country's archaeological objects and the country's cultural heritage.
There is the Garni Temple is the sole Greco-Roman building in Armenia which symbolizes pre-Christian Armenia.
There is also Lake Seven, a high-altitude lake with large beaches.
There is also the Geghard Monastery is at Kotayk Province which is surrounded by cliffs. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with protection.
Interesting facts
The Kingdom of Armenia was the first to adopt Christianity as a state religion in the world in 301 AD.
The world's first Church was built here.
The country is home to some of the world best artists, singers and composers like Kim Kardashian, the band system of a down and Garry Kasparov.
The official language is Armenian.
Armenia is bordered on the west by Turkey, on the north by Georgia, on the east by Republic of Artsakh and Azerbaijan and the south by Iran and Azerbaijan's exclave of Nakhchivan.


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"Asking an interpreter a question is like taking a drink from a fire hose."
-Robert Fudge, NPS
One of the folks you might meet when visiting the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center is Park Ranger Jeremy Martin. One of the many duties of a park ranger here is interpretation. Jeremy provides a variety of programs and research and writes educational materials. He provides front line customer service to visitors, mentors seasonal staff and volunteers, and answers all kinds of questions from the public.
Jeremy grew up in the South. He became a park ranger because of an experience he had at Florida Caverns State Park when he was 12. "The ranger let me turn the lights off in the cave. I was hooked. I wanted to be a park ranger. It may change that kid's whole life simply because you let them turn the lights off."
He went to college for forestry and worked for several national parks including Great Smoky Mountains, Carlsbad Caverns, Wind Cave, and Sequoia and Kings Canyon. He started working at the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center four years ago. "This job allowed me to explore and teach more human history."
"People tend to think of the Oregon Trail as one dimensional and tragic. But 90 percent of the people who started the trek made it to the Willamette Valley. They started new lives. I like to bring it into modern perspective. People have thought of the Oregon Trail as a lone wagon blazing a trail across a virgin continent, but by the 1850's, it was a mile wide, 2,000 mile long junk yard. There was trash and dead animals. It was dirty. There were even vendors selling goods along the way, especially at well known camp sites such as Independence Rock and Fort Laramie. It was hot, dusty work with lots of people."
Center staff create all the interpretive programs here. "It's not a script or a play. It's a message. There's a reason we're telling the story. It's to answer the questions: Who cares? Why is this important to the listener? The stories I like to tell are more offbeat. A story lying there under the surface. We have a lot of diaries to pull from, and many of them document the day to day life on the Trail. I'm more interested in the eccentric."
Two of Jeremy's program use living history – based on true-life characters: mountain man Joe Meek, and pioneer horticulturist Henderson Luelling. "When I'm doing Joe Meek, people light up because they may have read about Joe. I even got to meet one of his direct descendants. I also got to meet some of Henderson Luelling's descendants." Luelling brought the first grafted seedling fruit trees along the Oregon Trail. Many fruit trees in the Northwest today originated from his trees. "He was a vegetarian on the Oregon Trail. He brought his wife and eight kids on the trail. His wife gave birth on the trail. He brought two full wagons of saplings on the Oregon Trail. It was said that he took better care of his trees than he did his own children, and even called his trees 'his little darlings.'"
Jeremy also does flint knapping, black powder shooting demos, nature walks, teaches Leave No Trace, leads activities for kids in Thursday Outdoor Club, schedules interpretive programs, and plans some special events such as Meet the Pioneers.


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A great rustic find from Queensland in mainly original condition, circa 1900.
Loads of patina, four wide boards on turned legs with a nice lighter coloured top.
Seats 10 easily.
Hoop pine is an indigenous tree that grows along the east coast from northern NSW to mid Queensland.
Size 2200mm long x 980mm wide x 760mm high
$2900 Contact The Appleyard
Catalogue > Catalogue - Sold Items > Catalogue - Current Stock >


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Hi there, this last post for the month is a mystery read that had me captivated at every page. It was also one of the few books I had managed to take out from my library before New Zealand went into lockdown in March so I ended up reading it at least three times!! See what you think…
Title: The Parker Inheritance
Author: Varian Johnson
Genre: Fiction – contemporary
Publication details: Arthur A. Levine Books; NY, 2018
ISBN: 9780545946179 (Hardcover)
What this book is about: When Candice Miller finds a letter in a box in her grandmother's attic, she isn't sure she should read it. It's addressed to her grandmother, after all, who abandoned Lambert in a cloud of shame. But the letter describes a young African American woman named Siobhan Washington and an injustice that happened decades ago. The writer of the letter has left a mysterious puzzle within and clues leading to an unknown future. So with the help of Brandon Jones, the quiet boy across the street, Candice begins to decipher the clues in the letter. The challenge leads them deep into Lambert's history – full of ugly deeds, forgotten heroes, and one great love – and deeper into their own families, with their own secrets.
My review: An amazing read!! A celebration of African American history along with a good-old fashioned puzzle-solving adventure!! I really enjoyed getting to know young Candice and Brandon, and felt as if I was riding alongside them as they solved the clues strewn across the small town of Lambert. The descriptions of the town life in both modern day and in the 50's were exceptionally crafted. This book reads like two stories as we're thrust into the segregated landscape of South Carolina in the late 50's in the slightly darker hued pages. The difference of voice there gives us a more mature storyline with some themes of racism tinged with romance and friendship. Our modern day duo also battle racist remarks but in this instance their parents are of a significant status in society where they have more freedom to act on it. There are themes of homosexuality, tolerance and acceptance highlighted in the brighter hued pages of our modern story. I'm really glad I survived through our lockdown with this read!!
My rating: 5 ⭐
Additional notes: This title has been nominated for the Coretta Scott King Book Award for Author and the Odyssey Award in 2019, and was also nominated for the Boston Globe-Horn Book Award for Fiction & Poetry in 2018.


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Whether you are doing a beach vacay or blowing that kiddie pool back up for a backyard BBQ, we got some cute outfits for ya'll from Amazon today!
Neutral Romper | Polka Two Piece Set | Sunglasses | I'm wearing a medium and Cindy is in XL.
Whenever Cindy invites me over to her pool I'm ready! 🙂 White Bathing Suit Cover Up | Black Cover Up
Even Cali is feeling these outfits. She needed in the picture 🙂 Floral Two Piece Skirt Set | Palm Print Kimono | Straw Tote | Canvas Weekend Tote | Black Sunglasses | I'm wearing a medium and Cindy's kimono is OS.
Two Piece Loungewear Set | These sets are perfect for lounging around the house, walking to a local coffee shop while on vacay or sitting pool side! Size up if you don't want the shorts super snug. I'm wearing the medium and Cindy is wearing the XL.
Sunflower Kimono | Floral Romper | These looks scream "we are on vacation and are about to go to our first happy hour of the day" 🙂 So yes, I love these! Cindy is wearing an XL in the romper. I'm wearing the medium in the kimono.
Which outfit was your favorite?!
Shop items featured in this post:


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By Gregory Poling (@GregPoling), Fellow, Pacific Partners Initiative (@PacPartnersDC), CSIS
Jayapura, 28/12 (Jubi/CSIS) – Indonesia has experienced a separatist movement in its remote Papua and West Papua provinces since it took control of them in 1969. The provinces are usually referred to simply as West Papua by Pacific Islanders, who by and large continue to call for greater West Papuan self-determination.
Recent developments, and an impending visit by Pacific Island foreign ministers to Papua province, suggest those calls could play a role in incentivizing Jakarta to grant West Papua greater autonomy.
The members of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG)—Fiji, Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, and New Caledonia's Kanak Socialist National Liberation Front (FLNKS)—deferred an important decision at their 19th leaders' summit on June 19–21. They set aside an application for membership by the pro-independence umbrella group, the West Papua National Council for Liberation (WPNCL).


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Tractor Guru introduces Force tractor dealers and showrooms in Gaya. 1 authorized Force tractor dealer is available in Gaya with all the details. In addition to tractor dealers, you may also discover new Force tractor showrooms nearby your location in Gaya. Find the details of Force tractor agencies and dealers nearest Gaya and experience hassle-free research. You can purchase tractors from Gaya farm tractor dealers by comparing the cost and specifications of Force tractor models.
Tractor Guru brings a complete details of Force tractor dealers in Gaya. We provide all offline and online Force authorized tractor dealers in your area. You can quickly go through the Force tractor dealers list 2022 or pick any Force tractor showroom near you in Gaya. Furthermore, in Gaya, you can pinpoint a Force tractor agency to gather the information you need to purchase a Force tractor type.
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Address: M/S. SADGURU AGENCYVILLAGE - TEKARI, P.O. – CHIRALI, P.S. - TEKARI, Tikari , Gaya, Bihar-
Use the filter option to refine the best Force tractor dealers in Gaya near you. Then, you can easily navigate Force new tractor dealers or the Force tractor showroom in Gaya. You will get authorized Force tractor dealers and tractor showroom near you in Gaya. And also a full information regarding Force tractor dealers in Gaya and related Force tractor models. Also, find Mahindra local tractor dealers contact details, name and complete addresses in Gaya.
If you are searching for a Mahindra tractor dealership in Gaya, so visit to the nearest Mahindra tractor dealer. Moreover, you can also find Mahindra online tractor dealership name list in Gaya. With the help of a tractor dealer locator in Gaya, you can find the best Mahindra tractor dealer in Gaya for your next purchase. By referring to Gaya's list of Mahindra tractor dealers, you can find all the Mahindra new tractor dealers in Gaya.
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The comparison hadn't occurred to me. although I guess it should have.
Police pursuit.
Allegations of racism.
Extraordinary media coverage.
A white perception of a murderer on the run.
A black perception of a hero wronged and the need to balance the scales.
What put these similar aspects of former football star O.J. Simpson's 1994 Bronco chase and subsequent trial and last week's manhunt for former U.S. Naval officer and L.A.P.D. cop Christopher Dorner on my radar was the reflections and insights of Politics365 blogger Jeneba Ghatt's piece, "Christopher Dorner is the new O.J. Simpson" in VOXXI's "Opinion Corner". http://www.voxxi.com/why-christopher-dorner-new-oj-simpson/
As I read Ghatt's conflicted thoughts, I rehashed my own. My vacillation from one day to the next during Simpson's trial as I describe in "Anatomy of a Trial" to my reaction at the verdict to an evolving understanding in subsequent years of many African-Americans' satisfaction and even jubilation over the outcome.
I attribute some, if not all, of that evolution to changes in my psyche that includes an awareness and understanding of white privilege, an ongoing education on what it means to be black in America and how unlevel the playing field continues to be for citizens in this country who are not Caucasian/European-American.
Ghatt's piece is thought provoking. I recommend it.


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Choose a class. Choose your die. Choose your enemy, and assemble your forces to attack the Dark Tower. 9th Level Games in association with Restoration Games announced the development of a stand-alone, hardcover RPG system and campaign that will put players in the roles of the heroes of the Return to Dark Tower board game. Over the course of a series of procedurally generated adventures, your party will assemble soldiers and allies, and acquire powerful magic and lore, to attack the Dark Tower and defeat the Evil within. The game will be focused on a short campaign experience and will blend epic action with classic dungeon delving. "Rob and I, above all else, love role-playing games. As we toiled away at Return to Dark Tower, we knew we were building a world that was rich with potential, and from the outset, we knew an RPG would be amazing. When 9th Level Games approached us about doing just such a thing, we couldn't say 'yes' fast enough. If we weren't going to do it ourselves, there isn't anyone we'd trust more than them to build a Return to Dark Tower RPG that was fun, approachable, and exciting. We can't wait to see the final result. More importantly, I can't wait for my relic hunter to face off against some brigands and start rolling some dice!"
—Justin Jacobson, Owner, Restoration Games "I was 8 years old the first time I saw the Dark Tower box in the aisles of Kiddie City. Knowing that I am getting the chance to work on an RPG based on Dark Tower makes me feel like that kid again."
—Chris O'Neill, Designer of Mazes and creator of the polymorph system, 9th Level Games Return to Dark Tower RPG will be built on 9th Level Games' polymorph roleplaying system and will be part of the Mazes Fantasy Roleplaying family. Return to Dark Tower will be a stand-alone game but its contents will be easily compatible with existing MAZES products. Polymorph is a compact yet comprehensive rules framework for cinematic roleplaying. It's designed to provide the full experience of a "crunchy" RPG, but with minimal setup and prep – all without giving up the fun, mechanical depth of an exciting roleplaying system. Mazes Fantasy Roleplaying is a return to the classic sword and sorcery dungeon crawler with award-winning, yet delightfully simple modern rules that put you right into the action. A thoroughly modern take on the original RPG of dragons, dice, and dungeons! Mazes was nominated in 2020 for an ENnie for Best Rules ENNIE and won the IGDN Indie Groundbreaker Award for Best Rules for the polymorph system. A Kickstarter campaign for a hardcover version of MAZES is currently under way until June 30, 2021. For review requests, to schedule an interview, or to make other inquiries regarding Return to Dark Tower RPG or the Mazes RPG please email firstname.lastname@example.com About Restoration Games Restoration Games is owned and operated by attorney Justin D. Jacobson. Design is overseen by their Chief Restoration Officer, the award-winning designer, Rob Daviau. Together, they identify old games that just need a little love and spit and polish to be restored to their former glory and beyond. Their games include Stop Thief, Fireball Island, and Downforce. For more information visit www.restorationgames.com Restoration Games and the Restoration Games logo, and "Return to Dark Tower" are trademarks of Restoration Games, LLC. About 9th Level 9th Level Games is a small indie game design and publishing house known for its unique blend of humor, playability, and willingness to try new things. Best known for the RPGS Kobolds Ate My Baby, Mazes and The Excellents Princess Roleplaying. 9th Level also makes board games which include the fan favorite Schrodinger's Cats and Meeple Party. For more information visit www.9thlevel.com


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From March 11 to September 27, the exhibition "The masterpieces of the Collection" can be visited at the Museu de Lleida. This exhibition presents the most significant engravings and artist's books of the Collection, which has been entirely deposited in this Museum.
Piece's pictures of the exhibition: "The Gelonch's Collection in the home"
26/6/2020: Vist of the Right Honourable Mr. Quim Torra Pla, President of the Catalan Government:
25/8/2020: Visit of Mayor of Lleida, Mr Miquel Pueyo, to the exhibition:


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So far this year I've read 70 books – and written reviews for only a fraction of these. The chances are that I'm never going to get around to writing full reviews for every book I've ever read, so I thought I'd group together a few recent reads from the YA fantasy genre and do a post of mini-reviews!
The reason why these ones haven't yet made it into full reviews is that I didn't enjoy them enough to recommend them, and I generally don't like writing full length negative reviews unless I feel really strongly about them.
Judging from reviews of these books I've seen on the blogosphere, I get the feeling that my opinions on most of these are going to be unpopular. I know others loved them, but for the most part, these ones just weren't for me.
I know that some people might ask why I'm writing reviews that are mainly negative. Well, the reviews and the opinions of other bloggers have a big impact on the books I pick up, and there are plenty of books in this genre that I've really enjoyed recently because of blogger recommendations.
But I think it's really helpful to read a range of reviews with different opinions. I mainly saw positive reviews of these books on the blogosphere, but I think if I'd read reviews that were more varied I could have been a bit pickier and chosen books that I personally would have enjoyed more.
Let me know what you think! Did you enjoy/not enjoy any of the books below?
Do you write reviews for every books you read even if you weren't a fan?How do you feel about writing negative reviews? Continue reading


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There are few better ways to end the week than filling a glass with your favorite whiskey. Whether you prefer bourbon, scotch, rye, single malt, or one of the many other whiskey varieties, there are several possibilities to make the flavors blossom.
Here are some easy tips to ensure you're making the most out of every sip:
The type of glass you use will make a considerable impact on the way the whiskey tastes. If you prefer to drink your whiskey neat, opt for a nosing glass that accentuates the whiskey's aroma, such as the Glencairn whisky glass.
However, if you're drinking whiskey on the rocks, a sturdy, heavy tumbler is the way to go.
According to Healthline, your nose can identify over one trillion aromas, making your sense of smell a key component to enjoying a glass of whiskey.
So, after pouring a glass, take a moment to give the whiskey a swirl. Gently sniff it while keeping your mouth slightly open, which will help avoid inhaling the bitter scent of alcohol. Also, try to keep away from other odors, such as a candle or perfume. Focus solely on taking in the aroma of the whiskey.
There's heated debate over the best way to enjoy whiskey. But, most agree to try it neat first, as that is how distillers create it to be enjoyed.
If you prefer to add water, try adding it drop by drop. For a chilled beverage, it's best to use an ice ball, whiskey stones, or steel balls. They won't melt and dilute the whiskey as much as smaller ice cubes that dissolve quickly.
Overall, seafood, roasted meats, smoky cheese, and sweet desserts are the ideal dishes to pair with whiskey.
If you're eating a lighter meal such as sushi, match it with a lighter Japanese whiskey. But, with a heavier meal, like steak or some other roasted meat, you might want to turn to bourbon. It's a fuller-bodied whiskey, providing the perfect complement.
Bitters work similarly to a garnish in that they add a hint of additional flavor without taking over the entire palette. A wide range of bitters is available, including the traditional Angostura bitters, orange bitters, grapefruit bitters, and more.
An expensive whiskey is meant to be enjoyed neat or on the rocks. However, when you have a less expensive bottle, experiment by mixing it into a whiskey cocktail.
Some of the best include Sazerac, high ball, mint julep, John Collins, Irish coffee, and – of course – the tried-and-true Manhattan, whiskey sour, and old-fashioned.
Cigar and whiskey combinations work similarly to pairing wine with food – some pair better than others. If you have a cigar bar in your area, ask about the best cigars to enjoy with your whiskey of choice.
How do you enjoy your favorite whiskey? Follow us on Instagram to share your experiences with us.


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Tree planting day is Saturday, November 19, 2022. Applications for trees are due by September 23, 2022!
Would you like a free tree, help planting a tree, or advice on tree care? Please complete the form below!
River Park Tree Canopy Project
Having trouble with our form? No access to email? You can send us a note at RPTCP Tree Program, C/O RPNA, P.O. Box 19688, Sacramento, CA 95819.
If you can't participate in the River Park Tree Planting Day, you can contact the Sacramento Tree Foundation or SMUD at any time to sign up for a free tree, at 916-924-8733 or email@example.com.


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Apple beat Wall Street's expectations today with its Q3 2018 earnings report. Even though iPhone sales were barely up 1% the company still posted better-than-expected revenues as sales of Apple Watch, services and AirPods picked up the slack leading to Apple's best Q3 results ever.
Prices of Apple shares skyrocketed closer to the illustrious $204 mark that will make the iPhone-maker the first ever trillion dollar company once the results posted and Tim Cook seemed extremely confident and relaxed on his call with investors this afternoon. While the rest of tech stocks are starting to sink, Apple is as steady ever.


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- Henry Prater
Jeremiah 29: An Opportunity while apart.
Hello Edgemont Family!
I hope this post finds you doing well today. I mentioned last week that our Bishop and cabinet have asked us to continue to suspend worship through May 18th. I also mentioned that our leadership team is beginning to think about what it will look like when we come back together. There are a lot of questions around when that will be, what that will look like, and how we will make that happen. Yet, even in the middle of those questions, there is a longing to be back together, almost a hurry to get back to the way things were.
As I was thinking about that this morning, I was reminded of a Scripture passage from Jeremiah 29. I am not going to post the whole passage, but here is a link: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jeremiah+29&version=NIV. I encourage you to go and read that passage and meditate on it today, especially, verses 1-14. Many of us are familiar with verse 11, "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." What we often miss is that these instructions were given to the people in the middle of their time in exile...a time in exile where they were going to be there for awhile. There would not be a quick return to the land of Israel; they were commanded to live and do well in the land they found themselves. It was during that time that God would find them, they would find God, and they would get to come home.
What does that say to us today as we seek to social distance in this time of a pandemic? We long for a return to normalcy and the way things were; yet, what might God be trying to show us in this time? I think God is calling us all in the midst of this storm to live in to being the church in ways we are not used to being. We are afforded the opportunity to seek God in new ways, to take time and go deeper in our faith. While we long for a return to in-person worship, let us not miss out on how God's spirit is moving and calling us to Himself and to connect with each other in new ways.
I want to offer each of us a challenge this week. In addition to your normal scripture and study practices, join me in reading Jeremiah 29 this week. After each reading, go to the Lord in prayer, asking the Spirit to speak to us on how we should seek God during this time. Remember Jesus told his disciples in Matthew 18:19-20, "Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them." I believe that Christ Jesus will guide us as we continue in this time.
He is Risen!
Pastor Henry


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Chase representatives have requested, again, that the city of Portland delay its decision about the bank's application to build a branch in the Hillsdale neighborhood in Southwest Portland.
"We made this decision in an effort to continue to try to work with the neighborhood association to find a solution that will work for everyone," Chase spokeswoman Darcy Donahoe-Wilmot wrote in an email.
Douglas Hardy, a planner with the city's Bureau of Development Services, said he called Chase officials at the end of last week to "give them a heads-up" that the city would likely not approve the application.
Chase is seeking an adjustment request, to build a branch building that occupies only 21 percent of the site, instead of the 50 percent required by the commercial storefront zoning in place in the Hillsdale Neighborhood Town Center.
"It's just too far from the minimum building coverage standard," Hardy said.
The Hillsdale Neighborhood Association last week submitted a letter to the city expressing its opposition to the request. Association President Mikal Apenes told the DJC previously that the organization opposed the application because it had not been able to discuss it with Chase representatives.
Chase representatives met with residents in early August; however, after initial concerns were raised, residents' requests to meet with Chase officials to discuss an alternate "design plan" did not result in meetings, according to HNA member Robert Hamilton, who was tasked with setting up the meetings.
The comment period for the application was set to end Sept. 19, but it was extended an additional 30 days, with the city slated to issue a decision around Oct. 26. Chase will have the option to change its proposal in the interim, but if the application is significantly different, then it may need to start over, Hardy said.
"(Chase officials) are re-evaluating their alternatives for the proposal," he said. "They'll be getting back to me."


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What type of charity giver are you?
In down time, between paying the bills and making the money to pay the bills, I imagine that I have a secret stash. I enjoy making a list of how I would give philanthropically.
Of course, I would do it all on the down low — very mysteriously. No one would know where that fridge for the neighbor family came from, or who contributed to the little one's medical bills. Sneaky. That's my style.
What kind of philanthropy describes your particular style of giving?
1) The "someone's gotta do it" guy. If it needs to happen, it might as well be you to do it. You are community minded. You are the volunteer. When there is a sign-up sheet passed around, you make sure your name and number are on it. Philanthropy is Greek for love of humanity. You are all over that and more. You even got your dog at the local shelter, and you almost got a bunny on your way out.
2) Serving quietly is your style. You share a love for humanity as well, but getting your photo in the paper is not for you. You don't sign the check but get a money order for anonymity. You ask that your name be left off the donor list. You quickly place your hazard lights on and put your car in park while you help push the guy's car who is out of gas to the curb or through the intersection — and then you are off. Who was that guy?
3) You are the giver who sees the many benefits all around from doing a good deed daily; tax exemptions, business word-to-mouth, good PR, increased employee involvement and ownership. Service is simply a better business practice that serves everyone and affects the bottom line.
4) Is there a wrong doing in Sacramento, Tampa or Cleveland? You are right there at the state capital with your expertly written picket sign. You have a box of little paper hand guards for dripping wax from the last candlelight vigil. Your phone number is freely given so that, at the drop of a good cause, you are there with the posse in tow. You are passionate about your causes – and you have several.
5) You get physically involved, and you have the tee shirt to prove it. In fact, you have about twelve of them, and you have walked, ran, biked and car washed. And then you go home and take cookie orders online. If anyone looks bored, you are right there with a website that will do them well. You are planning a money drive for next month because one of the two children you sponsor in Africa needs braces.
6) Your grandpa David started a charitable foundation in the early 50's, and every family member has done time getting pledges and answering phones. Philanthropy is your family tradition. You take your kids to the soup kitchen that has a table named for uncle Harmon. You fall to sleep wondering what kind of foundation you could start. You have a tradition of giving.
7) You think you are not going to heaven, and so you need all the points you can muster. You remember your neighbor who came over to help your poor mother get her battery jumped who brought jumper cables and three loaves of banana bread and a jar of honey. You are a do-unto-others person, and you take joy in repaying good deeds done. And then you pay it forward.
8) You see something on TV or hear something on a radio about someone who did something for someone else, and you say to yourself, "that should be me". You get excited and decide to spend time discovering what your dream cause could be. Then you do the laundry and forget all about it.
Which kind are you?
Davison Cheney, FamilyShare
Davison Cheney attended BYU where he became proficient in music and theater, preparing him to be unemployed and to over-react. See his other writings at davisoncheneymegadad.blogspot.com -- and be sure to Ask Prodigal Dad.


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Creating rhythms for your reflective practices: Tools to revitalize your inner life
The most impactful thing I did in 2015 was to create a new structure around my reflective practices. Two friends and I agreed to be in community around our learning for the year; we selected the Power Path's Monthly Forecast— a shamanic reading of the month— as the platform for our exploration. At the beginning of each month, we each read the forecast, pulled out excerpts that resonated with us, and wrote a reflection on how those pieces connected with our lives.
While I love the Power Path, more significant than engaging with it was committing to a regular structure for introspection. As someone who is already quite reflective, the space to write about my learning and pull out larger patterns was particularly significant. Exploring this in the context of community provided both challenge and support, from the accountability for regular reflection to the example set by my friends in their depth of inquiry and self-kindness in approach.
As a leader, carving out space to foster learning, identify areas for growth, and notice the themes emerging in your life is critical. Cultivating this connection to your inner landscape enables you to lead from a place of greater awareness. When we talk about mindful leadership, we are talking about this awareness.
Whether you are working on further incorporating reflection into your leadership or you need a tool to tease out a bigger picture of this regular activity, here are five ideas to create some scaffolding around your reflection.
Morning Pages Morning pages is a daily practice of writing three pages of uncensored stream of consciousness when you wake up (this goes against Cameron's teaching, but I suggest that doing it any time of day serves you better than feeling guilty about hitting snooze). The idea behind the practice is to clear out anything swimming in your subconscious. Whatever I write— complaints, inspiration, the block in writing I feel, or spontaneously creating something I didn't know was in me— I am carving out space to listen to myself. As one of my mentors often quips: "When we write it down, things move." Something is released, or else I conclude that it's boring and unfruitful; either way is okay, as it allows me to lead with greater openness.
Weekly Words Sports psychologists have long-known the effectiveness of intention setting. One way I use this tool is by choosing a word or phrase that I would like to live into for the week. Using the same word for a week provides me with time to practice it; I might forget it one day, while the next day I say it with every breath (another practice known as centering prayer). Either way, choosing an intention creates momentum in my life. To choose the word, I often ask myself: What am I discovering about myself through daily pages? From that: What do I need more of right now?
Lunar Calendar There are many ways to structure a monthly reflection, be it the Roman calendar or the moon's cycles. Whether it's a series of questions to ask myself or a monthly source of inspiration, I grow more when I pause every thirty days to reflect upon my inner-work. This practice is about slowing down and zooming out. When I take this time, I usually notice the way my daily and weekly learning is circling around a specific edge or opportunity.
Seasonal Rhythms Just as the planet cycles through different seasons, so too does our learning. Using the changing seasons to connect with my roots (autumn), slow down and store energy (winter), cleanse and shed old layers (spring), and take new action (summer) is a helpful way for me to understand my year. For spiritual exercises around this, check out The Circle of Life: the Heart's Journey Through the Seasons.
Whether you implement one of these ideas or create your own, I'd love to hear in the comments section about the structures that support your reflection.
Follow Stacey @staceystravels.
Interested in more articles like this?
Valencore's InsideOut Leadership Blog Series runs now through September. To see more of this series' posted blogs or to sign-up for the option to receive email alerts when new articles are published, click here.
#leadershipblogseries #weeklywisdom #mindfulness #reflection #reflectivepractices #leadinsideout


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One of the most famous trails in Maui the Pipiwai Trail is hidden away on the very backside of Hana over a 2-hours drive (minimum) from anywhere. The short but intense jungle hike takes you deep into the Hana Rainforest, past some staggering waterfalls through the ancient and lost jungle and through a mysterious and ghostly Bamboo patch. With Hiking the Pipiwai Trail Maui Hawaii one of the highest-rated Hana Activities, we take a look at exactly what to expect when hiking one of the most stunning and beautiful trails on the Island
About the Pipiwai Trail
- Length – 4 Miles Round Trip
- Duration – 2-3 Hours
- Map – Google
- Difficulty – Moderate
- Elevation – + 800ft
- Notes – Well Defined, but rough rail, uphill into dense, humid, mosquito-filled jungle. Waimoku Falls
Where is the Pipiwai Trail
Pipiwai Trail is located in the Haleakala National Park in the Kīpahulu District of the Park, however, that may not help you that much if you don't know where those places are. Essentially the Kīpahulu District of Haleakala is at the very backside of the island, remote and very difficult to get to. It is one of the last stops along the Hana Highway just before the narrow single-track road becomes a dirt trail and off-limits to hire cars.
Essentially it is one of the hardest places to get to on the island with one of the longest travel times. Even via the Back road to Hana, it is not much closer or easier to get to, and your hire car insurance will be invalid! So why is the Trail so popular? Is it SO good people are willing to travel 3-4 hours just to hike it? Well no. It is a nice trail but it's not worth the drive really.
The Trail is popular because it is part of the Road to Hana Experience. The Road to Hana is about the journey, experiencing the Lost World coastline, spotting waterfalls, jaw-dropping beaches, and hiking the Pipiwai, and Checking out the Seven Sacred Pools at the Kīpahulu District of Haleakala. It is part of the wonderful journey that is The Road To Hana
Getting there
As we said most people will do this Trial as part of the Road to Hana so, however you are navigating the Road, be it a private hire Car or a Tour bus that is how you will get to the trail. Simply carry on Past Hana until you reach the Kipahulu Portion of the Haleakala National Park. Unfortunately to Hike the Trail you have to pay the Park Entry Fee of $30 per vehicle. This will get you ample parking plus access to all areas of the park, including the summit area, for 3 days.
$30 is A LOT of money to do this hike so we strongly advise timing this with visiting the Summit area in the next 3 days. Alternatively, if you have visited the Summit area in the last 3 days save your receipt, and access to the Kipahulu district is included. Parking outside of the park is very limited to essentially none. So there is no real way to avoid paying and besides even by hiking the trail you are required to pay $15 per person even if you don't have a vehicle!
The best plan is to just make sure you visit both parts of Haleakala Park in the same 3-Day window. Better still grab an America the Beautiful Pass and get access to all USA National Parks for 1 year for $80 or if you are heading to the Big Island a TRI-Park pass will cost $55 and get you in all 3 Hawaiian National Parks.
Full Guide to visiting Haleakala here
How the heck do you Say Pipiwai?
Those pesky Hawaiian words can really trip you up, right. and the Pipiwai Trail is one we hear botched many times over. But it's actually very easy to pronounce. At least the way we have been led to believe.
Pee – Pee – Why
How Difficult is the Pipiwai Trail?
The Hike is a 2-mile uphill hike on a reasonable trail with a total gained height of around 800 feet. The gradients are fairly shallow for the majority of the climb and there is nothing difficult underfoot apart from a few loose rocks, uneven surfaces, and exposed roots. If there has been very heavy rain it can be a little muddy and slippery but on the whole, it's a pretty easy hike. The route is out and back so you obviously have to retrace your steps once you reach the terminus of the trail and the spectacular Waimoku Falls and hike down the 2-mile trail making a 4-mile hike in total.
The only difficulty you will face is heat, humidity, and wildlife. Under the jungle canopy, it is really hot and humid, this makes the trail far more taxing than it would be in cooler conditions. The trail is also flanked by many areas of standing water and the valley walls and tree cover means winds are light. This is the perfect breeding ground for Mosquitos. Combined with light clothing, shorts and t-shirts, heavy breathing and raised body temperature and the missiles are going to home in on you pretty aggressively.
Expect to get bitten, a lot!
What to Wear?
This is definitely a Trail for light breathable clothing. Activewear is best with a basic Technical Tee and sporty shorts all you need. Compression wear is completely unnecessary for a hike such as this but you may like your yoga pants, so whatever is comfortable. Tights and Long-Sleeved tops may help with the Bugs, however.
The terrain underfoot is mostly fine and Hiking boots are not required, and reasonable sports shoes will be fine. Even in the rain, the trail is pretty reasonable.
Rain is likely so maybe consider a very light rain jacket if the skies are looking heavy, but on the whole, it is likely to be warm so rain is more of a relief than a problem. However, remember showers can roll in at a minute's notice, so rain protection for any fragile cameras/electronics is essential.
Things to Pack
Being only a 4-mile round trip, and one you can cut short at any moment, you are not really going to need much. A small backpack with a liter of water each and emergent snacks and you are good to go. You can get water at the Visitor Centre but it's better to bring it in with you.
Other than that you are good to go and travel light. Of course, the only essential piece of kit is a good camera…you are going to need that!
You can bring Bug Spray, but the reality is you are going to need it so you may as well just apply before you leave the car. The same with sun cream. The trail is mostly covered so not overly necessary, apply as you would for the day rather than the hike in general.
Hiking the Pipiwai Trail
Technically the trail starts off in the National Park Visitors Center and heads out and across the Hana Hwy, we start our description there as the trailhead leaves the road.
You can't miss the trail as it is the only track leading away from the coast and up into the jungle. The trail starts out fairly steep and climbs up away from the Oheo Gulch with glimpses of the pools through the foliage. Underfoot is a mix of dirt, exposed stone, and roots, a typical forest trail as the path meanders in and out of tree cover and into sunny meadows. It lacks the real jungle feel at this point and is more like a pleasant walk in a sunny wood.
Soon, as the trail reaches the top of the first climb the Falls of Makahiku come into view. This is one of the most stunning waterfalls we have ever seen. The sheer rock walls are covered in green moss as the river plunges to the depth below. Care should be taken on this part of the trail as wandering off-trail to get photos or a better look at the falls has resulted in several deaths as people have fallen into the valley below!
Shortly after the first falls, the trail hits the Banyan Tree. This is one of the most spectacular examples of this colossal tree in the state and being hidden away in the remote jungles makes it all the more appealing. The long branches of the Strangler Fig are perfect for kids to play on as you take a quick break in the shade after the first hot climb.
From here the trail follows the stream passing a series of small falls and pools and is the most unremarkable part of the hike. After approximately a mile the trail crosses a pair of Twin Bridges across the stream and then back again. Below the bridges are a pair of twin waterfalls and pools that are very pretty.
Right after the Bridges, you hit the Bamboo Forest. This ghostly part of the trail is filled with the sounds of hollow knocks as the bamboo gently bashes against itself. The sound is akin to a wind chime blowing in the breeze and is both soothing and eerie at the same time. The Thick Bamboo has cut out almost all other vegetation and the dense forest is dark and foreboding, transporting you to a haunted realm with nothing but the bamboo and the path cut through the invading hordes. Bamboo is an invasive species and it really has taken hold here, as you look up the valley you can see the density of the infestation as the tops of the plants billow out of the canopy like clouds.
After an indeterminate time deep in the Bamboo you finally emerge and the forest changes completely you are now in the deep jungle and the plant life is stunning. With large Elephant leaves and thick jungle, foliage abound, as you approach a clearing to find a picture-perfect waterfall of huge proportions. The Waimoku Falls are seriously stunning, 400ft of sheer rock rack face encircle the clearing as the Pipiwai stream plunges the entire length. The walls coated by Moss and Lycans, all fed by the constant spray of the Falls.
It is a really surreal and wonderful location to end the hike. The pool under the Falls certainly seems inviting and the perfect way to cool off after the hike. However, Access is difficult over the boulder field and the water is quite shallow and very cold. Under the falls themselves is very unpleasant, the water hitting you from 400ft is downright painful and not at all like how showering in a shampoo commercial makes out! Still, it is hard to resist, however, it is a risky endeavor and any pebbles or sticks that flow over the falls will certainly hit a lot harder than water!
After taking in the setting for a while, all that is left is to turn tail and head back down the trail. Descending is naturally a lot easier and a fair bit quicker and you can be back at the trailhead in 30-40 mins.
Trail Gallery
Tips and Safety
Remember it is HOT – Make sure you pack plenty of water as the hot and humid conditions under the jungle canopy really take their toll
The trail is uphill the whole way some once toy hit the Waimoku Falls, after a rest, it's all downhill. Expect the return journey to take less than half the hike up, and that is without taking into account you will stop far more often on the hike up!
Stick to the trail – the Trail is defiantly in the wilds and is not overly maintained. Once off the trail, there are sheer drops and often concealed. People have died on this trail!
Under the Waimoku Falls is not a safe place to linger. If you insist on showering in the falls do so briefly, just enough to grab your Instagram shot! To be honest, the freezing after and pounding water will beat you into a hasty retreat regardless!
Flash Floods – Most of the trail is high above the water level and flash floods are not a big risk, but heavy rainfall high in the mountains can turn the trickle into a raging torrent. Anywhere close to the stream is in danger, but this is mainly limited to the summit area around the Waimoku Falls, when these turn nasty you do not want to be there. Those Boulders you scrambled over to get to the falls, they were all thrown over the falls in Flash Floods!
Being careful in general pays off at the far end of the Hana Highway. There is very little out here in ways of assistance. If you get injured, help is a long way away.
Similarly, bring everything you need. There is NOTHING at the visitor center by way of groceries or Gas. Bring all you need with you. This applies to driving the Highway itself, there is gas are some groceries in Hana itself but there are expensive and not to be relied upon, apart from that there is nothing but jungle and the odd fruit stand!
Timing is difficult, avoiding crowds is hard as we all seem to arrive at once on our pilgrimages along the road to Hana. The best time to hike is either very early on in the day or very late, around lunch and early afternoon it is at its hottest and most crowded. However early on or late both require an overnight stay in Hana. This is well worth it but may not fit with your itinerary or other plans.
You can camp at the Kipahulu Park and get up super early for a near-deserted trail!
Oh and remember to wear Bug Spray!
Other things to do in the Area?
The Kipahulu District is a tiny part of the Haleakala National park and there are only limited things to see and do. The Visitors Center is quite interesting but small and there are some traditional Hawaiian huts on the grounds and some ancient burial grounds. It is quite interesting but will not take more than 10mins of your time.
The Main Draw at the park apart from the Trail is the Seven Sacred Pools of the 'Ohe'o Gulch. The seven pools are very popular for swimming and cooling off after the hike up Pipiwai. The Picturesque pools make for great photo opportunities but swimming in them is pretty overrated. The water is frigid and often a bit grotty. While getting in is an urge that is practically impossible to resist, swims tend to be short and accompanied by lots of cussing.
There is a risk of water-borne diseases and when the river is in flood the pools will definitely be closed. Cliff jumping was once popular but has been banned after injuries. We prefer to take in the beauty of the pools without getting wet, but we know it is hard not to strip off and cool down. The pools are regularly shut for various reasons and you actually have more chance of finding them closed.
The Ocean Entry is defiantly not safe and the conditions vary from rough to suicidal. The sea is defiantly best avoided here, head back to the beaches of Hana if you want an ocean swim.
More about 'Ohe'o Gulch here
Have Your Say
Have you hiked the Pipiwai trail? Let us know your thoughts and experience of one of Maui's most loved trails. How did you find the terrain, was the gradient too much, and was the Pay-Off, the Waimoku Falls, worth the hot and humid hike up to them? Let us know your thoughts in the comments and let us know if you have any recent updates to the condition of the tail. As always if you have any questions fire away


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PDA (Presbyterian Disaster Assistance) & PUERTO RICO EARTHQUAKE RECOVERY:
You can donate to hurricane recovery work (and any natural disaster) through Presbyterian Disaster Assistance. Go to pda.pcusa.org for more info or to help.
Visit PDA on line or you may write a check to MCPC with "Hurricane" in the memo and bring/mail it to the church.
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Features of BlackBerry and Samsung Galaxy S
The most important cause that the BlackBerry mobiles have won fame is that those aren't the most effective mobiles however also PDA. These devices can ship and get hold of emails fast and provide a couple of messaging capabilities of which textual content prediction and auto accurate are few. The credit score for introducing the QWERTY keypad is going to BlackBerry that was the primary in the race of manufacturing mobiles with QWERTY keypads. The customers of the BlackBerry mobiles do not want to split themselves from this logo because BlackBerry is constantly improving their devices to meet the converting needs of the customers. BlackBerry Torch is the new BlackBerry device brought to cell customers.
It is a super device with the QWERTY keypad and slides out a constantly predicted function in mobile with the QWERTY keypad. A touch screen is likewise presented in this handset. The users of this cellular can use the contact screen facility to work on a digital keypad if needed. Touch display characteristic has made the features of this mobile easier to benefit access and perform. The size of the contact screen show is 3.2 inches, and its decision is 360×480 pixels. These functions make this handset a true member of the BlackBerry own family. 3G, EDGE, and GPRS are to be had for the cause of information connectivity. A camera of five megapixels with LED Flash and vehicle recognition also comes inside the BlackBerry Torch. The best availability of centers at decrease BlackBerry Torch Price can be seen in this mobile. Lower BlackBerry Torch Price has additionally been a hit in attracting many mobile users.
Samsung Galaxy S is the most recent addition inside the Samsung circle of relatives. This model was delivered in Las Vegas, Nevada. J.K. Shin, the president of Samsung, has branded the Samsung Galaxy S as a new class of smartphones. Samsung Galaxy S has many features greater than the sooner Samsung cell telephones, and because of these functions, Samsung Galaxy S is capable of enticing extra customers. The contact display in Samsung Galaxy S is 4 inches remarkable AMOLED. This contact display does not place the sensors on any other panel; however, it locations the sensors directly at the screen to reduce the thickness of the phone. This is the purpose of the slender and smooth appearance of this phone.
Samsung Galaxy S is a slim phone and not using an area. This cellphone is ideal for each out-of-the-door and indoor use because the display of this telephone is eighty% less reflective. This telephone additionally has a better display screen, first-class, and stepped forward touch sensitivity. The screen of the Samsung Galaxy S provides a pointy viewing enjoy the videos, photos, and e-books. Samsung has partnered with Paramount Pictures. This partnership is done to offer the entire period movies to the customers of Samsung Galaxy S. Samsung has additionally partnered with the Skiff e-book reader to offer e-books to the customers of Samsung Galaxy S.
The measurement of the Samsung Galaxy S is 122.4×64.2×9.Nine mm. The thickness of this cell is the simplest nine.9 mm and a cellphone with so much less thickness is made viable due to the Super AMOLED contact screen. Not most effective, the thickness; the however weight of this telephone is also very much less because it weighs the handiest weighs 118 grams. Samsung Galaxy S is less difficult to hold due to its mild weight and reduced thickness. When you placed it in your pocket, it's going to no longer come up with a sense that it's miles in your pocket. The casing of this smartphone comes in gray and black making it appear remarkable, and it also seems glossy.
If you're inclined to purchase your first mobile phone or need to exchange out of your desire, then you definitely have many options. The exceptional many of the available options are BlackBerry Torch and Samsung Galaxy. So it's miles higher to select one from those if you want to make a perfect that would make ultimate longer. If you need more information about price, sellers, and so forth, you could go to the subsequent links.
The Samsung Eternity is understood for its attractive design and its responsive touch-display interface. It offers a massive choice of multimedia capabilities and appropriate fine. It strikes the stability among a business-pleasant device and a multimedia tool. It also has a graceful layout, a colorful touch display, and excellent battery existence.
Design and structure
The Eternity possesses all of the hallmarks of a sophisticated touch display screen phone. Its square body and slender profile are four. Three inches long, 2.2 inches wide, and.5 inches thick. It best weighs three.88 oz., making it surprisingly lighter than its other opposite numbers. Its rich black color scheme is straightforward but appealing, and the smooth cloth around its LCD makes it stand out from other traditional cellular phones.
The three.2-inch LCD of the Samsung Eternity is big enough to make you feel relaxed even as you're browsing through its menu and typing on its digital keyboard. Its LCD screen is strong enough to support 262,000 shades and sharp photographs. You also have the choice to alternate its backlighting time, its font type, or even its brightness.
Keyboard and controls
Below its show, 3 bodily keys are discovered a Talk button, an End button, and a back key. These keys will make it less complicated to browse through Samsung's menu. Its contact interface is likewise very smooth to apply, and you could easily modify its manipulate setting if you have any problem.
The Samsung Eternity's digital keyboard is by some means much like different contact screen handsets and other Samsung cell telephones. It has separate keyboards for letters and emblems, and it offers a third keyboard for emoticons. The dedicated punctuation keys in the Samsung Eternity also are available and easier to apply than the punctuation keys in other cell phones.


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Pakistan is another attempt to rise the issue of Jammu and Kashmir to the world has asked UNHRC(united nations human…Read More »
Since 2014, when Narendra Modi became Prime Minister of India with a whooping majority, there is an unannounced political polarization…Read More »
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'Vikram Lander' lost contact with the command room, in what was a final stage of Chandrayaan-2. Last night when this…Read More »
=Hold your heads high dear scientists for you have made us proud. 'Vikram' stopped communicating with command centre, but Vikram…Read More »
When a malevolent observance is legally approbated by the religious scriptures and law, it's the end of humanitarianism. Islam is…Read More »
Just yesterday UAE snubbed Pakistan saying Kashmir is not Muslim ummah issue. it is a bilateral issue between India and…Read More »
Under the recently amended UAPA act centre has designated Masood Azhar, Hafiz Saeed, Zaki-ur-rehman and Dawood Ibrahim as terrorists. To…Read More »
The Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) administration has asked for the curriculum vitae (CV) of renowned historian Romila Thapar to review…Read More »
Former Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh recently speaking on economic slowdown said it was the result of All–round mismanagement by…Read More »
Congress leader Digvijay Singh, who is famous for his absurd comments and anti hindu reamrks, has gone a step further…Read More »
In Kerala, police have booked case against 30 students for allegedly waving Pakistan flag on campus. The incident happened in…Read More »
The National Register of Citizens (NRC) was released on Saturday following a Supreme Court deadline of August 31 for its…Read More »
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The story of teenage Hindu girls being kidnapped in Pakistan, converted to Islam, getting married to Muslims and turning up…Read More »
As the Cold War gained momentum, India became a CIA (central intelligence agency) target. It was all because the first…Read More »
Congress leader, former party president Mr. Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday used his Twitter handle and made a statement: where in…Read More »
Taking the "Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao" campaign to the next level, the central government has taken leap towards providing healthy…Read More »
The Kailasa Temple in Ellora is an architectural masterpiece. Its structure & carvings remain unmatched till date. There also remains…Read More »


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Interview: Dr. Mark Mugiishi, President and CEO, HMSA
Please describe how and when you are conducting your return to your office or other physical locations.
As Gov. David Ige started to lift Hawai'i's stay at home restrictions in mid-May, HMSA's first wave of employees began returning to work.
This is a slow process. We're moving carefully and cautiously to make sure that the health and safety of our employees continues to be our top priority. This means closely following all of the social distancing recommendations and implementing practices over shared spaces, shift rotations and alternate scheduling.
Our first wave to transition back included just over 100 employees and was limited to those individuals who could not work productively from home for various reasons. We are carefully monitoring this group and everyone else who is working in the building to decide when and if our next wave of employees can transition back to the office.
After your transition period ends, how do you think your "new normal" will be different from your old normal?
With ongoing COVID-19 public health requirements, we'll have to change our processes for working in the building and will continue to rely on a hybrid of in-person and remote work within our organization. There will be impacts, and flexibility and sacrifices that may be required of all of us.
Now that we're settling into this "new normal," it's time to get back to our mission. We must get back to fundamentals and return to the core of what we're working to accomplish – ensuring that our members have access to high quality, affordable health care. Our constant pursuit of these goals will be amplified as we continue to strengthen our partnerships within the health care community and beyond.
How do you think your new normal will affect your finances and customer service?
HMSA's reserves allow us to support the health of our state and provide financial relief during the COVID-19 pandemic. We are working to assist members, employers and providers by:
- Covering telehealth and COVID-19 tests and treatment without charging our members a copayment.
- Helping employers and individuals facing financial difficulties maintain coverage.
- Making payments to primary care providers under Payment Transformation, even if most of their patients choose not to come in for in-person care.
Financial forecasting is difficult at this time due to the significant volatility and unprecedented uncertainty. Claims costs will likely shift to the second half of this year and beginning of next year because:
The decrease in utilization and related costs that we've seen so far is expected to reverse in the coming months as members reschedule office visits and elective procedures.
We intend to encourage members to reschedule tests, screenings, vaccinations and follow-up visits and procedures that were deferred and are necessary for their ongoing health and well-being.
The overall economy of Hawai'i is expected to take time to recover, and that will put more pressure on health care to be more affordable. Now more than ever, it's important for HMSA to be prudent about managing our operating expenses.
How are going to ensure good employee performance and engagement under your new normal?
Through all of the many challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, our employees have remained dedicated to our members and our mission – to improve the health of Hawai'i.
From having to adapt to working from home, to going with the flow and trying to keep up with the latest statewide rules during this time of uncertainty, they've been nimble, patient, understanding and diligent.
We will continue to work with our management team to assess and evolve the tools we provide to enable, monitor and assess performance and engagement, and we will continue to emphasize regular and transparent communication. It is critical that we all stay focused and connected as our mission becomes more important than ever.
Are there other important lessons your organization learned from this crisis?
Our role in the community extends well beyond the traditional role of a health plan, and we were able to offer support in other ways throughout this pandemic.
For local businesses facing financial difficulties, we formed a CARES Act subcommittee aimed at linking businesses with related federal resources and support.
We worked with businesses that may have employees who are losing employment or health care coverage to help transition those employees to other health care plans.
We learned that things that were always "sacred cows" can be done differently. Our employees were able to successfully complete much of their work remotely. Our providers were able to render much of their care through telehealth.
In addition, HMSA helped lead efforts to develop a roadmap for reopening Hawai'i's economy.


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Grab the Samsung Fascinate for 1 Penny
Yes. It's one of those Amazon deals that are only worth it if you are a not already a Verizon customer, but this is still a hot phone to get for a penny. I won't be purchasing one, but I plan to evaluate one soon for GBM. Good news is that you can grab this deal for $99 if you are a Verizon customer with an upgrade available. Either way, a $199 Android smartphone for 1 cent or $99 isn't too shabby.
To take advantage of this deal, head over to Amazon!
Source: Android Central


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I just read an article on Polish website about female who had mental health problems for several years before she received correct diagnosis. When I read that description I was convinced the diagnosis was autism, but not, it was borderline personality disorder.
Mind you, I obviously have no idea what it is that she has, I only know that autistic females often get misdiagnosed as having borderline personality disorder. This is because randomly repeating social behaviours that we see other people perform is such a stress for us that it causes us to feel like if we have BPD. Mind you, I don't believe that unmasking is a solution here.
From what I know there is no pathway for receiving adult autism diagnosis in Poland, and therefore the awarness will also be very low.
That female mentioned in the article that if something doesn't go according to plan she feels like if her life has ended. But this is exactly how I feel in those situations! And I believe this is due to the fact that I, as an autistic person, see life as a series of finite games instead of one infinite game. If something doesn't go according to a plan I want to finish the game I'm playing because my instinct tells me that will cause another game to start automatically and I hope this one will be easier. Of course, when I say it like that I know this is not true, but this is what my autistic instinct is telling me. My instinct is wrong and that is what is making me disabled (yes, I believe autism is a disability).
However, I am much better lately in that respect and I believe blogging in format that I chose is what is helping me. Even if I cannot imagine future in general, I know one thing for certain: I'll be posting to my blog about what I think and how I feel. That's why it's so important for me to describe my real feelings and not only those that are socially acceptable. Sometimes I write things that are not 'kind', but then there was something in my life that made me feel this way, so it's only fair if I include it. And, BTW, we all experience negative emotions, don't we? Whether we're autistic or not.
Blogging for me is that infinite game that is helping me see that life will in fact continue, no matter what else is going to happen.
I was wondering for a bit if I should contact that lady but thought that could confuse her. If there is no pathway for adult autism diagnosis in Poland then she won't be able to get clarification. Somehow not telling her doesn't feel fair for me, but again, that is probably my autistic instinct talking. And my instinct is often wrong. Not always, mind you, but probably more often than not.


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Univision Reports Higher Quarterly Earnings, Expects $376M in FCC Spectrum Auction Proceeds
Univision Communications on Thursday reported higher fourth-quarter earnings and said that it anticipates receiving approximately $376 million in proceeds from the FCC spectrum auction this year.
Univision Communications on Thursday reported higher fourth-quarter earnings and said that it anticipates receiving approximately $376 million in proceeds from the FCC spectrum auction this year.
The Spanish-language media giant, which has been planning an IPO, posted a profit of $108.0 million for the latest quarter, compared with a year-ago profit of $8.6 million.
Fourth-quarter adjusted operating income before depreciation and amortization (OIBDA), another profitability metric, rose 16.4 percent to $390.1 million, driven by a 16 percent gain in the company's media networks unit and a 15.4 percent increase in its radio division.
Quarterly revenue rose 15 percent to $846.5 million, or 8.5 percent when excluding for better comparability the political/advocacy advertising and content licensing revenue in both periods. Advertising revenue increased 7.8 percent to more than $541 million. Non-advertising revenue, including carriage fees and content licensing, rose 30.6 percent to $305 million.
Univision operates such assets as broadcast networks Univision Network and UniMas, formerly Telefutura, as well as cable channel Galavision and sports network Univision Deportes.
NBCUniversal-owned Telemundo last year reached some landmark victories to beat Univision in the demographic of 18-49 year olds. But Univision said Thursday that it finished the 2015/2016 broadcast season as the most-watched Spanish language network overall for the 24th consecutive year and also leads the overall audience season-to-date.
Said Falco: "Our fourth quarter marked a strong finish to a very positive year for Univision where we achieved the highest revenue and adjusted OIBDA in the history of our company." He added: "Our investments to strengthen and diversify our content and portfolio of assets have helped us to build upon our position as the No. 1 network for U.S. Hispanics and significantly grow our reach."
Falco also said: "As we look ahead, we are optimistic that our increasingly diverse portfolio of leading media assets will position us to perform well in a rapidly changing media landscape."
On the earnings conference call, Falco discussed the company's changes to its programming strategy after some recent ratings disappointments. He said a January announcement that Isaac Lee will oversee content across Univision and Televisa "demonstrates the strength of our relationship with Televisa." And he said: "We have seen some good results from recent programming changes."
Univision is also continuing to invest in non-Televisa content, such as a previously announced upcoming El Chapo miniseries with Netflix.
Overall, Falco said he expects "a strong upfront" advertising sales season in May.
This article was originally published by The Hollywood Reporter.


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This item is used for payment of the deposit and installments for camps in Canada. Prices vary depending on the type of camp, and if airfare is included or not. The final balance is different per camp, and will be paid using a different method, not through here. Camps currently offered for which this item applies are:
- High School Camp (GOOSE)
- English for Health Professionals Camp
- English for Language Instructors Camp
- English for Environmental Sciences Camp
- English for Business Professionals Camp
- English for IT Professionals Camp
After a certain deadline, no refunds are allowed.


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I couldn't suffer for a second more. I couldn't suffer. Breaking the promise, was to break my own heart. Shattered as the Earth, when tears rain as the meteor shower. Like stars, breaking my hemisphere. Breaking my divide, between needed diversion from insanity. For I had found my mind, straight into your own heart. Straight into your arms, there was light. Though, upon the day when the promise was torn, there was to be me, reborn.
Like love never held meaning. It was the silence of myself, to become the howl of the aching beast. I was to, as it was perhaps the simplest gesture, to depart across the waves. For this ocean had been made from both our pairs of eyes. As streaming tears, of some black, with others clear and blue.
I could not suffer, not for a second more in this time of blindness. I could not, for if I did, I'd merely have you to look upon. Just the aches, in this vision of darkness, while you in my mind was not to the light for my eyes.
Not for a moment more, could I see the reflection. Not for any more moments, could I suffer myself, through you. Through your gaze, in the woe of an elongated promise. Here is you, the angel of a mistake of mine. I had broken your wings under a sinking vow. Like a ship that never docked, left to find solitude in the ocean's cracks.
What could I, as the man without a grip upon his sane self, comprehend of your own gestures? You waved, when I had set sail to the waves. You cried, while I did, too. You sighed, along with the winds to myself, breathing over the ocean as the sea did, too.


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Ah, MARVEL'S AGENTS OF S.H.I.E.L.D. what an interesting journey, both on screen and off. The real question remains: is it canon or is it not? I mean, the first several seasons, particularly the first and second, connected directly to Captain America The Winter Soldier and Thor The Dark World. Nick Fury and Sif even showed up for an episode or two! But then from each season on, the world outside the television show it took place in, started getting mentioned less and less, and even though Thanos was mentioned near the end of season 5…we never saw the series link to any of the later Marvel Cinematic Universe films, especially Infinity War or Endgame. After those movies went by before the shows's sixth and seventh seasons premiered, the show runners and producers couldn't even answer simple questions as to when all their events exactly took place. Is it still canon, or if not…is it now it's own thing…it's own timeline? Because with the last 3 seasons, we aren't given any exact dates or years, any time that passes, it is just casually mentioned with a title card or two 'one year later', no big deal. So, that brings us to a new question: in SEASON 7, the final season at the very end, is everything connected? Does it concretely establish itself as MCU canon? My concrete answer: even if it does or doesn't (it kinda sorta does and doesn't), it doesn't really matter. After the first three seasons, the show became its own thing, and without the constructs of having to adhere to the MCU theatrical timeline, its storytelling exploded with rich exposition, imagination, and character development. When it became it's own thing, it was absolutely riveting. And although season 7 does have a couple of nods to the MCU, ESPECIALLY the last two episodes, at the end of the day, who gives an ultimate shit? Us still loyal viewers, we wanted an ending for the CHARACTERS, and not just placating fan service to Infinity War, Endgame, or even Spider-Man Far From Home. Did we get that character ending? Abso-fucking-lutely we did.
Not only do I feel safe in saying that Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. had a fantastic series finale, but I'm quite confident that it was the best season out of the seven, a truly rare accomplishment indeed. Out of 13 episodes, maybe only one lost my attention a couple of times. The other 12? Some of the best episodes of the entire series, especially one directed by series regular Elizabeth Henstridge, that pays homage to Groundhog Day to absolute perfection. Most of the series maybe had about only half a really great season, and half a so-so season. Let's do this in order shall we? The first half of the first season is absolutely fucking abysmal. But those last 11 episodes, especially when it ties itself to Captain America The Winter Soldier…solid. Season 2 takes season one's momentum and ups it a notch, showing how Sky (Chloe Bennett) finds her lineage and her real name (Daisy), along with her superhero identity (Quake). It lagged a bit in the middle though. Season 3 takes the Inhuman story line and steps it up yet a tiny notch further, especially since the references to the MCU become smaller and smaller and smaller. Again, it lagged a bit during the middle though. Season 4 stumbles a bit with the Ghost Rider introduction, but once it gets to Life Model Decoy's about half way through the season, not to mention almost no other connections to the MCU, the storytelling gets very, very good. Season 5 is the last 22 episode season that was my favorite until this last season. I couldn't believe that almost each and every episode mattered, considering I think any show that goes over 13 episodes now per season is tiresome. But season 5, dealing with the team going way into the future and facing the 'Destroyer of Worlds,' was an excellent, excellent storyline.
And the ending of that season? It honestly could've been the end, but I'm glad it wasn't. Season 6 was just a notch below, but that is mainly because I didn't like how they made Clark Gregg (usually Agent Coulson) play a different character that also happened to be the villain of those 13 episodes. But the show now being only 13 episodes instead of 22 made it have more of a solid foundation and didn't become tiresome. And it was still entertaining because the rest of the characters flourish, especially one that was introduced in season 5, Deke, shines here. Season 7 ties everything up, and without giving too much away, Clark Gregg is back as Agent Coulson, everybody gets a fitting ending, and the time travel to the past story line is fun and exciting. Even though the actor that plays Fitz was mostly absent, it made up for it when he finally appeared. Oh…and they pick up a character that was on Agent Carter, and actually give him an arc and an ending story line, which was nice considering that show was (rightly) cancelled abruptly after two seasons. If feels as though season 7 was completely pre-visualized before they even starting writing dialogue or full scripts. This final season has a very nice and tight arc, that while being extremely fun, especially the first 7/8 episodes, makes sure that the final 5/6 don't rush everything. It plants seeds in the first half of the season that steadily grow into a flower that blooms the last 4 when it's still fun, but taken more seriously, story line wise. It is hard to talk about without revealing anything, but I can say that the story involves the characters going through several different time periods in the past, and trying not to fuck up the main timeline, especially when the evil Chronicoms (you'll have to watch the series to get what I'm even talking about), are intent on ending S.H.I.E.L.D. and possibly all of mankind in the process.
The villains this season are good, and although I could get into who they are, it is best not to give any of the reveals away. So what I can talk about without giving much away is how I felt about the series character and acting wise, focusing on the main cast only. Chloe Bennett turns Sky from an 'aw shucks, what is happening to me' kind of one dimensional character, and transforms into 'Quake,' a bad ass heroine that rivals any of the female superheroes we have gotten in the MCU theatrical films. Clark Gregg was a side character in those films as Agent Coulson, but he and the showrunners took the several glimmers of personality we got in those films, and turned it into a full and satisfying emotional arc in these seven seasons of television. Ming-Na Wen, who played Melinda May, is yet another heroine, but without any powers, that rivals most if not all of the female superheroes in the MCU. She constantly surprised us every season with how deeper her initial one-dimensional hardened character could go. Ian De Caestecker and Elizabeth Henstridge as Fitz and Simmons were the true emotional heart of the series. Their friendship and maybe more than friendship was the one constant the entire seven seasons had. It never wavered once in its storytelling, even though Ian is mostly nowhere to be seen this final season (for a good reason it turns out). I don't know whether he didn't want to be in this final season as much because he got tired of being on the show, or if it was a creative decision. Either way, his arc here worked. And his arcs in the other seasons and acting were fantastic as well. Elizabeth's really worked. She took a geeky girl scientist nerd and turned her yet into another strong and emotional bad ass heroine. And like I said before, she directs Episode Nine of this season titled, "As I Have Always Been," that is easily my favorite episode of the series.
Henry Simmons as Mack was always the strong brute that could've also been just a two dimensional character, but in later seasons he got his emotional moments and brilliant one-liners enough to branch out on his own. And then finally Brett Dalton, Natalia Cordova- Buckley, and Jeff Ward, who were only in a third to almost half of the series episodes as Grant Ward, Yo-Yo Rodriguez, and Deke, all shined in whatever screen time they did have. Especially Brett after Grant Ward's big reveal near the end of the first season and when Jeff Ward got to cut loose with Deke in season 6 and made him the comic relief. It was also nice to see that during these whole seven seasons, there was never any showrunner or writer shake up. They stayed put and got to do their vision their way, which is always commendable in the day and age of studio interference. The only thing the studio interfered with here was the uses of any character that the films maybe wanted to use down the line, which actually benefited the show, seeing it didn't have any chains to weight it down. In summary, Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. is one of those very rare shows that just got better and better as time went on. It will be known more for the second half of its life than its first, which is astonishingly unbelievable. Once the connections to the MCU went away, everybody got more creative and more time to play. And it shows. So in the end, who really cares if it is canon or not? I certainly don't (even though in my mind I can argue and provide proof for both ways). When I just finished the series over lunch, the first thing that came to my mind wasn't whether or not canon even mattered because of the confusing nature of where exactly this took place in the MCU. No, the first thing that came to my mind was how emotionally satisfying the arc of all the characters ended and how the storytelling really did become its own…Pandora's Box, if you will. And it was all very…very satisfying and I loved that I got to open Pandora's Box for seven years. Now if only they would let the two showrunners, Jed Whedon & Maurissa Tancharoen…write their own MCU script. Just imagine…
My personal rank of seasons of AGENTS OF S.H.I.E.L.D. :
- Season 7
- Season 5
- Season 6
- Season 4
- Season 3
- Season 2
- Season 1