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"Hey Mike, when is BrikWars 2010 done? I really need to know!!" - Dürer, 2016
Moderator: The Shadowscythe
From now on I'll post LDD creations here.
The Curie-class battlecruiser is the newest addition to the Trattorian fleet, designed to replace the severely-outdated Peacekeeper-class (the latter's design having remained unchanged since 2011). The Curie keeps the general shape of its predecessor but increases the scale of everything- for example, many of the ball-turrets have been replaced by a more powerful quad-turret design.
One peculiarity of the Trattorian navy is its lack of a dedicated carrier vessel. Instead, the role of bringing fighters fell on the cruiser-class vessels, deploying them from external racks but lacking any means to refuel or repair them. The new battlecruiser maintains this role using the same external racks system, the difference being in the expanded capacity of 96 fighters (compared to the 6 of its smaller cousin). Additionally, the nature of the racks system allows for more flexibility- for example, the fighters could be switched out for a broadside battery.
I hope for this to be the start of a massive renovation of the severely-outdated Trattorian navy. Other priorities include upgrading my destroyer and battleship classes to modern specifications and technologies.
This recent security breach is unacceptable. Although RARcom already possesses knowledge of [DATA REDACTED], imagine the consequences of the Scythian Faster-than-Light Institute gaining access to the last half of this file. The last thing we need is for the secrets of ████████ technology becoming a public and commonplace element of the brikverse.
-Lab Director Dr. Shankar, Physics Department
Brikchat wrote:<Guest6854>: screw you, theres an elder god out there with a colette body pillow
Colette wrote: Virgin Engineering
Colette wrote:
BFenix wrote:Silent-sigfig wrote:
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The only thing more boring than a game of golf is a steaming pot of brown whole grain rice, and even that is a close call. Over the past few years, we've learned there are two ways to make golf interesting: One involves lightsaber golf clubs and the other involves injecting some homicidal golf courses into the game. Since lightsaber technology is, conservatively, six years away, this list is about the latter.
5Camp Bonifas
Sports Illustrated called the Camp Bonifas golf course the world's most dangerous "golf course," and as a site that specializes in making lists and dick jokes, we're comfortable deferring to SI on anything vaguely sports-related. What makes this golf course so dangerous? For one thing, it's straddled right between a U.S./South Korea Army base and the Korean Demilitarized Zone. It resides in a small village that is directly in between the North and South Koreans who, it should be remembered, are not fond of each other. Though their war is over, the Washington Post reports that South Koreans have been "living with the very real danger of another North Korean invasion for a generation," so the atmosphere of Bonifas, an area surrounded by ready-and-willing soldiers, is understandably tense.
"Oh yeah? Well we can stare at you through binoculars twice as hard."
But that's not even the most dangerous aspect of the course, and neither are the machine gun nests or razor wires that surround it. It's because, the one-hole course is square in the middle of an active minefield.
You'll notice no one is rushing on over to retrieve their ball.
Why build a course here, let alone play on it? Why, to piss off the North Koreans (a traditionally reserved and mild-tempered bunch), of course. The camp was the home of several skirmishes since the 1950s and once it became demilitarized, the course was built in 1972 and named after a U.S. soldier killed in the line of duty near the course. Since then, American and South Korean soldiers, and civilian tourists, have played the course to combat the taunts of North Korean soldiers that are within earshot.
Via ESPN
"Let Freedom swing! That joke was terrible, but man, freedom is the best."
You can't even get to the course without passing through an area surrounded by North Korean soldiers, armed and watching your every move. Visitors are encouraged to not make eye contact with the soldiers and everyone who wants to vacation at this hip golf murder resort is required to sign a waiver, which acknowledges "serious injury or death" as distinct possibilities on your trip. (In case you're still on the fence about where you should vacation this year, death-by-landmine, we should point out, almost never happens in Disneyland.)
While risking your life to observe your awesome, awesome freedom in front of furious North Korean soldiers is fun and all, there is very real danger on the course. Clubs, balls, hats and other personal objects are routinely misplaced on the mine riddled fairway, and cannot be taken back without the possibility of an explosion. And, at least once, a ball was teed off and actually detonated a mine.
4Merapi Golf course
On this Indonesian golf course, views of distant forests and farms and an impressive mountain dominate the course. Except the mountain is pretty close. And sometimes smoke comes out of it. And maybe lava. And if it starts to shake, you might be forced to evacuate in the middle of your game.
(The Merapi Golf Club sits right next to an active volcano, in case that wasn't clear.)
No, that's not worrying at all.
The Volcano, Mt. Merapi, isn't one of those "she'll blow any day now" volcanoes either. It's one of those "Oh crap, it's erupting again! Save the children!!!" types. Since the mid 1990s, it has erupted three times, most recently in October 2010 when ash and lava flows killed over 350 people. So why the hell would people want to golf here?
Via The Jakarta Globe
Also, why is she smiling about this? And who would pause to take a picture of a child fleeing a volcano?!
According to the resort's web site, "Mount Merapi Golf Course is a scenic haven for golfers and sightseers alike. Located on the slope of Indonesia's most active volcano, it's also a cool escape at an altitude of about 1,000 meters." People come here to golf because of how pretty it looks and the low heat, fully knowing that the temperature and scenery can drastically change within a few minutes from "gorgeous and comfortable" to "terrifying and killing me."
Via Leonard Adam
This. This happens. Do not golf here.
Despite being only five miles from the crater, golf is still actively played here, with emergency warning systems all around the course in case of another big one -- which, remember, could happen at any time. When humanity eventually becomes extinct and the aliens explore Earth, the geological record showing that we used to recreationally play a boring, shitty, white-people-sport under the gaze of a regularly-erupting volcano is probably going to be one of our most embarrassing.

subset: commoncrawl


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The multiverse hypothesis is the leading alternative to the competing fine-tuning hypothesis. The multiverse dispels many aspects of the fine-tuning argument by suggesting that there are different initial conditions in each universe, varying constants of physics, and the laws of nature lose their known arbitrary values; thus, making the previous single-universe argument from fine-tuning incredibly weak. There are four options for why a fine-tuning is either unnecessary to invoke or illusory if the multiverse hypothesis is used as an alternative explanans. Fine-tuning might be (1) illusory if life could adapt to very different conditions or if values of constants could compensate each other. Additionally, (2) it might be a result of chance or (3) it might be nonexistent because nature could not have been otherwise. With hopes of discovering a fundamental theory of everything all states of affairs in nature may perhaps be tautologous. Finally, (4) it may be a product of cosmic Darwinism, or cosmic natural selection, making the measured values quite likely within a multiverse of many different values. In this paper I contend that multiverse scenarios are insufficient in accounting for the fine-tuning of the laws of nature and that physicists and cosmologists must either accept it as a metaphysical brute fact or seriously entertain the hypothesis of a fine-tuner.
I. Outlining the Multiverse Hierarchy
Contemporary physics seem to indicate that there are good reasons, theoretically and physically, for the postulation a plurality of worlds. This concept has come to be understood as the multiverse. The multiverse is not monolithic, but it is modeled after the contemporary understanding of an inflationary model of the beginning of this universe. Max Tegmark has championed the field of precision cosmology and has proposed the most prominent versions of the multiverse.[1] Tegmark has made a four-way distinction in classifying these models.


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The International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) has selected Columbus, Ohio, USA, as the site for its 2016 World Library and Information Congress.
The international flagship professional and trade event for the library and information services sector will be held August 11-18, 2016 at the Greater Columbus Convention Center. More than 4,000 attendees from 120 countries are expected to attend.
"We're delighted that Columbus has been selected to host the 2016 IFLA World Library and Information Congress," said Skip Prichard, OCLC President and CEO. "OCLC and IFLA have a long history of collaboration and partnership in support of innovation in libraries and librarianship. We're grateful to the IFLA selection committee for choosing Columbus. We look forward to welcoming library leaders from around the world to our city and our campus. We know that Columbus will offer an unforgettable experience."
Headquartered in The Hague, Netherlands, IFLA is the leading international body representing the interests of library and information services and their users. It is the global voice of the library and information profession.
The IFLA World Library and Information Congress is held annually in different cities around the globe. The Congress will be held in Lyon, France, in 2014 and in Cape Town, South Africa, in 2015, before meeting in Columbus in 2016.
Columbus is the 15th largest city in the United States and the largest in Ohio. Home to more than 30 colleges and universities, the city recently was included in the Intelligent Communities Forum's Top 7 Cities in the world. OCLC began its operations in and around Columbus before establishing its headquarters in Dublin, just outside Columbus.


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Hello! I'm at FTM with an 8 week old son who needs some help.
During the first 6 days of DS's life, he was exclusively being breast fed. After that, I developed some back problems at my epidural site and lower back. So between that and my C-section incision, I was having problems holding DS to feed him. So most of the day was breast feeding, while night time was formula feeding. Now we are EBF! I am working very hard on pumping to have a stash so hubby can help me when I need to leave the house. So far, I'm barely getting 4 oz, so I seem to be making just enough to satisfy DS and nothing more.
So here is our problem... From 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM is DS's fussy time. He likes to cluster feed during this time and is difficult to soothe. Sometimes I need to leave the house in the evening. We only have one car and some days I need some mommy time! But I also volunteer part of my time with a dog rescue group as a dog trainer and I just can't take him with me. So since I'm having trouble pumping, hubby will give DS formula. Now here is the problem... We can give DS 4 oz of formula and 30-45 minutes later he will be screaming for more. Its also the same if he gets a 4 oz bottle of breast milk. He just wants to be fed constantly during this time.
We're concerned about him gaining weight to quickly. When he was 50/50 formula and breast milk fed, he gained 2 pounds in 2 weeks. His doctor expressed slight concern over this. This was between his 3 week and 1 month appointments.
So my question is... How do we handle this? Should we start "fussy time" with a 5 oz bottle and then only give 2 oz at a time? Give only 3 oz at a time?
I plan to review this with his doc, but some one has the hiccups and refuses to be put down right now, so I figure this is a good time to ask!


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Floating Island
Creamy lemon and sandalwood luxury
Escape to your own fragrant island and float away to the scent of vanilla, sandalwood and lemon foam to calm a weary mind and restless body. Now, technically, islands don't melt, but you'll be absolutely floating after submerging yourself in the tub with our luxurious, slow-melting, fizzy bath melt. Helen combined creamy cocoa butter with our signature Bath Bomb mixture to create a fizzing bath melt that would melt very slowly in the water, allowing you to lie back and really enjoy the beauty of the experience. Slip away to an island of luxury.
VeganThis product does not contain animal products of any kind.
Featured ingredientOpens in new WindowSandalwood Oil (Santalum album) Sandalwood Oil (Santalum album)
Fresh ingredients
Natural ingredients
Safe synthetics


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On this day: October 3
Published On: Oct 03 2012 12:53:54 AM CDT Updated On: Oct 03 2016 01:00:00 AM CDT
Bobby Thomson hits the "shot heard 'round the world," Woody Guthrie passes away, Germany comes together, and O.J. Simpson is found not guilty, all on this day.
The views expressed are not those of this company or its affiliated companies. Please note by clicking on "Post" you acknowledge that you have read the Terms Of Service and the comment you are posting is in compliance with such terms.


text: abductees Mistylynn posted:1/31/2009 6:53:15 PM I think I was abducted,I have this mark I woke up with,after having a dream of being stung then standing in a line for a injection,woke up with this red dot on my chest,blood like dot,the size of a large needle hole,this was six years ago,and I still have the hole,and now I have another mark as well,would mention to doc but dont want the love me jacket.whats up with that?HiddenintheShadows posted:2/14/2009 5:57:22 PM I would just tell your doctor that you noticed what looks like a blood blister on your chest...You don't have to go into the whole 'I believe I was abducted by aliens' bit.blatant_narcisism posted:8/17/2009 9:45:10 AM Iblatant_narcisism posted:8/17/2009 9:46:01 AM I agree. Just go to the doctor and tel him you woke up with it. Don't say you think you were fucking abducted by aliens, he'll send you for a psychiatric exam :/ If there's anything weird, THEN you can stop worrying. Please log in or become a member to add a post.


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600-pound sea lion halts traffic and shocks pedestrians while crossing the street in a Brazilian beach town.
It is unsure why the sea lion chose to explore the shops along the coast, but once he was ready to go he began waddling back home, using the the crosswalk no less.
The journey, which began at 5 p.m., was not over until 7 p.m. Saturday.
Balneário Camboriú officials assisted the nine foot sea lion by showering it with water to keep it wet.
Onlookers posted plenty of footage online and here's one of those first-hand accounts from YouTuber, Osvídeos de Hoje.
It shows the sea lion moving at a fast pace and then becoming frustrated by the huge crowds.
Luckily, reports say the sea lion returned to the South Atlantic Ocean safely.


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Striped Ponte Top
Style: 570087105
Out of Stock
Ponté knit bodice adds immediate polish to whatever it's paired with. In black and white stripes, this princess-seamed top is cinched with its own bow belt in black grosgrain. Shell: 44% Polyester, 28% Nylon, 23% Rayon, 5% Spandex. Lining: 95% Polyester, 5% Spandex. Machine wash. Imported.
- Princess-seamed fit flares over hips.
- Scoop neckline and cap sleeve. Concealed zip under the arm.
- Removable rigid grosgrain belt closes with triple-snap back.
- Our ultra-refined ponté knit is smooth and sleek, resists wrinkles and holds its shape beautifully.
- Silky-soft knit lining.
- Hits at mid-hip (24" from shoulder).
Read more… Read less…


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Santa is Coming to Town!Say Merry Christmas like never before with this life-size Santa ready to deliver all his gifts to everyone on your list. Everyone will feel the spirit of Christmas from the moment they arrive and long after they leave, thanks to your happy jolly Santa.
Size - 30" by 75"
Customer satisfaction is our top priority. We want you to be completely happy with your purchase. If you are not satisfied with any item on this page, please return the item to us within 30 days of receipt. Items must be returned in new, unused and resalable condition, in its original packaging to get a full refund of the merchandise price. If item is being returned due to damage please include a note with the problem you experienced and if you would like a replacement or a refund.


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Forty-five police officers have been killed in the line of duty in the history of the Honolulu Police Department.
Monday night was a night to honor them all, including the only reserve officer who sacrificed his life doing a job he didn't even need to do.
He was a volunteer and his daughter has missed him for the last 43 years.
Every year during Police Week, 66-year-old Kay Lindemann Allen comes to remember her father, Ernest G. Lindemann.
As a volunteer officer, he hardly got paid.
"He got 10 gallons of gas and one quart of oil. That was it," said Allen.
On October 30, 1969, her father responded to a domestic violence disturbance, but never came home.
"My dad was standing in the doorway of the apartment," said Allen. "He came behind and beat my dad severely then shot my dad five times in the face."
Kay Allen was just 24 years old and recently married when she got the call she will never forget.
"I was devastated. Basket case. Couldn't talk about it for a long time," said Allen.
She remembers her father as rose petals are dropped each year and tries to keep her father close to her heart. It's a salute to her father and all police officers killed in the line of duty.
"To me this is a very beautiful place to remember my dad, and remember everything that happened to him and everybody else," said Allen.
Lindemann is the only volunteer police officer to be killed in the line of duty in HPD history.
National Police Week began in 1962 when President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation to remember police officers killed in the line of duty.


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A Nashua, New Hampshire elementary school has banned kids from playing the game of tag during recess.
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Philippine Fashion Week just concluded with its more than 100 shows. As with the last season, the Holiday 2010 collections saved Michael Cinco's visual extravaganza for last.
Drawing inspiration from Japanese cherry blossoms, the flowers in Van Gogh's paintings, origami, opera, and cinema, Cinco weaves dreams into dresses with intricate crystal embroidery and iridescent fabrics.
The collection's theme is hooked on the story of Madame Butterfly, of metamorphosis in full opulent regalia.
The dresses are for princesses, women warriors, nymphs: for women that move like snowflakes and rain.
There are indeed no words for the collection. Some of the designers and editors seated beside me said they haven't seen anything as beautiful.
I hope the images that I have taken from the front row speak for themselves.
El Bosquejo, Manila


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An Amber Alert for a missing 2-year-old girl has been canceled.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement said Denise Hernandez was found safe. No further explanation was given.
She had been missing from her home in Immokalee.
The views expressed are not those of this site, this station or its affiliated companies. By posting your comments you agree to accept our terms of use.


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INGREDIENTS:.9188 lb. quinoa 1 qt. water .125 lb. green onion .4875 lb. mandarin orange sections, drained .40 lb. golden raisins .0313 lb. dried mint leaves .0625 qt. sesame oilDIRECTIONS:1. Combine water and quinoa; bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat and simmer 10 to 15 minutes until quinoa is tender. 2. In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa with remaining ingredients, stirring gently to combine. Cover and chill. Serve chilled.NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION:Calories 109 (29% from fat); Fat 3.2g ...
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Dry-Rubbed Baby Back Ribs and Homemade Barbecue Sauce
By Leslie Bilderback 06/01/2010
Dry-Rubbed Baby Back Ribs
Celebrate your man with this slow-cooked backyard favorite. (If you are a man, well, I guess you'd better just order pizza. You'll find the number by the phone…that's the thing that looks a little like the TV remote but has voices coming out of it.)
½ cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons salt
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
½ teaspoon garlic salt
½ teaspoon onion powder
2 racks baby back ribs
1 quart of your favorite barbecue sauce
1. In a small bowl, combine sugar, salt and spices. Mix well, and rub evenly onto rib slabs. Cover and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, or overnight.
2. Preheat grill on high heat. When hot, put on the ribs, turn the heat down to low and cook 30 minutes on each side with the lid down. Open the lid and continue to cook another 30 minutes, or until very tender.
Alternatively, ribs can be braised. After marinating ribs in dry rub, set in a covered baking dish with 1 inch of water. Cover and bake in a 250˚ oven for 2 to 3 hours until tender.
Homemade Barbecue Sauce
1½ cups ketchup
1½ cups coffee
2 cups red wine vinegar
½ cup brown sugar
½ cup molasses
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 tablespoon black pepper
1 tablespoon garlic salt
Combine all ingredients in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce and simmer for 30 minutes on low, stirring. Cool and store in the refrigerator.
• Smoky Sauce: Add 2 to 3 teaspoons of liquid smoke.
• Spicy Sauce: Add 1 to 4 tablespoons hot pepper sauce and 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper.
• Honey-Mustard Sauce: Replace the brown sugar and molasses with 1 cup honey and add ½ cup Dijon mustard.
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Kent McManigal
You are being lied to about global warming. By both sides.
Of course, it's no longer called global warming, but "anthropogenic global climate change," to communicate the idea that the average global temperature might go up or go down in the short term, along with other climatic effects, and that human activities — specifically technology — are the cause.
No matter the name, "anthropogenic global climate change" (AGCC for short) is presented as a clear line in the sand between those who believe they have the right to control how you live "for the greater good" and those who don't.
Except, that isn't the whole truth. The irony is that some of AGCC's most vocal critics also believe in using the violence of government to violate your property rights and individual sovereignty, but for different reasons. Reasons such as national security, morality or preserving our culture. Those critics have to insist AGCC is false or their belief in using the authority of the state to control you would come back to bite them.
Is AGCC real? No one knows for sure, although you'll hear both sides claim they know the truth and that the other side is lying in order to promote an agenda. I'll let you in on a secret: It doesn't matter if AGCC is real or not. Making laws that violate individual rights — even in an effort to save the planet — is still wrong.
Uncouple AGCC from the agendas and pretend for a moment that it is absolutely factual. Pretend also that climate change would be wholly bad rather than the more likely reality that it would be a mixed bag of good and bad effects. Do you have the right to prevent someone else from doing things that might contribute in some unspecified, non-quantifiable way to AGCC? How do you calculate the exact amount of damage any specific individual's actions are causing to your property? Almost any action taken by people, and most other forms of life, could be claimed to cause some damage to the planet. It is wrong to criminalize human life.
Your only ethical option is to convince people to do what you believe they should do rather than using collectivism and initiating force to impose your will. Present the best evidence for your position and admit the unknowns. Don't lie to be more persuasive; that will only harm your argument when it is discovered. Make the best choice you can, setting the best example possible, with the information you have.
Change is inevitable. Tyranny isn't.


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This bespoke journey features some of our favourite spots in Botswana. You can choose to take our destination experts' recommendations and travel just as you see the itinerary here, or contact us to add your own special touches; add an extension to Victoria Falls or upgrade to a super luxury houseboat on the Chobe River. We're here to design your perfect holiday. Call us on 0844 875 1890.
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The camp, which focused on STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Math) activities, took a big leap forward this year by almost doubling the number of kids able to be a part of the fun.
The camp was presented by the Karnes City ISD Education Foundation with generous support from Marathon Oil, Pioneer Natural Resources, ConocoPhillips, EOG Resources and Statoil.
Students in grades 4-8 experienced a new concept each day.
They learned computer programming skills through hands on programming of four-wheeled robots which then were put to the test by running various obstacle courses.
Other activities included the construction of amusement park models, model rocket construction and launching, and website building.
Students visited the Trailblazer I – Science on Wheels exhibit where they they were able to learn about weather, aerodynamics, biotechnology, energy and space.
"The intent is to create a camp centered on inquiry-based learning, where the setting is primarily student-centered rather than teacher led," said Jo Ann Gutierrez, Karnes City ISD director of curriculum and special programs. "The camp functioned on a rotation, where students were divided up into heterogeneous groups allowing different grade levels to inter-mingle. The older students acted as mentors to the younger students, and the younger students were encouraged to extend their skills through working with older students."
A large group of parents attended a special "Camp Showcase" event on Friday afternoon and had the opportunity to view the various projects completed by the students.
Gutierrez said the camp was a big success this year, and everyone involved is hoping to build on this success for many years to come.


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- Who We Are
- What We Do
- Publications
- Resources
- Events
- Membership
- Contact Us
- Current Events
There will be an expanding network of highly educated future generations of community psychologists.
The mission of the Council of Education Programs is to support and advocate excellence and visibility in education in community research and action.
In the late 1970s the Council of Graduate Program Directors in Community Research & Action (CPDCRA) was formed to encourage excellence in education in community research and action within SCRA. In late 2005, the group was reactivated at the initiative of Cliff O'Donnell in his role as President of SCRA. The group renamed itself as the "SCRA Council of Education Programs" in order to emphasize our commitment to excellence in education at both undergraduate and graduate levels. It has been in operation since then. To learn more about the history of the CEP, please download the word file at the bottom of this webpage.
Access all of our work through the Education Connection Pages on the SCRA website.
You can contact the CEP, or any of its members, through this email address: firstname.lastname@example.com


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Leeds in Yorkshire will host the start of the 2014 Tour de France, before heading to London for a stage finish.
The county will host racing on 5 and 6 July before the Tour moves south for a third stage, finishing in London.
Right in the middle of our season. Maybe it will coincide with a SuperLeague local derby such as
Edited by JohnM, 14 December 2012 - 11:11 AM.


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GV Now
GVSU commits to '8 keys' of success for veterans
Posted on July 14, 2014
Grand Valley State University continues to support student veterans and military members through its commitment to the "8 Keys to Veterans' Success" initiative.
The initiative, organized by U.S. Departments of Education and Veterans Affairs, highlights eight ways colleges and universities can support veterans as they pursue their education and employment goals. President Thomas J. Haas recently signed an affirmation letter that commits Grand Valley to upholding the keys, which are outlined at http://gvsu.edu/s/FK.
Steven Lipnicki, assistant dean of students, said committing to the initiative demonstrates Grand Valley's dedication to going above and beyond with supporting veterans and service members.
"Student veterans and current military members bring great value to Grand Valley," he said. "Implementing the '8 Keys' demonstrates our continuing commitment to ensure that each receives the best educational experience possible."
Grand Valley is one of only seven Michigan colleges and universities that has committed to the initiative.
Grand Valley provides support and resources for service members and veterans, including in-state tuition for veterans and active military members who are stationed in Michigan. The university is a member of the Consortium of Michigan Veteran Educators, a statewide network of two-year and four-year institutions that works to support military members and veterans and ensure access to resources that can lead to employment.
For more information about Grand Valley's Student Veterans Network, visit www.gvsu.edu/veterans.


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In our previous article, we covered the basics of sitemap navigation in Cocoon (the Cocoon XML publishing framework process), creating custom XML generators through the use of XSP, and using the XSP to homogenize the look and feel of sitewide content, specifically forms.
Picking up from where we left off, we had just generated a login form that
submitted a username and password. Typically, all of our forms submit data
back into Cocoon and to a URI that matches code in the sitemap that invokes a
Actions are simply Cocoon components that implement
org.apache.cocoon.acting.Action. Specifically,
public java.util.Map act(Redirector redirector,
SourceResolver resolver,
java.util.Map objectModel,
java.lang.String source,
org.apache.avalon.framework.parameters.Parameters par)
throws java.lang.Exception;
must be implemented. From the parameter list, you can see that the
objectModel is passed in, from which you can derive
the request object and also any sitemap parameters that are passed in.
Information is passed into the action through the request and the sitemap
parameters. Sitemap parameters are denoted through XML elements in the
sitemap. For example:
<map:act type="login-action">
<map:parameter name="session-timeout" "30"/>
In the code, the
Action would receive the parameter as:
try {
String timeoutStr = par.getParameter("session-timeout");
this.timeout = new Integer(timeoutStr);
} catch (ParameterException e) {
log.info("Did not get a parameter for the timeout. Using default");
this.timeout = TIMEOUT_DEFAULT;
Sitemap parameters must come directly after the use of the component. Much like
matchers, you can see that the
Action returns a
This object is non-
null if the
Action was successful, and
null if the
Action failed in any way. In the same way as the
matcher, the sitemap nesting reflects this if-then-else logic.
The other way we send information to
Actions is through the request object.
When a form is submitted, the form inputs are encoded as request parameters.
You can derive the request object through the
Request request = ObjectModelHelper.getRequest(objectModel);
From here, you can get request parameters as expected:
String login = request.getParameter("login");
String password = request.getParameter("password");
We use a combination of both sitemap parameters and request parameters in
Actions. Typically, we will use sitemap parameters to denote functionality,
and the request parameters will contain the actual data with which to work.
Here's what your
act() might look
public Map act
(Redirector redirector, SourceResolver resolver, Map objectModel,
String src, Parameters par) throws Exception {
try {
String timeoutStr = par.getParameter("session-timeout");
this.timeout = new Integer(timeoutStr);
} catch (ParameterException e) {
log.info("Did not get a parameter for the timeout. Using default");
this.timeout = TIMEOUT_DEFAULT;
Request req = ObjectModelHelper.getRequest(objectModel);
Session session = req.getSession();
// get user parameters from the request
String name = req.getParameter("name");
String password = req.getParameter("password");
if (name == null || password == null) {
// this should never happen..
return null;
Principal myPrincipal = null;
myPrincipal = login(name, password); // our own function.
if (!(myPrincipal == null)) {
session.setAttribute("principal", myPrincipal);
Map sitemapParams = new HashMap();
return sitemapParams;
} else {
return null;
Every web application should give some sort of visual feedback to the user
once something of significance has happened; in our case, the user has logged
in. Let's say our user should then receive a message saying so. We designed
our application such that all important things were accomplished through our
use of
Actions (which delegated some tasks to our J2EE back end as well).
Because of this, we decided that it made a lot of sense to enable our
to pass messages back up to our GUI front end.
In order to pass messages, we insert objects into the Cocoon
object. You saw earlier how every
Action has access to the
Request object through the object model. The great thing about the
object is that you may place arbitrary numbers and types of objects into it
as key-value pair attributes of that
request.setAttribute("message","You have just logged in!");
However, just passing a
String as a message doesn't really seem
flexible enough for our needs. We need to be able to send multiple messages out
of a
Request. For example, what if the user did not fill out three of the form
fields correctly?. To that effect, we created a wrapper class around a
Vector, called
Messages, which supported
addMessage() and
addError(), as well as a way to
iterate through those messages and errors.
In this scenario, we might send a message like this:
Messages messages = new Messages();
messages.addMessage("You have just logged in!");
This is more flexible, but we still would like an easier way for
Actions to
be able to use messaging in our application. Abstraction wins again, resulting
in two classes:
AbstractMessageAction, which inherits from
AbstractErrorAction, which inherits from
All of our messaging actions simply inherit from
AbstractErrorAction, and implement the
act() method.
Our two abstract messaging classes define these methods:
error(String error);
commitErrors(Request req);
message(String message);
commitMessages(Request req);
The abstract classes handle the instantiation of the
wrapper and other overhead. Any class that inherits from these could simply
error() to its heart's content, committing those errors into
the request object with
commitErrors() before returning
null. Because the
Request object is visible throughout the life
of the request-response lifecycle, the GUI will be able to retrieve the
messages from the
Request object and display them accordingly.
Our code above, with messaging implemented, would look like this:
public Map act
(Redirector redirector, SourceResolver resolver, Map objectModel,
String src, Parameters par) throws Exception {
try {
String timeoutStr = par.getParameter("session-timeout");
this.timeout = new Integer(timeoutStr);
} catch (ParameterException e) {
log.info("Did not get a parameter for the timeout. Using default");
this.timeout = TIMEOUT_DEFAULT;
Request req = ObjectModelHelper.getRequest(objectModel);
Session session = req.getSession();
// get user parameters from the request
String name = req.getParameter("name");
String password = req.getParameter("password");
if (name == null || password == null) {
// this should never happen..
error("Unexpected error: received null parameters");
return null;
Principal myPrincipal = null;
myPrincipal = login(name, password); // our own function.
if (!(myPrincipal == null)) {
session.setAttribute("principal", myPrincipal);
message(name + " successfully logged in");
Map sitemapParams = new HashMap();
return sitemapParams;
} else {
error("Could not log " + name + " in");
return null;
We saw earlier how to generate XML SAX events from a file containing XML, and then how to dynamically generate those SAX events using XSP and embedded Java code. However, there are times when we need to generate more complex XML. An example of this would be the search results page: search criteria are specified, and the system must build an XML tree of the search results. This would be difficult with XSP, to say the least.
Before we get into how to do this, let's quickly visit the world of Cocoon configuration. You'll find in the Cocoon distribution a file called cocoon.xconf in WEB-INF/ that defines the configuration parameters for Cocoon.
In this file, you may define new protocols for what is called the source handler. Don't worry too much about the source handler right now. Here's the excerpt for the source handler in cocoon.xconf:
<source-handler logger="core.source-handler">
<!-- file protocol : this is a WriteableSource -->
<!-- contentxml pseudo protocol -->
<!-- xmldb pseudo protocol -->
<protocol class="org.apache.cocoon.components.source.XMLDBSourceFactory"
<!-- Xindice driver -->
<driver class="org.apache.xindice.client.xmldb.DatabaseImpl" type="xindice"/>
<!-- Add here other XML:DB compliant databases drivers -->
You can see that we have added our own class,
ContentXMLSourceFactory, as the handler for the
contentxml pseudo-protocol. This allows us to use the following in
the sitemap:
<map:match pattern="getEntityXML/*">
<map:generate src="contentxml:entity-xml://{1}"/>
<map:serialize type="xml"/>
This is a simple example for illustration purposes. We have many different
types of content, and each type of content may be represented as XML. Sending
entity-xml message to our
contentxml protocol
should generate the XML for that entity. You might ask, which entity? See the
variable interpolation after the
://? That's where we pass in our
extra information, if any, to our source generators.
Note that we could have defined our protocol as:
if we wished.
Your source factory must implement
org.apache.cocoon.components.source.SourceFactory, which mandates
this particular method:
org.apache.cocoon.environment Source
getSource(Environment environment, java.lang.String location);
The string that we formed our
generate call with is passed in as the
location parameter. Essentially, you would then check for each
possible message in the
String action = parseAction(location); // defined elsewhere.
if action.equals("entity-xml") {
return new EntityXMLSource(...);
} else if (action.equals("search-results")) {
return new SearchResultsSource(...);
Source Objects from the Factory
True to the definition of a factory, our extension of
SourceFactory is simply responsible for parsing the input message,
and returning a
Source object. This is a Cocoon object that
implements the
Source interface, inheriting the
toSAX() method:
public void toSAX(ContentHandler handler)
throws SAXException, ProcessingException;
This is where the heart of the functionality for the
happens. Most all of the other methods are responsible for setting up the
object, and once all of that is finished, the object is ready for Cocoon to
invoke the
toSAX() method. Cocoon supplies the
ContentHandler to this method. You can think of that as the
object that receives the SAX events that this
Source object will
generate. This object could be a transformer, or possibly a serializer. That's
out of the control of this component, so we'll not address it. All this
component knows is that it must generate some XML, parse it, and send the SAX
events from that XML to the
ContentHandler supplied in the
toSAX() method. Whew!
We've found JDOM to be very useful in our XML generation. JDOM is essentially a way of building an XML document outside of DOM and SAX. It provides ways of integrating with both DOM and SAX, and its API is extremely simple to use. Our algorithm then looks like this:
toSAX() is called by Cocoon.
Source object gathers information from the database, and constructs a
JDOM tree.
In Java, this looks like:
public void toSAX(ContentHandler handler)
throws SAXException, ProcessingException {
try {
// create a jdom outputter
SAXOutputter outputter = new SAXOutputter(handler);
// defined elsewhere
Document stylesheetDocument = getObjectListAsJDOM();
// send our document as SAX events
} catch (JDOMException e) {
throw new ProcessingException("Error outputting XML: " + e);
} catch (RemoteException e) {
throw new ProcessingException("Remote error outputting XML: " + e);
Neat! With the simplicity of our
Sources, the difficult part here is to
build the JDOM document. That, unfortunately, is outside of the scope of this
tutorial, but you can find documentation, including Javadocs, at jdom.org.
Cocoon provides a true XML publishing framework that is very powerful and pluggable with custom components. Learning Cocoon takes a decent amount of time, but the rewards are enormous. I hope this quick technical overview of Cocoon, gained through experiences with our ContentXML product, can help you with your next XML publishing application.
Collin VanDyck is the lead developer of ContentXML and an integral part of the Hannon Hill team.
David Cummings is the CEO of Hannon Hill Corporation which focuses on content management software solutions.
Return to ONJava.com.
Copyright © 2009 O'Reilly Media, Inc.


text:
Student broadcasters earn five statewide awards
Contact: Nancy Dunker, associate director of media relations, 630-637-5306
Oct. 14, 2010--North Central College student broadcasters who run WONC-FM 89.1 earned five awards, including two first-place prizes, at the Illinois Broadcasters Association's 2010 student Silver Dome Awards.
WONC received first-place awards for Best Radio Newscast and Best Radio Sports Story. The five students who collaborated on the Best Radio Newscast were 2010 graduates Michelle Corless of Corona, Calif., and Jill Howard of Wheaton, Ill.; seniors Chris Ackerman of Lincoln, Ill., and Justin Zipser of Glen Ellyn; and sophomore Whitney Goodbred of Earlville, Ill. Senior Ryan Piers of Washington, Ill., earned the first-place award for Best Radio Sports Story.
WONC took home one second-place and two third-place awards. Piers and Zipser won second place for Best Radio Live Game Sports and Corless won a third-place award for Best Radio News Story. WONC also took third place in the Best Radio Newscast category for a broadcast by Corless, Piers, Zipser, Angela Hager of Hanover Park, Ill., and Rachel Worsley of Cary, Ill.
WONC general manager and North Central College assistant professor of broadcast communication John Madormo says the winning students "are hardworking, who put in tireless performances, raised the bar and challenged themselves ... I know the winners well because they are always around and always working."
Only a few small, private colleges entered the competition, and North Central "beat out" state universities, which Madormo found "very gratifying. It's nice for the students because all the hard work pays off," Madormo said.
WONC is one of the most honored collegiate radio stations in America. The station has received 20 Marconi College Radio Awards, more than any other college or university radio station in the U. S., as well as national and state awards in commercial and collegiate competitions.
A student-run and staffed station, WONC has a station manager and directors of programming, production, promotions, music, news, sports, public affairs and underwriting. Since 1980, Madormo has overseen the station's operations. He believes the important thing for interested students, whatever their level of broadcasting experience or interest, is to get involved in the station and on the air as soon as possible. Elementary and high school-aged children also have opportunities to learn broadcasting during summer camps at WONC presented by North Central College's Office of Community Development.
With a 30-mile listening radius and potential listening audience of four million people, WONC's pure rock music formats broadcasts a mix of news, sports, traffic, music and public affairs programming 24 hours a day. Listen live at www.wonc.org.
Founded in 1861, North Central College is an independent, comprehensive college of the liberal arts and sciences that offers more than 55 undergraduate majors and graduate programming in six areas. Located in the Historic District of Naperville, Illinois-rated by Money magazine as among the nation's "Best Places to Live"-North Central College is just 30 minutes from Chicago's Loop. With more than 2,900 undergraduate and graduate students, North Central College is committed to academic excellence, a climate that emphasizes leadership, ethics, values and service, a curriculum that balances job-related knowledge with a liberal arts foundation and a caring environment with small classes.


text:
I've been using side lying nursing in the early am hours and I really like it...although I've had to limit it since my LO has a stuffy nose.
Once I latch him, I don't worry about how long he's been on since I just judge by the fullness of my breast and switch to the other if I feel he's looking for more. After some time, I just hear sucking but not swallowing and he begins to move around a lot as if he were fighting sleep. Does this happen to you? I figure it's normal since once done eating he unlike me may be awake for a little while then tries to the soothe himself to get to sleep. I just wish he settled a little quicker since his moving around keeps me up!


text:
Watch a webinar with Founder & CEO, Terry LeClair, or Director of Sales, Rob Matton and see the feature-packed, easy-to-use Lead Generating Marketing tools we've built into RealtySites PLUS™ for yourself. Terry or Rob will walk you through a brief product demonstration, and answer any questions you may have.
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text:
A number of opportunities such as training courses, summer jobs, scholarships, and special programs are available to Boy Scouts.
View a listing of some of the scholarships that are available to Scouts.
More than 180,000 members strong, the Order of the Arrow recognizes Scouts and Scouters who best exemplify the Scout Oath and Law in their daily lives.
The NESA Web site provides information about becoming a member, assistance for Life Scouts pursuing the Eagle rank, information about scholarships for Eagle Scouts, and an array of resources for members.
National Youth Leadership Training is an exciting, action-packed program designed for councils to provide youth members with leadership skills and experience they can use in their home troops.
One of our strengths is shaping leaders who have a strong foundation of values and who know how to serve others, and we have had 100 years of practice. Now, as we begin to celebrate that rich century of leadership development, we introduce the National Youth Leadership Society. Its purpose is to recognize youth members of the BSA who have learned and practiced outstanding leadership skills—the elite of our program.
The Boy Scouts of America operate three high-adventure bases: Florida Sea Base, Northern Tier, and Philmont Scout Ranch.
Staff Needed for High-Adventure Bases
The Florida National High Adventure Sea Base, Northern Tier National High Adventure Program, and Philmont Scout Ranch annually seek applications from qualified men and women.
Acquire Life Skills at Scout Camp
Explore the opportunities for a variety of summer camp staff jobs at 420 Scout camps, 60 council high-adventure programs, and three national high-adventure bases.
U.S. Army Youth Certificate of Recognition
Scouts who achieve the rank of Eagle are entitled to receive the U.S. Army Youth Certificate of Recognition at their Court of Honor ceremony.
Through the European Camp Staff program, young leaders from the Boy Scouts of America have the opportunity to learn more about Scouting in Europe by working at a European Scout center.
International accommodations for Scouts are available in Switzerland and in England


text:
Underrated ST Songs?
Posted 07 February 2008 - 03:42 PM
Posted 07 February 2008 - 05:16 PM
Well I hardly know what broken beat is, and I still love the DJ Rels
Posted 07 February 2008 - 05:35 PM
Hands Up - Wildchild - one of madlib's finest productions. plus wildchild actually has a consistent flow.
Sao Paulo - Dj Rels - i don't know why but i can't get enough of that track.
Aloe Blacc - Nascimento (Birth) - this shit gives me chils.
Simply A Joy - Georgia Anne Muldrow - i love this track. so simple but so great.
America's Most Blunted (Koushik's Remix) - we already know doom ripped the verse but this beat is BANANAS.
Burn Rubber [Dam Funk Remix] - i love pretty much all of Dam Funk's shit.
and this track right here has me FEENING for a new LP,
Survivin' The Game - Homeliss Derelix
Posted 07 February 2008 - 05:48 PM
Posted 08 February 2008 - 07:48 AM
^^cosign. loved the dj rels. suppose you have to be into broken beat etc to like it tho eh
love b-r-o-k-e-n-b-e-a-t
I always forgot about Rels. It just seemed like such an out there piece of work. 04, and broken beat from a small US indie that really has nothing to do with that scene?? Further fueling the rumors that this was a full on Madlib side project under an alias.
There is some validity to it. A great record nonetheless.
Posted 08 February 2008 - 09:21 PM
Madvillian-Figaro that ST remix..I think it's the vinyl version. All the Hoo-Haa about Madvilliany never hear that mentioned
Posted 09 February 2008 - 11:02 AM
and broken beat from a small US indie that really has nothing to do with that scene?? Further fueling the rumors that this was a full on Madlib side project under an alias.
erm hate to ruin your detective work but it IS madlib i didnt even know people thought it was someone else, he had spent some time in london hanging round with the likes of dego from 4-hero and the like and decided he wanted to do sumthin similer
heres a review
Madlib (DJ Rels) :: "Theme for a Broken Soul" :: Stones Throw Records
as reviewed by Dan Mennella
If you're getting annoyed by the whole alias fad in hip hop (especially these cooky, slightly-demented backpackers), you're probably not alone. MF Doom (whose aliases are too numerous to remember, and too long for the sake of brevity in a review such as this) may be the one to blame. Either way, it can be downright confusing at times. Nevertheless, DJ Rels is, for all intents and purposes, the production genius more-commonly known as Madlib.
One trait Madlib has never lacked is creativity—and though his releases like Shades of Blue, Champion Sound, and Madvillainy certainly set a thematic sound—so too does "Theme for a Broken Soul", albeit a very different one from what we've grown accustomed to. But on this release, Madlib strikes out completely on his own; there are no much-anticipated collaborations with artists like MF Doom or Jay Dee, and there is no reclamation project for the underappreciated art forms of the past (a la Shades of Blue). Putting aside his affinity for jazz and obscure soul records, Madlib instead turns to more funk, dance and electronica influenced sounds to build his latest compositions. I use the term compositions deliberately because it would be unfair to refer to Madlib as anything less than a composer—a producer legendary for his re-recording of samples and sounds with live instrumentation that he admirably plays himself.
The individual stand-out tracks on "Theme for a Broken Soul" are difficult to pick out simply because instrumental tracks rarely do so, and even less on a release such as this which features such a low frequency of disparate tracks in terms of quality. In other words, this album flows especially well from one track to the next (not unlike most other Madlib releases), and the absence of vocals, which undoubtedly add distinction to more formulaic hip hop, only accentuate this affect. The dreamy organ vibes of the aptly-titled "Waves" and the trance-inducing bass line of the marathon listen "Broken Soul/Dawn" (it clocks in at just over 9 minutes). Picking "highlight" tracks off this LP really proves to be an exercise in futility, if not for its lack of 50 Cent catchiness (for better or worse), but also because Madlib does not make individual tracks—he makes full length albums. Yes, you can skip from track to track on your trusty mp3 player by pushing forward, or by dropping the needle on a different spot on the wax (for you old schoolers), but it would be a disservice to yourself as a listener. Instead, this one should be allowed to play from start to back, just the way Madlib intended.
You won't bump this in your homie's Jeep, pimped out with subs galore, sitting on 22 inch chrome, and you won't make love to your girl as this record plays softly in the background (although I suppose you could, in both instances). Rather, you'll likely pull this one out when you're sitting in your living room with your boys, sharing some brownies of the green variety or even just "staring into space / when you're feeling berzerk" as the great Q-Tip once said. The multiple handle may or may not be getting stale, but that doesn't stop this from being yet another valuable addition to Madlib's already impressive catalogue. When you're as well accomplished as Madlib is, you've earned the right to try something a little different like this. Heck, he's already made a career out of it.
- orchidthegreat likes this
Posted 09 February 2008 - 02:11 PM
You can't say Jaylib or MED is underrated, two both of my favorite rappers / producer / geniouses.
Push Comes To Shove is somewhat underrated. That one track "So Real" is pushed to the side, and that's a banger IMO.
Posted 09 February 2008 - 08:39 PM
Push Comes To Shove is somewhat underrated. That one track "So Real" is pushed to the side, and that's a banger IMO.
that track bangs so hard.. deep shit
the Heavy remix is one of my faves. That should have been a single w/Raw Addict as a B-side. how ridic. would that hae been??!??
Posted 09 February 2008 - 10:04 PM
Posted 10 February 2008 - 09:52 PM
Posted 06 November 2012 - 11:44 AM
Posted 06 November 2012 - 12:53 PM
love b-r-o-k-e-n-b-e-a-t
I always forgot about Rels. It just seemed like such an out there piece of work. 04, and broken beat from a small US indie that really has nothing to do with that scene?? Further fueling the rumors that this was a full on Madlib side project under an alias.
There is some validity to it. A great record nonetheless.
Posted 24 November 2012 - 07:01 PM
Misturada 4 lp?
Also any singles by seiji...
Check the special thanks section of that dj rels album for more broken beats shout outs...dj rels is my shit, glad I found it on wax!
Guud luck!
Posted 24 November 2012 - 08:06 PM
J Dilla - Rainy Orpheus (Not sure if we can call that an official ST song though)
Jonwayne in general
Quasimoto - Players Of The Game
Just off the top of my head...
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text:
A comfortable bed, a warm shower and a hot breakfast may sound appealing for a simple night away from home, but basic sleepover accommodations do not seem to cut it anymore for adventure seekers and explorers when on vacation.
Nowadays, sightseers seek the extraordinary to satisfy their acute personalities, and hotel companies have upped the ante to become locations acting as more than just a space to lay your head at night.
The following businesses provide the attraction element of a getaway without having to beyond the hotel for it, and they are recognized around the world for their eccentric details and ambition.
Each experience is sure to satisfy tourists preferring cold or warm climates in resorts located above or below sea level or in expansive or constricting spaces. One even holds fictional significance.
Up first, do you just want to chill on your vacation?
No. 5: Ice Hotel -- Jukkasjärvi, Sweden
Located in the village of Jukkasjärvi, Sweden, warm-blooded individuals can stay at the noted frozen Ice Hotel.
Business is open December to April inside the igloo, which is built from scratch each year. The hotel is essentially a work of art, a sculpture built by architects, artists and designers, and the temperature inside ranges from a chilling -8 to a -5 degrees Celsius.
Guests curl up inside sleeping bags atop beds constructed of snow and ice and are treated to warm juice and a sauna visit when waking. The resort features a gourmet restaurant as well as an ice bar full of icy drinks and wines.
Though the hotel also offers heated rooms in another location, they insist that the experience is not complete without a night in the igloo.
For nature enthusiasts, the next location is a world away from blizzards, found in a climate familiar with thunderstorms and heat ...
No. 4: Jungle Parks Resort -- Wayanad, India
The Jungle Parks Resort, located in the rainforest in Wayanad, India, provides travelers with a firsthand view of clouds, tree tops and wildlife in tree house hotels found 90 feet above ground.
Although the dwellings rest atop strong ficus trees, tourists are welcomed with Western amenities of (cold) showers, sinks and toilets. Ecologically friendly materials were used when building the resort, and kerosene lamps, organic foods and a no-plastic policy is enforced.
On the ground, activities consist of elephant safaris, boating and bird watching, among many more. But weary travelers, beware: One must approach the trees by way of wicker cages, the houses tend to sway in the wind (especially during the rainy season) and leeches live among the resort's limits.
Each tree house costs around $220 per night and includes breakfast, lunch, dinner and tea for two.
After sleeping in the skies, one must stay a night under the waves with aquatic life and a coral-reef backdrop ...
No. 3: Poseidon Undersea Resort -- Fiji
Diving 20,000 leagues under the sea may be a reality only when inside a submarine or the pages of a novel, but sleeping 40 feet under the sea is an actuality in the waters of Fiji.
The Poseidon Undersea Resort is the first of its kind, with 24 underwater suites and one apartment complete with glass walls and an oceanic view like no other.
Under the waves, guests can find a massage studio, a fine-dining restaurant and the world's only underwater wedding chapel. Excursions include submarine diving, scuba diving and walks along the lagoon floor.
Poseidon's introductory seven-day package runs at $30,000 per couple, but includes suites on beachside villas, gourmet meals and access to sports equipment.


text:
On July 4, A Celebration Of Walt Whitman's Irreverent Hymnal
Instead of you throwing a curve here instead is a fastball, high and hard.
Ladies and gentlemen, I give you the granddaddy of American poetry; the gray ghost; the big thumper; the barbarian's text with its barbaric yawp; the nation's first truly great mega biblion; the Kosmos; the Civil War witness; the seaside songbook; the irreverent hymnal; the book of the lover; the book of the loafer; the peacemaker; Leaves of Grass.
"To have great poets, there must be great audiences," Whitman said. And more than ever, we are the audience Leaves of Grass has waited for. The beauty of this book of poems lies both in its music and its basic understanding that the borders between our private and public lives are in fact misunderstood.
Unscrew the locks from the doors!
Unscrew the doors themselves from their jambs!
When we celebrate American independence we are celebrating the best sense of an idea, a process in process. In this sense, we are beautifully, frustratingly imperfect: as is Leaves of Grass. It grew from an original 12 untitled poems first published in 1855, to versions in 1856, 1860, 1867, 1871-72, 1881-82, and its final magnificent version of 1891-92, commonly referred to as the deathbed edition.
And I recommend this book to you now not because you may not know it, but precisely because you think you know it. Visit it again and start anywhere, read it with the liberty that its free verse and insistent theme of personal freedom ask you to embrace. It's perfect in portions and every portion symbolizes the best sense of the whole. Our country (and your vacation) should be so.
In short, choose your own adventure. What you'll find is that the great sensations behind the book order themselves around you, like planets around the sun. You will be hard pressed to read another book that understands you as well as Leaves of Grass does. It was made for you in the way that the constellations were made for you. It understands and makes space for your doubts, your love, the guilt and passions of your life and waits for you. You'll struggle to find a moment of empathy in a book as touching, grand and unapologetic as the last line of "Song of Myself":
Missing me one place search another,
I stop somewhere waiting for you.
Catch up to it.
Rowan Ricardo Phillips is the author of The Ground: Poems.
Every Friday, we bring you book recommendations based on the news. And since today's installment falls on our nation's birthday, poet Rowan Ricardo Phillips was inspired by the man who heard America singing.
ROWAN RICARDO PHILLIPS: Ladies and gentlemen, I give you the granddaddy of American poetry - the gray ghost, the big thumper - the nation's first truly great mega Biblion - the Civil War witness - the seaside songbook - the irreverent hymnal - the book of the lover - the book of the loafer - the peacemaker - Walt Whitman's "Leaves of Grass." To have great poets, there must be great audiences, Whitman said. And more than ever, we are the audience "Leaves of Grass" has waited for. Unscrew the locks from the doors. Unscrew the doors themselves from their jams, Whitman tells us. When we celebrate American independence, we're celebrating the best sense of an idea - a process in process. This nation is beautifully, frustratingly imperfect and so was "Leaves of Grass." It began as 12 poems first published in 1855, but then, for almost 40 years, it grew. Its final magnificent version is known as the Deathbed edition. I recommend this book to you now, not because you may not know it, but, precisely, because you might think you know it. Visit it again and start anywhere. Read it with liberty. Embrace it with its themes of personal freedom and its form of free verse. It's perfect in portions. Each one symbolizes the best sense of the whole. What you'll find is that the great sensations behind this book order themselves around you like planets around the sun. You won't find another book that understands you as well as "Leaves of Grass" does. It was made for you in the way that the constellations were made for you. It makes space for your doubts, your love, the guilt and passions of your life. There's no moment of empathy in a book as touching and as grand as this one. Missing me one place, search another, Whitman said. I stop somewhere waiting for you.
SIEGEL: Poet Rowan Ricardo Phillips recommending Walt Whitman's "Leaves of Grass." One of the most famous poems in the collection is "I hear America singing." We're now going to hear the ALL THINGS CONSIDERED holiday staff reading the Whitman poem. (Reading) I hear America singing the varied carols I hear.
UNIDENTIFIED STAFF 1: (Reading) Those of mechanics - each one singing his as it should be, blithe and strong.
UNIDENTIFIED STAFF 2: The carpenter singing his as he measures his plank or beam.
UNIDENTIFIED STAFF 3: The mason singing his as he makes ready for work or leaves off work.
UNIDENTIFIED STAFF 4: The boatman singing what belongs to him and his boat.
UNIDENTIFIED STAFF 5: The deckhand singing on the steamboat deck.
UNIDENTIFIED STAFF 6: The shoemaker singing as he sits on his bench.
UNIDENTIFIED STAFF 7: The hatter singing as he singing as he stands.
UNIDENTIFIED STAFF 8: The woodcutter song - the plow boys on his way in the morning or at noon intermission or at sundown.
UNIDENTIFIED STAFF 9: The delicious singing of the mother.
UNIDENTIFIED STAFF 10: Or of the young wife at work or of the young girl sewing or washing.
UNIDENTIFIED STAFF 11: Each singing what belongs to him or her and to none else.
UNIDENTIFIED STAFF 12: The day - what belongs to the day?
SIEGEL: At night, the party of young fellows, robust, friendly, singing with open mouths their strong melodious songs. "I Hear America Singing" read by our Fourth of July staff here on ALL THINGS CONSIDERED from NPR news. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.


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North Central College celebrates contemporary classical music during its second annual Sounds of New Music Festival April 11-12. The two-day festival will feature performances by the Bugallo-Williams Piano Duo and Bang on a Can All-Stars.
The Bugallo-Williams Piano Duo performs Wednesday, April 11, and Bang on a Can All-Stars perform Thursday, April 12. Both performances begin at 8 p.m. in Wentz Concert Hall at the Fine Arts Center, 171 E. Chicago Ave. Tickets for each performance are $5/adults, $3/students and senior citizens; call the North Central College Box Office at 630-637-SHOW (7469) or visit northcentralcollege.edu/showtix.
The Bugallo-Williams Piano Duo will perform works by John Cage and György Kurtág, among others. Bang on a Can All-Stars will perform works by Brian Eno, Conlon Nancarrow, Michael Gordon, David Longstreth, Thurston Moore and Evan Ziporyn, a Chicago-native and Bang on a Can clarinetist.
The Bugallo-Williams Piano Duo (photo, left) composed of Helena Bugallo and Amy Williams was formed in 1995, and the two have been recording and performing contemporary music across the United States and Europe ever since. Their repertoire includes works by 20th century composers such as Cage, Debussy, Feldman, Kagel, Kurtág, Sciarrino and Stravinsky. The duo also often collaborate with other musicians in their performances. In addition, Bugallo and Williams also have dedicated themselves to expanding musical offerings for piano duet and arranging music for piano duos. Their recordings include "Stravinsky in Black and White" and "Conlon Nancarrow: As Fast As Possible." Visit bugallowilliams.com to learn more.
Bang on a Can All-Stars formed in 1992 by the Bang on a Can Festival in New York and are recognized worldwide for their ultra-dynamic live performances and recordings of today's most innovative music. The six-member amplified ensemble freely crosses boundaries between classical, jazz, rock, world and experimental music. The group's celebrated projects include their landmark recordings of Brian Eno's ambient classic "Music for Airports" and Terry Riley's "In C," as well as live performances with Philip Glass, Meredith Monk, Don Byron, Iva Bittova, Thurston Moore, Owen Pallett and others. The All-Stars were awarded Musical America's Ensemble of the Year in 2005 and have been heralded as "the country's most important vehicle for contemporary music" by the San Francisco Chronicle. Visit bangonacan.org/all_stars to learn more.
The College's Sounds of New Music Festival offers opportunities for music students to learn from noted performers and composers in master-class settings. North Central College's Fine Arts Center offers students exceptional facilities for instruction, practice and performance. The College offers undergraduate programs of study in music, jazz studies and music education in choral and instrumental. Visit northcentralcollege.edu/majors/music to learn more.
North Central College's Sounds of New Music Festival is sponsored by The Aaron Copland Fund for Music, Inc.; Turner Construction; and Drs. Anne and Dennis ('57) Wentz.
USG Corporation and Navistar, Inc. are underwriting sponsors of North Central College's 2011-2012 Sesquicentennial Fine & Performing Arts Season. This program is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency. This performance is one of many ongoing programs at North Central College to enrich and broaden the cultural and academic outlook for the College and community. North Central offers a variety of venues accommodating a rich range of local and world-class events, performances and space needs for the public. For a comprehensive schedule of musical performances, theatrical and dance productions, art exhibits and lectures, visit northcentralcollege.edu/show or call the box office at 630-637-SHOW (7469).


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Gilda's Laughfest - a festival of comedy, performance, film, and a variety of seriously funny stuff is happening this month in Grand Rapids. Today on our blog, Leann D. Arkema, President and CEO of Gilda's Club Grand Rapids and Gilda's Laughfest fills us in on the event.
Q: What is Laughfest?
A: Gilda's LaughFest is about laughter for the health of it. If it has to do with laughter, you'll find it at Gilda's LaughFest. This 10-day festival includes stand-up comedy, improv, music, dance, speakers, films, showcases (featuring professionals, amateurs and everything in between) and other seriously funny stuff. It's about laughter for the health of it. There are 266 events at 62 locations aroundGrand Rapids and 159 of the events are free.
Q: What comedians will be at Laughfest?
A: Whoopi Goldberg, Anthony Jeselink, Amy Schumer, Marc Maron, Rodney Carrington, Sinbad and our own version of Saturday Night Live will be held on March 17, featuring Martin Short, Kevin Nealon and original SNL writer and Michigan native Alan Zweibel.
Q: What causes does Laughfest benefit?
A: LaughFest supports the cancer and grief support programs for children and adults at Gilda's Club Grand Rapids.
Q: Why is Grand Rapids a great city to host Laughfest?
A: Grand Rapids is a great mid-size city open to trying almost anything. The people inGrand Rapids and the surrounding area along with the business community help create a welcoming atmosphere for visitors and locals alike.
Q: With all the comedians and the events going on, what's the best way to experience Laughfest?
A: Grand Rapids is an easy place to get around with many restaurants and bars. There is a LaughFest app which can be downloaded for Android and iPhone platforms. LaughFest Central is located inside theGrand RapidsArt Museum and volunteers will be able to answer any question for our guests.
Q: How can people get involved?
A: More than 1,400 volunteers stepped up to help make this year's festival run smooth. Donations are accepted at any of the events, including the 159 free events. Also, individuals can "High Five a Smile'" by texting "LAUGH" to 20222; a $5 donation will be added to their phone bill. The gift is tax deductible with 100% supporting the cancer and grief support programs at Gilda's Club Grand Rapids.
Q: Where can people go for more information?
A: Visit laughfest.org or call 616-735-HAHA(4242)
Q: What's your favorite knock-knock joke?
A: There are so many… I like them all.