text:
Dear Readers,
As the 'Promoting Low-carbon Transport in India' project enters its third year, the focus of this 4th edition of the newsletter is on transport related impacts in cities. In our last issue , the focus was on micro level aspects, primarily looking at plans and methodologies for small cities. For this current issue, the newsletter focuses on climate change, pollution and health impacts in cities, and examines the importance of developing Low-carbon Comprehensive Mobility Plans (LCMPs); highlights detailed analysis and approaches to a low-carbon pathway by examining long life infrastructure assets and Non Motorised Transport (NMT) systems; and presents the SIM-air program, highlighting/demonstrating its value added contribution to the project on modeling urban air quality and health impacts; among other updates.
The 'highlights' section of the newsletter provides information on a key stakeholder workshop in which preliminary results on developing Low-carbon Comprehensive Mobility Plans (LCMPs) from the three cities involved in the project will be presented.
Articles in this newsletter include:
Additionally, information on an upcoming event and latest project publications can be found at the end of this newsletter.
Launched in November 2010, Promoting Low Carbon Transport in India is a collaboration between the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the UNEP Risoe Centre (URC), the Government of India, and the International Climate Initiative of Germany (ICI).
We invite you to visit our website for more information and up to date progress on the project.
With Kind Regards,
Rob Jong,
Head, UNEP Transport Unit
Sharing experiences on the Development of Low-carbon Comprehensive Mobility Plans (LCMPs) for Indian Cities
22-23 August 2013, Udaipur, India
The development of Low-carbon Comprehensive Mobility Plans (LCMPs) for Visakhapatnam, Rajkot and Udaipur is nearing completion. A stakeholder's workshop to share experiences and disseminate results is being organized with the following key objectives:
Sri M.V. Satyanarayana, IAS, Commissioner, GVMC
Visakhapatnam, also known as Vizag, is located on the Eastern coast of India's Bay of Bengal, mid-way between Kolkata and Chennai. With a population of 1.73 million, it is the second largest city in the southern state of Andhra Pradesh. From 1858 when its 'Municipal Association' was formed to present day, the city has developed into a significant economic, educational, health and tourism hub for the people of North-Eastern Andhra Pradesh and Southern Orissa. The city is currently governed by the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC), constituted in 2005 with a jurisdictional area of 533 sq.km.
In keeping with the vision of the City; "An eco-friendly city ensuring a comfortable, lively and vibrant character and visually pleasing cityscape equipped with state of the art physical, social and economic infrastructure"; GVMC has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with UNEP to develop a Low-carbon Comprehensive Mobility Plan (LCMP) for the city. The ultimate objective of the LCMP is, "To provide a long term strategy which is aligned with climate goals of India and which ensures desirable mobility, safe accessibility to people irrespective of their socio-economic background and gender, and does not compromise with the local environment". The last year has seen extensive GVMC collaboration with the lead contracted partner Innovative Transport Solutions (iTrans) Pvt. Ltd., as well as a range of local stakeholders, resulting in the formulation of an LCMP which meets the above mentioned objectives.
The area of jurisdiction of the GVMC has increased almost fivefold, and there are plans to incorporate two more Municipalities, Anakapalli and Bheemili, in the next one year. This will result in a large developmental imbalance in various areas within the city as experienced in the past, where the erstwhile areas within the municipality have had a much higher intensity of development than most of the newly added areas, which are sparsely populated. If planned properly, the enhanced availability of undeveloped land provides the city with ample scope to absorb the growth demands of the city. Visakhapatnam has highly educated and active citizen groups, civil society organisations and media, who are aware of the air pollution effects on the city; consequently they have shown willingness to support the low carbon growth of the city.
The city has 686 slums that constitute44% of total households (Census, 2011). The LCMP needs to include such existing and proposed land use developments, and ensure that data is related to transport demands, resulting in a portfolio of low carbon options. The core-city area of GVMC has a high population density, with some wards having over 60, 000 persons per sq.km. Further growth in these areas will exert high pressure on civic agencies to provide required services. Consequently, the LCMP needs to provide a city growth strategy that encourages future population growth to settle within the outskirts of the city.
Transport infrastructure that is required to cater for future travel needs of the city should be identified in terms of modality, i.e. the specific initiatives required for pedestrians, cyclists, public transport users and private transport users should be clearly outlined, and also the exact locations where they need to be incorporated identified in consultation with stakeholders. Land acquisition is currently a major deterring factor in implementing large scale projects in cities, and therefore care should be taken to ensure that the recommendations are conscious of this
fact. An extensive range of policy and project recommendations for the city and their likely investment projects should be identified through the LCMP. The funding and implementing agency for these projects shall then be determined based on stakeholder consultation at both the city and state government levels.
Considerable support has been built-up during the preparation process of the LCMP, through stakeholder consultations and the sharing of intermediate results produced by the study. The city is now looking towards implementation of its final recommendations.
Low Carbon City Planning
LCT Guidebook
The principle aim of the guidebook is to provide basic guidance to city-level policymakers, urban planners, transport planners and consultants developing LCMPs for cities on: how to incorporate globally agreed climate change objectives, targets and policies in long-term city level development plans; how to align national development and climate change agenda with city-level development plans; and how to delineate 'win-win' options that deliver multiple co-benefits, besides climate change benefits, such as air quality improvement, improved energy access, reduced congestion in the transport system and national energy security.
Impact Assessment and Management Framework for Infrastructure Assets: A Case of Konkan Railways
Konkan Railways Case Study
The case study presents the uncertainty and risks that a prominent railway system in India is facing due to changing climate, and suggests possible adaptation strategies. A framework for assessing the likely climate change impacts on long-life assets using a methodology of reverse matrix for climate change impact analysis is suggested. The framework links climate change variables — temperature, rainfall, sea level rise, extreme events, and other secondary variables — with sustainable development variables — technology, institutions, economic, and other policies.
NMT Infrastructure in India: Investment, Policy and Design
NMT Case Study
The purpose of the study is to identify gaps in existing infrastructure, policies; and to design interventions and discuss appropriate measures required to encourage use of non motorised transport (NMT) in Indian cities. The study presents the role played by NMT in providing mode choice in Indian cities and trends in changing patronage for NMT modes. It highlights gaps in data and issues related to infrastructure quality. Impacts of improving NMT infrastructure in other countries have also been studied. The study presents detailed impacts of NMT infrastructure provision along Delhi BRT corridor based on three essential indicators – travel time, accessibility and safety. Furthermore, the study aims to understand the impact on CO2 emissions and fuel consumption resulting from the improvement of NMT and public transport infrastructure.
Modeling Air Pollution and Health Impacts in LCMP Cities
By Subash Dhar, UNEP Risoe Centre and Dr. Sarath Guttikunda, UrbanEmissions.info
In 2011, the World Health Organization (WHO), presented air quality data for particulate pollution in 1100 cities, and listed 27 cities from India as amongst the top 100 cities with the worst air quality. For most cities in India (and in Asia), the transport sector is identified as one of the leading causes of premature mortality and increasing number of morbidity cases.
Among the transport indicators evaluated for the development of Low-carbon Comprehensive Mobility Plans (LCMPs), and following a stakeholder consultation process, it was determined that urban air quality should be included as one of the city level indicators in the project. These indicators will be studied within the current year, based on the data collected from the surveys, and also used to account for future business as usual projections and low carbon scenarios (with projections up to 2050).
Passenger travel patterns; city infrastructure; and transport planning models were all important aspects of producing geo-referenced information on travel demand across the city. This is a rich information dataset, which can be very useful as input for transport emissions modeling and urban air quality analysis. The urban transport information database also included results and information on technology transitions related to vehicle efficiencies and the carbon intensity of electricity, adapted from scenario studies conducted at the national level.
The SIM-air family of tools was utilised within the project, resulting in estimates of key parameters, such as total emissions (other than the road transport emissions calculated under the LCMP project), and consequently allow for the simulation of the interactions between emissions, pollution dispersion, impacts, and management options in an environmental and economic context.
Participants during the LCMP Training on Modeling Air Pollution and Health Impacts
The tools under the SIM-air family are integrated, free, plug & play in nature; they also benefit from being modular, where the user can breakdown the tools to individual components (by sectors) to evaluate the emissions and the pollution control interventions.
These tools were previously applied for studying air quality management in various cities in Asia. Within the scope of the project, the SIM-air model will be used in three cities – Rajkot (State: Gujarat), Vishakhapatnam (State: Andhra Pradesh) and Udaipur (State: Rajasthan); and training on its use was also provided to consultants from the three cities in March 2013, in New Delhi, India.
Smart Mobility
By Annemarie Kinyanjui, UNEP Transport Unit
The Ministry of Urban Development (MoUD), India, recognizes the need to build capacity at the state and city level to tackle challenges associated with urban transport; this is in line with India's National Urban Transport Policy. In this regard, the ministry has been facilitating annual conferences and exhibitions to promote dissemination of information and exchange of ideas. The 5th in a series of such events dubbed, 'Urban Mobility Conference and Expo' , took place on 5-8 December 2012 in New Delhi, and was organized by the Institute of Urban Transport. The event drew wide participation from 1,100 delegates comprising of government officials from 21 countries; transport practitioners; non-governmental organizations; academia; and the private sector.
Event Flyer
As part of the conference, UNEP Risoe Centre organized a, 'Roundtable on Low-carbon Comprehensive Mobility Plans: Sustainable Mobility with lower Emissions', on 7 December 2012. The roundtable brought together policy makers, experts on Low Carbon Comprehensive Mobility Plans (LCMPs), consultants, and transport planners to discuss approaches and strategies for achieving sustainable mobility with lower emissions. Discussions centered around, and drew recommendations on integrated land use and transport planning; strengthening of data quality and transport indicators at city level; and the need for an LCMP approach.
These recommendations were part and parcel of overall recommendations agreed upon by delegates during the four day workshop, and will subsequently contribute to MoUD's vision. The MoUD Minister officiated the wrap-up session of UMI 2012, and highlighted the need for urban renewal and development as a priority for the Indian government; reduction of pollution and climate change in urban areas; and the need for innovative fiscal policies that support sustainable transport solutions among other interventions.
Upcoming Event in 2013
The Role of Vehicle Fuel Efficiency Improvements in achieving Low-carbon Mobility in India
November 2013
Improving vehicle fuel efficiency is critical in reducing CO2 emissions but also other pollutants including black carbon. The Promoting Low-carbon Transport in India project has studied the implication of instituting fuel efficiency in India and its subsequent results. A forum is being planned in November 2013 to showcase this experience and other outputs from the project. The venue is still to be confirmed but is likely to be at The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Clean Fuels and Vehicles Forum in Singapore, or at the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) Transport Minister's Meeting in Bangkok.
Click here to view more project publications >>
Kamala Ernest
Programme Officer
Subash Dhar
Senior Economist
M.V. Satyanarayana, GVMC
Sarath Guttikunda, UrbanEmissions.info
Subash Dhar, URC
Bert Fabian, UNEP
Kamala Ernest, UNEP
Annemarie Kinyanjui, UNEP


text:
Sugar Grove Area News In Brief
S.G. Clean Up Day
The Sugar Grove Borough is planning the annual Clean Up Day for Saturday, May 11. It will be from 9 a.m. through 1 p.m. in the parking lot across from the Sugar Grove Post Office. This clean up is for Borough residents only. The cost will be $5 per load and your items will need to be unloaded by a resident of the borough. Please no batteries, wet paint, or tires are allowed to be unloaded. If you have any questions, please contact the Sugar Grove Borough office.
S.G. Twp. Clean Up Day
The Sugar Grove Township is planning the annual Clean Up Day for Saturday, May 18. It will be from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.. in the parking lot of the Township Building. This clean up is for Sugar Grove Township residents only. The cost will be $10 per car/truckload. Please no oil, paint, liquid hazardous waste, asbestos, propane tanks, tires, large metal objects, etc. in the dumpsters. There will be a separate container this year for televisions, monitors, computers, printers, and electronic equipment. If you have any questions, please contact the Sugar Grove Township office.
Welcome Kindergarten
The Sugar Grove Elementary School will welcome the new Kindergarten students for the incoming 2013-14 school year. They will hold a visitation day today.
Eisenhower Awards
The Eisenhower Middle Senior High School will hold its Senior Awards program on June 5 at 1:30 p.m. in the school gymnasium. This event will announce the 2012-2013 school year scholarship winners. Presenters of any scholarship awards are asked to please contact Karen Wiltsie in the school office at (814) 757-8878 or email her at firstname.lastname@example.com to make sure your awards are listed in the school program for the day. All award presenters are asked to contact her no later than May 17.
Photography Contest
The Warren Public Library is sponsoring its 5th Teen Photography Contest. This event is for teens in grades 7-12 who are residents of Warren County. Reminder that the person entering the contest must be the one who has photographed the entries. Each contestant is limited to two entries and they may be in black and white or in color and are required to be framed. Get your entry form at the Warren Public Library or download one from the Library's webpage at www.warrenlibrary.org. All entries must be received no later than Saturday, May 25th.
Eisenhower Prom
The Eisenhower Middle Senior High School will be holding its Senior Prom on Saturday from 7-10:30 p.m. at the Warren Holiday Inn. Tickets are on sale at the school. This year's theme is "A Knight in the Country". Those selected to be on the Knights 2013-2014 Prom Court are: Alyssa Peterson, Chelsea Parmenter, Elizabeth Baran, Halie VanOrd, Kelsey Repke, Lindsey Schwanke, Andrew Onoratti, Anthony Amroski, Jake Johnson, Jeb Fedorchuk, Johnny Pascuzzi, and Richard Knisley.
Cheer tryouts
It's time to look to fall sports season. Fall cheer tryouts are happening this week. Anyone interested in trying out will need to attend practice Monday through Wednesday , May 13th through the 15th from 4 p.m.-6 p.m. and tryouts will be held on Thursday, May 16th from 4 -6 p.m. Tryouts will be held at EMHS and are for anyone wishing to try out for the Fall and/or winter sports seasons. If you are interested you can sign up in the school office and obtain a permission slip. Good luck to all.
Sugar Grove.com
Check out the new revised Sugar Grove website. You just might be surpruised at all the changes. Visit www.sugargrovepa.com for all the news, information, and background about our community.
Lunch schedule
The Community Lunches in the area continue to be well attended. All lunches begin at 11:30 a.m. Everyone is invited to attend one of the area Community lunches. The next lunch is on the 3rd Wednesday, May 15, at the Hessel Valley Lutheran Church located in Chandlers Valley.
Hunger Games
The Sugar Grove Library and the Sugar Grove Community is working to plan a unique event never done before in Warren County. The first annual Sugar Grove Library Hunger games with a twist will be happening Saturday, June 1st. It will be a community street fair that will involve good clean fun competitions and will provide nonperishable food items to fill the local food banks. This event will not only raise funds for the local library, it will assist in replenishing the area food banks. Local businesses are encouraged now to get in on the fun. Contact the Sugar Grove Library at firstname.lastname@example.com (814) 489-7872 or event chairperson, Mary Passinger at firstname.lastname@example.com (814) 489-3744 to find out how you or your business can become a sponsor of the event.
Watch for more information on the numerous fun activities at the First Annual Sugar Grove Hunger games. There will be rock climbing, bungee running, archery, obstacle courses, races geo cashing, laser tag, hoop shoots, baseball throws, and more and it will all be happening in the streets of Sugar Grove. There will be events for the younger crowd as well including a magic show, games, and crafts.
The Imaginative Preschool of the Sugar Grove Free Methodist Church will hold its Preschool Graduation ceremony for the class of 2013 on Thursday evening, May 30, at 7 p.m. in the SGFM Activity Building. Refreshments will be served following the ceremony.
Memorial Day
On Memorial Day, Monday, May 27, the Sugar Grove Community is invited to come together to honor service men and women. AMVETS Post #50 and American Legion Post #758 will hold this service in the Sugar Grove Town Park beginning at 11 a.m. All are welcome to attend this special service.
Summer Camp
The Sugar Grove Free Methodist Summer Day Camp Program is now taking registrations for the coming 2013 summer. The Day Camp offers different options – full-time, part-time, or drop-in day care services or weekly camp enrollment. The Sugar Grove Free Methodist Church has been granted a license by the State of Pennsylvania for day care services. The Summer Day Camp facilities, program, and staff meet all state regulations for a licensed day care and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, handicap, ancestry, national origin, age, or sex.
The camp is now certified in New York State and can take subsidized children from Chautauqua County. Assistance to defray the daily fees of the Summer Day Camp Program is available through the Subsidized Child Day Care Program in Pennsylvania. Contact the Economic Opportunities Council of Warren County at 726-1361.
The facility will be open Monday through Friday, 6:45 a.m. to 6 p.m., from June 10 through August 16. If you would like more information on the Summer Day Program or on the Subsidization Program, please call the church office at 489-3105
Green Day
It's Green Day in Sugar Grove and students from the Sugar Grove and Russell Elementary Schools will take the day to attend a local Sugar Grove Farm and learn many interesting facts about our farms, animals, and nature. On May 20 students in grades 3-4-5 will travel to the VanOrd farm and on May 21 students in grades K-1-2 will travel to the farm.
Card Class
Sugar Grove Free Library will hold its monthly Creative Card Class this month on Monday, May 13, from 6 to 8 p.m. Spring has sprung and to celebrate the group will be creating two birthday cards using die cuts and a layering technique. The cost for the class is $8. Contact the Sugar Grove Free Library at 489-7872 or via email at firstname.lastname@example.com for more information, to sign-up and receive the small supplies needed list.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
A simple, clean and elegant personal portfolio (or anything else you can think of).
Template is valid XHTML 1 .0 Strict, CSS tableless design. CSS is easy to understand and nested for clarity. Comes with jQuery animated portfolio slider, about section and working contact form complete with basic validation. Ability to use either PHP or ASP contact scripts that are part of the final file, depending on your server.
This template uses the following frameworks/utilities which I do not claim to be my own work in any way:
Final file includes the complete PSD file for further modifications if needed.


text:
Most Recent Posts
PAMM | Pérez Art Museum Miami
Metromover System Closed April 25–26 for Upgrades
The Miami-Dade Metromover will be closed Saturday April 25, 2015 and Sunday, April 26, 2015 for upgrades. Free bus shuttle service will be provided between Metromover stations. Metromover will reopen for regular service at 5am on Monday, April 27, 2015. View alternative ways on getting to PAMM below.
Street Closures and Detours South of the Museum Due to the 2015 Corporate Run
Although roads directly adjacent to PAMM will not be affected, please be aware of street closures and detours south of the museum starting at 2pm on April 23, 2015.
Watch: CURTAIN by Jonah Bokaer and Daniel Arsham
The Miami premiere of CURTAIN brought together the award winning choreography of Jonah Bokaer and the scenic elements of artist Daniel Arsham at Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) for a performance with wonders that poured, dissolved and shattered in a unique exploration of shifting forms, both human and sculptural.
Watch: "Art Talk: Curator Vincente Todolí on Antoni Tàpies"
In conjunction with the opening of Tàpies: From Within, Vincente Todolí, former Tate Director and guest curator of the exhibition, discussed this major historical survey that features a selection of more than 50 large-scale paintings and sculptures, representing diverse moments from Antoni Tàpies' career.
PAMM Third Thursdays: Poplife Social Continued with Jellybean Benitez
On Thursday, April 16, 2015, Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) continued its new partnership with Poplife, masterminds behind Miami's famously sought-after and sold-out independent acts, to host PAMM Third Thursdays: Poplife Social, which will be held every third Thursday of the month through September.


text:
Votca accepts Tracy city administrator job
TRACY – After holding a second round of job interviews for city administrator, members of the Tracy City Council have selected a candidate to offer the job. On Tuesday, Tracy Mayor Tony Peterson said council members decided to offer the city administrator position to Michael Votca of Mankato. Peterson said Votca has accepted the offer.
The Tracy city administrator's position has been vacant since April, after former administrator Roger Gorius resigned to take a position with the city of Tomah, Wis.
On Monday night, members of the Tracy Council interviewed four candidates for city administrator, including Votca – Adrian Welle of Pierz, Andrew Bremseth of Fergus Falls and Barbara Hoyhtya of Hector. A fifth candidate, Mark Baker of Holstein, Iowa, had already been interviewed by the council.
Votca is currently an intern with the city of Mankato, but he had a wide variety of leadership and engineering experience serving in the U.S. Army from 1999 to 2012. During his military career, Votca held the positions of personnel officer, company commander, regimental engineer, brigade engineer and engineer operations officer. At different times his duties included planning troop construction projects in Mosul, Iraq, coordinating combat missions to remove improvised explosive devices in Baghdad and helping to plan construction for an Army garrison in Hawaii.
During Monday's interview, Votca said he became interested in public administration while he was pursuing a master's degree in public policy administration. Many of the instructors were city administrators and were committed to helping their communities. Votca said he liked working in jobs where, "I can help make a difference in people's lives."
As an intern for the city of Mankato, Votca said he's had the chance to work with municipal departments, including public safety and public works.
Votca told council members that his long-term goals include spending enough time in a community like Tracy to become proficient in the skills needed to be an administrator.
"I think I can be committed" to the job, he said. If selected, Votca said, he would also like to start out by taking a "listening role" and learn more about city operations and concerns.
After interviewing the candidates Monday night, council members went into a closed session to discuss selecting a candidate. Peterson said Tuesday that the council decided to offer the position to Votca, and that Votca accepted the offer. The council's goal is to have Votca take office as soon as possible, Peterson said.


text:
January's Featured New Audiobooks
Click here for a complete list of our newest audiobooks!
Adam Bede / George Eliot (BOOKS ON CD) -- Adam Bede is a hardy young carpenter who cares for his aging mother. His one weakness is the woman he loves blindly: the trifling town beauty, Hetty Sorrel, whose only delights are her baubles-and the delusion that the careless Captain Donnithorne may ask for her hand. Betrayed by their innocence, both Adam and Hetty allow their foolish hearts to trap them in a triangle of seduction, murder, and retribution.
Mad about the boy / Helen Fielding (BOOKS ON CD) -- With her hotly anticipated third installment, Bridget Jones: Mad about the boy, Fielding introduces us to a whole new, enticing phase of Bridget's life, set in contemporary London, including the challenges of maintaining sex appeal as the years roll by, and the nightmares of drunken texting, the skinny jean, the disastrous e-mail cc, total lack of Twitter followers, and TVs that need ninety buttons and three remotes to simply turn on.
The men who united the states / Simon Winchester (BOOKS ON CD/973 W) -- How did America become "one nation, indivisible"? What unified a growing number of disparate states into the modern country we recognize today? To answer these questions, Winchester follows in the footsteps of America's most essential explorers, thinkers, and innovators, such as Lewis and Clark and the leaders of the Great Surveys; the builders of the first transcontinental telegraph and the powerful civil engineer behind the Interstate Highway System. He treks vast swaths of territory, from Pittsburgh to Portland, Rochester to San Francisco, Seattle to Anchorage, introducing the fascinating people who played a pivotal role in creating today's United States. Throughout, he ponders whether the historic work of uniting the States has succeeded, and to what degree. Featuring 32 illustrations throughout the text, The Men Who United the States is a fresh look at the way in which the most powerful nation on earth came together.
Dying bites / D.D. Barant (BOOKS ON CD/MP3) -- Her job description is the "tracking and apprehension of mentally-fractured killers." What this really means in FBI profiler Jace Valchek's brave new world-one in which only one percent of the population is human-is that a woman's work is never done. And real is getting stranger every day...
The good boy / Theresa Schwegel (BOOKS ON CD) -- Eleven-year-old Joel feels invisible. His parents hardly notice him, unless they're arguing about his 'behavioral problems,' and his older sister, McKenna, has lately disappeared into the strange and frightening world of teenagerdom. About the only friend Joel has left is Butchie, his father's (Officer Pete Murphy) furry 'partner.' Joel and Butchie go on the run after witnessing a shooting.
A cruel and shocking act : the secret history of the Kennedy assassination / Philip Shenon (BOOKS ON CD/973.922 S) -- A groundbreaking, explosive account of the Kennedy assassination that will rewrite the history of the twentieth century's most controversial murder investigation. Based on hundreds of interviews and unprecedented access to the surviving commission staffers and many other key players, Philip Shenon's authoritative, scrupulously researched book will forever change the way people think about the Kennedy assassination and about the deeply flawed investigation that followed.


text:
The magician reaches into his pocket and produces a small illuminated ball. On the magician's command, the ball starts to float in mid-air! As the ball is floating, the magician gives the ball a spin. Now the spinning ball suddenly floats from one hand to the other! The magician's hands circle around the floating ball, dispelling any and all thoughts of how it might be done. Finally, the floating ball rises up to the magician's pocket. The pocket is opened and the ball floats into the magician's pocket!
No reviews yet. Do you own this product? Write a review.


text:
Punky Orange and Pink Short Style
This hairstyle is youthful, punky, and can be very funky or very sophisticated purely based on colour alone.This is a short haircut that is a re-interpretation of a basic, uniformly-layered pixie. Instead of keeping length completely uniform, as it is typically done, this cut leaves certain lengths, primarily around the back and front hair line, purposely long and uneven to create punk and personality.The hair colour is a play on two power pigments. A diluted, cotton pink, and a hi-octane, neon orange. Using natural tones in place of power pigments would take this hair cut from being punk-inspired to being chic with an edge. This cut can also be style down for a more natural, age-appropriate shape.
Manestream Salon Inc. Hairstylist: Dylan Dias Make up artist: Beulah Dias Photographer: Nataliya Rodina Model: Ilona Novak


text:
Fire Station No. 34
Year Opened: 1998
Units: Engine 34
Location: 10041 Lake Creek Parkway, 78729
Fire Station 34 Photos
Information is still needed about each of the fire stations located in the city. Many of the stations are historic buildings and fixtures of their neighborhoods. There are over 40 fire stations, new and old, in Austin. The AFD History Museum will continue to update information about each of the stations as it is obtained.
If you would like to help with information, you can use this Station Information Form to contact us. We would like to have as much information as possible for each station. Any and all information would be appreciated, and if you think of anything at all you would like to see on each station's page, please don't hesitate to contact us.


text:
John Lewis The Basics Combed Polycotton Fitted Sheets, White
Product information
These affordable fitted sheets are made from combed polyester cotton for comfort, softness and ease of care. Unfussy, they make the perfect backdrop to both plain and patterned duvet covers.
Matching pillowcases are available separately.
- Single to fit bed 90 x 190cm
- Double to fit bed 135 x 190cm
- Kingsize to fit bed 150 x 200cm
With John Lewis quality at reassuringly low prices, our range The Basics has everything your home needs for the day to day.
We've rebranded our Value range to The Basics, continuing to offer quality and value for everyday living. When you receive your order you may find it comes in either packaging, but please be assured, it's exactly the same product inside.
- Brand
John Lewis
- Eligible for International Delivery
- Fabric type
- 50% cotton 50% polyester
- Fits mattress depth
- Up to 30cm
- Ironing instructions
- Hot iron
- Material
- 50% polyester, 50% cotton
- Size
- Single
- Thread count Information This number refers to the density of threads per square inch. Typically, the higher the thread count, the finer and smoother the fabric will be against the skin.
- 144
- Tumble Dry
- Yes, at low temperature
- Washing Instructions
- Machine washable at 40°C
Click & collect
- Click & collect from John Lewis and Waitrose shops tomorrow from 2pm
- £2.00
- Collect + from a local shop from Thursday, postcode exclusions apply
- £3.50
UK delivery
- Standard delivery within 5 working days
- £3.50
- Named or Saturday UK delivery
- £6.95
- Named day UK delivery pre-10.30am
- £9.95
International delivery
- Europe (EU)
- £7.50
- Europe (Non EU)
- £7.50
- Australia
- £10.00
- Rest of World
- £10.00
We want you to be happy with your purchase. If you're not, depending on the type of product, you can make free returns in the UK via John Lewis shops, Royal Mail, Collect+, or MyHermes. If you need to arrange collection of large or heavy items, call us on 03456 049 049. For international returns queries, call us on +44 1698 545 454. Find out more about returns.
You'll find returns information on your delivery note. Unless faulty, we'd like you to make your return within 90 days of purchase. Exceptions apply to certain products - find out more about our refund policy.
Q & As
UK delivery£3.50
Standard delivery within 5 working days
Click & collect£2.00
Click & collect from John Lewis and Waitrose shops tomorrow from 2pm
Collect+ from a local shop from Thursday
International delivery availableFrom £7.50


text:
2014 China Tours > China's Imperial Wonders & Yangtze > Tour Itinerary
18 Day China's Imperial Wonders & Yangtze (2015)
Tour Itinerary
Your exotic journey to China begins as you board your transpacific flight bound for Beijing. En route, cross the International Dateline and lose a day. You'll recover this day on your return trip. (IM)
Board your transpacific flight to Beijing
Air China Flight Schedule
Arrive in Beijing in the late afternoon. Meet your local representative and transfer to your hotel in the heart of Beijing. Your hotel is conveniently located near the Chang An Avenue, along which are Beijing's major shopping malls, upscale restaurants, and tourist attractions. Relax and enjoy the evening in China's historic and vibrant capital city. Ritz-Carlton Beijing Financial Street
Bird Nest, the main venue of 2008 Summer Olympics
After a hearty breakfast and a tour briefing, you visit the Tiananmen Square. At 100 acres, it is the world's largest public square, flanked by an assortment of historical buildings, huge museums and Communist monuments, including Mao's Mausoleum. One visitor has written, "An army could be massed, and all the kites in the world could fly." You roam the Square; and walk through the Gate of Heavenly Peace, under the famed portrait of Chairman Mao, to enter the Forbidden City, the symbolic center of the Chinese universe and a lasing monument of dynastic China, from which 24 emperors of the Ming and the Qing Dynasties ruled the Middle Kingdom for nearly 500 years (1420-1911).
The Forbidden City, also known as Palace Museum
Visit old Beijing's Hutong on pedi-cabs
Completed in 1420, the Forbidden City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the world's largest palace complex and China's most magnificent imperial architecture, consisting of many buildings with 9,999 rooms, on a 250-acre compound, protected by a 20-foot-wide moat and a 32-foot-high wall. Now known as the Palace Museum, the Forbidden City was the exclusive domain of the imperial court and dignitaries where outside visitors were forbidden for 5 centuries. Here you will explore the imperial treasures in the grand palaces and pavilions, exquisite courtyards and gardens in what was once the residence of China's rulers.
After lunch, you join our Culture InSites Program for a rickshaw ride along Old Beijing's Hutongs (narrow ancient alleys) to discover the sights and sounds of local Beijing life in these traditional Chinese neighborhoods. See the locals as they go about their daily activities; and tour the maze-like alleyways and courtyard houses before it's gone forever. Highlights include visits to a traditional courtyard home, to a local market, and a leisure walk along the Lotus Lane lined with bars, restaurants and tea houses.
In the evening, we are gathering for a welcome dinner of a specially prepared meal of Beijing Duck, cooked to crispy perfection. (B,L,SD)
A memorable day awaits with an excursion to the Sacred Way of Ming Tombs and the Great Wall of China at the less-visited Mutianyu section.
The Sacred Way of Ming Tombs
The Great Wall of China at Mutianyu section
After breakfast, you take a drive to the northwest of Beijing to visit the Sacred Way of Ming Tombs, regarded as China's finest example of imperial tomb architecture. Situated in a peaceful valley, the site was chosen by the Ming emperors as their burial place for its auspicious Fengshui alignment—a ridge of mountains to the north cradles the tombs on three sides, opening to the south and protecting the dead from the evil spirits carried on the north wind. Here you will walk along the elegant Sacred Way that leads to the tombs. Beginning with a grand marble gateway more than 400 years old, the long avenue is lined with 36 massive stone sculptures of officials, lions, elephants, camels and mythical beasts.
Lunch stop at a local jade workshop, afterwards, you take a scenic drive through the countryside and mountains to reach China's most renowned monument—the Great Wall. Since the Great Wall is the single greatest attraction of China travel, we take you to the less-visited and more original Mutianyu section and try to avoid other sections which are the most accessible and consequently the most crowded.
The wall was begun in the 5th century BC to keep out foreign invaders. Construction continued for centuries, eventually linking up the walls of the former independent kingdoms. The Great Wall meanders through China's northern mountain ranges from the Yellow Sea to the Gobi Desert—a distance of over 3500 miles! Chairman Mao once said "You haven't walked on the Wall, you haven't been a good Chinese".
And today, you'll not only visit the Great Wall, but experience it in more ways than one—Learning some of the fascinating history and legend of this engineering marvel, riding a gondola up to the highest point for panoramic views of this ancient edifice, exploring its impressive watchtowers, ramparts, carriageways at your own pace, or, hoping on a toboggan for an exciting ride down the curvy path. Today is a highlight of your China trip. (B,L,D)
In the morning, you visit the Temple of Heaven, the largest temple complexes in China and a paradigm of Chinese architectural balance and symbolism. One key element in China's architectural genius was the blending of the monumental with the delicate, and the Temple of Heaven is perhaps the finest expression of this mixing of near opposite.
Hall of Supreme Harmony, Temple of Heaven
The Summer Palace for Empress Dowager Cixi
During each winter solstice, the Ming and Qing emperors would perform rites and make sacrifices to Heaven praying for good harvest for their empire. The most striking edifice is the Hall of Prayer of Good Harvests, which according to the emperor's Fengshui masters, is the exact point where heaven and Earth met. Built in 1420 (without the use of a single nail), this masterpiece of Ming architecture, features triple eaves, dramatically carved marble balustrades, and gorgeous glazed azure roof that symbolizes the color of heaven. This 120-foot-high structure is fixed by four inner pillars represent the seasons, and two sets of 12 columns denote the months and the traditional Chinese division of a day.
Time permits, you take a photo stop at the Bird Nest and visit the exterior portion of this huge complex—the main stadium of 2008 Beijing Olympics. In the afternoon, you tour the idyllic Summer Palace, once the summer retreat and playground for the imperial family and royal court during the late Qing Dynasty. Considered the finest Chinese imperial garden, the Summer Palace spans over 700 acres with breathtaking views, temples, pavilions, palaces and halls including the lavishly painted "Long Corridor". It is most associated, however, with the Empress Dowager Cixi who paid for the extravagant Marble Boat with funds meant for the modernization of the Imperial Navy. Weather permitting you enjoy a dragon boat ride across the picturesque Kunming Lake.
Later, transfer to the airport for a flight to Xian to experience the historical side of your China trip. Located in the Yellow River Basin in China's heartland, Xian is one of the birthplaces of civilization. It has seen 3,100 years of development and 11 dynasties, giving it equal fame with Athens, Rome and Cairo as one of the four major ancient civilization capitals. Xian reached its peak during the Tang Dynasty at 10th century with a population of one million and is rich with cultural and historical significances. Shangri-La Hotel Xian (B,L)
Today's excursion will take you to modern China's greatest archaeological discovery—The Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses, which silently guarded the tomb of China's First Emperor for over 2,200 years. In 1974, a local farmer uncovered the first of three massive earth and timber vaults, while digging a well. The extensive excavation, still in progress, has yielded over 6000 life-sized terra cotta warriors, each individually sculpted, with the physical characteristics of the humans they were modeled after. Archers, infantrymen, horses and bronze chariots have also been unearthed, but it's only a fraction of the total buried there to protect the tomb of the first Qin emperor. A Circle Vision documentary is available on site. Lunch at a local restaurant and see a noodle making demonstration.
6,000 life size Terra-cotta Army
Enjoy Tang Dynasty Stage Show
Today's Culture InSites Program will offer you a rare opportunity to witness a real rural life at a typical village in central China. You visit a Yao Dong (Literally an arched tunnel)—a typical cave dwellings that stretches across six provinces in north central China. The Yao Dong is caves dug into mountainsides with a signature arched front. Usually, one family unit consists of three arched openings, and the units are interconnected inside. The center cave can be termed the living room, which includes a stovetop cooking area. The two side caves are sleeping quarters. Outside of the cities of this region, some 90% of the rural population used to live in yaodongs. Time permitting, you'll also enjoy a chance to shop for ancient Chinese furniture or paintings.
Tang Dynasty (AD 618-907), traditionally regarded as the golden age of China, was a time of patricians and intellectuals, Buddhist monks and Taoist priests, poetry and music, song and dance—a period of peace and exceptional creativity lasting 300 years. This evening, you attend a feast of culinary and cultural delights with a special Dumpling (dim sum) banquet followed by a fascinating Tang Dynasty stage show. Indulge yourself in this remarkable show and reinvent your China dream with a travel back in time to the world of China's Golden Age, then come back to the present with a greater understanding of this amazing time. (B,L,SD)
This morning, tour the Wild Goose Pagoda, a Tang Dynasty landmark. This seven-story pagoda was initially constructed in 652 AD to house the Buddhist sutras brought back from India by the monk, Xuan Zang, who later translated them into Chinese. His pilgrimage to India is immortalized in the Chinese classic—The Journey to the West.
Wild Goose Pagoda, a Tang landmark
Guilin's inspiring sceneries
Later, you take a relaxing walk to the heart of the city to visit its fascinating Muslim quarter. In the center of Xian, visible everywhere from the surrounding city walls, are the city's two Ming Dynasty treasures—Bell and Drum Towers. Built in 1384, the Bell Tower, in which a great bell once rang at dawn, is a classic example of Ming architecture. It consists of a triple-eaved, two storey wooden pavilion resting on a square brick platform nine meters high, pierced by four archways. Across the square from the Bell Tower is the rectangular Drum Tower, where a drum was beaten daily at sundown. First erected in 1380, the Drum Tower has become the gateway to Xian's old Muslim quarter and its historical mosque. Lunch at a famous local restaurant to sample a special dumpling meal.
Founded in 742, the Great Mosque is the focus of the more than 30,000 Chinese Muslims (Hui) of Xian, whose beards and white caps distinguish them from Han Chinese. Stand in four beautiful courtyards of ancient trees, ornate arches and stone steles, the Mosque is the center of life for the Muslim community - the descendants of the merchants that ferried the religion into China along the ancient Silk Road. The backstreets surrounding the mosque is the charming Muslim Quarter hosting the city's most fascinating night market, with its winding streets, low houses, narrow lanes, excellent ethnic cuisine, and resident Hui community. Tour the lovely and unusual area with bustling stalls and enjoy some of the best street food in China!
In the late afternoon, you fly to Guilin and indulge yourself in China's most amazing natural landscapes. Guilin is celebrated for its picturesque karst limestone pinnacles and meandering Li River. An old Chinese saying describes Guilin's landscape as the best scenery under heaven. Its misty limestone peaks rise as suddenly from the earth as trees in a forest, and surrounding the city like mountains floating in an imaginary sea. Meet your local representative and transfer to your luxurious hotel overlooking the Li River. Shangri-La Hotel Guilin (B,L)
A beautiful day waits! After breakfast, you take a scenic ride through the countryside, passing lush green fields and rice paddies, to reach the Bamboo River pier, where you embark on a memorable cruise down the picturesque Li River. The 40-mile trip has countless twists and turns and the scenery is reminiscent of classical Chinese landscapes—bamboo groves, sleepy villages, fishermen on bamboo rafts, cormorants, water buffalo, soaring karst pinnacles and mist shrouded peaks... your cruise concludes at Yangshuo, a rural town, amidst a haunting and surreal setting.
Li River & Karst mountains - Guilin's signature scenery
The Crystal Palace of Reed Flute Cave
Time permitting you will have free time to explore this fascinating town on your own, followed by a tour on tuk-tuk to visit local farmers' fields and homes. Yangshuo's landscape of limestone hills, rice fields and lazy rivers is the very image of rural China, and ride on a tuk-tuk through this much-painted landscape provides a great way to experience the dramatic countryside, ancient villages and bustling local markets in a very intimate way.
Traveling back to Guilin in the late afternoon, en route, we will make photo stop to shoot signature sceneries of the countryside. Tonight you have an international buffet dinner served in your hotel. (B,L,D)
If time permits, you will tour the Reed Flute Cave, nature's subterranean wonder filled with stalactites and stalagmites. Its name comes from the verdant reeds growing outside that are used to make flutes. The grand chamber known as the Crystal Palace, is an awesome spectacle. Afterwards, you are transferred to the airport for a short flight to the mountain city of Chongqing. With a population of over 30 million, Chongqing is the gateway to China's most populous Sichuan (Literally, Four Rivers) Province and also home to China's most notable Sichuan cuisine. During WWII, Chongqing was China's wartime capital. U.S. General Stillwell was the Commander of the US Forces here and the "Flying Tigers" was also based in Chongqing.
China Yangtze River Cruise
Cruise on the Daning River
Enjoy an opportunity to see the Giant Pandas at Chongqing Zoo. Whenever China dispatches its animal ambassadors to zoos around the world, they have usually started their life in Sichuan Province where eighty percent of the world's 1,000 remaining giant panda reside. Giant Panda is officially considered a national treasure by Chinese government and is often used to cultivate relationships with other countries with panda diplomacy. This zoo offers a wonderful chance to get face-to-face with China's gentle giants. Later, you visit Chongqing's Old Town. This is one of China's most naturally preserved, active old towns. Explore Ming and Qing dynasty courtyard homes; rarely included in conventional itineraries, this old quarter is unforgettable.
No visit is complete without a meal in a local Sichuan restaurant. The cuisine is spicy, and peppercorns and chilies abound, but often in a surprisingly subtle way. Whether it's hotpot, meat or a vegetable dish, your mouth will water and your taste buds tingle with delight. After dinner, board your luxurious cruise ship for the memorable 3-night cruise down the Yangtze River. Settle into your outside balcony cabin and check out the numerous amenities on board. The Yangtze River originates on the Tibetan Plateau and traverses a distance of 3900 miles before flowing into the East China Sea, near Shanghai. It is the third longest river in the world, after the Amazon and the Nile. With over 700 tributaries, the Yangtze River has been the lifeline and major commercial thoroughfare in China for millennia. Victoria Anna (B,L,D)
From your private balcony, you watch the great Yangtze flow lazily to the east. Your ship docks at Shibaozhai (Stone Treasure Stronghold), a rural river town, for an included shore excursion to the 400-year-old, 12-story wooden pagoda, known as the Shibaozhai Temple. This colorful structure, built without nails, hugs one side of the Jade Seal Hill. Its tall yellow entrance gate is decorated with lions and dragons and etched with an inscription inviting the visitors to climb the ladder and ascend into a "Little Fairyland". Legend has that there was a small hole in the temple wall from which enough rice trickled to feed the monks, thus the name, Stone Treasure. However, when the monks became greedy and thought they could get more rice if they make the hole bigger, the treasure dried up.
Qutang Gorge, the shortest and narrowest of 3 Gorges
Your cruise continues in the afternoon and enters Qutang Gorge—the shortest, narrowest and probably the most fascinating of the three, noted for its fantastic scenery resembling an elegant Chinese painted scroll. Dinner tonight is Captain's welcome banquet. (B,L,D)
Another day of incredible views awaits you upon entering Wu Gorge. The softly layered peaks form a surreal backdrop as the ship courses through the rugged canyons. So sheer are the cliffs that it is said the sun rarely penetrates. Wu Gorge, celebrated for its twelve misty peaks soaring above, has been the inspiration of Chinese painters and poets throughout the centuries. The most famous is Goddess Peak, which resembles the figure of a maiden kneeling in front of a pillar. She is believed to be the embodiment of Yao Ji, the 23rd daughter of the Queen Mother of the West. Yao Ji, accompanied by 11 fairy handmaidens, was sent to oversee the Jade Pool of the Western Heaven, and end up staying there to protect the boats from the dangerous rapids. These 12 maidens became the 12 sentinel peaks of Wu Gorge.
Cruise the Shennong Stream on peapod boat
Tweleve misty peaks of Wu Gorges
You then change to the peapod boat for a trip up the crystal-clear Shennong Stream to experience the excitement and awe of bygone days of river travel in China. Notice the ruins of the ancient plank road along the cliff face as well as the coffins of the Ba people suspended from the cliffs above. The contrasting heights of these gorges and the narrowness of the river make this area one of the most dramatic scenes in the world. Tonight you have a dinner featuring local cuisine and enjoy onboard entertainment. (B,L,D)
Your memorable cruise continues as you enter the spectacular Xiling Gorge. Choose your vantage point as the ship transits the five stage shiplocks, the largest shiplock in the world. Your cruiser makes a brief stop at Sandouping, the site of modern China's most ambitious engineering project – the construction of the Three Gorges Dam and Hydroelectric Power Plant. View the current phase of this 17 year project. When completed, the dam will be 610 feet high and over a mile wide. The hydroelectrical power plant will be driven by the world's largest turbines and have the generating capacity of 18 nuclear power plants. A reservoir 372 miles long will be created, with the end result of displacing 1.5 million people, submerging 1000s of their towns and villages and wiping out numerous archaeological sites. Whole cities have been relocated, precious topsoil brought to higher elevations and centuries-old lifestyles altered forever.
Enter Xiling Gorge
Visit Three Gorges Dam construction site
Disembark at Yichang, the terminus of your memorable Yangtze cruise, you board a flight to Shanghai, China's vibrant financial and artistic center. Shanghai, literally means "above the sea", is China's largest and most dynamic city, with a population of 23 million. In the 13th century it became a minor county seat and so it remained until the mid-19th century when British commercial ambitions led to war with China. The ensuing Treaty of Nanking allowed the British to trade freely from certain ports including Shanghai. The city soon became an outpost of glamour, high living, and ultimately decadence. In the 1930s, Shanghai is renowned as "the Pearl of the East". Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure. Portman Ritz-Carlton Shanghai (B,L)
Some places are forever associated with a single landmark and in the case of Shanghai it is surely the Bund. After breakfast, you take a leisure walk along the waterfront promenade of the Bund. The Bund was at the heart of colonial shanghai, flanked on one side by the Huangpu River and on the other by the hotels, banks, offices, and clubs that were the grandiose symbols of western commercial power. See the ships and barges on the Huangpu River, en route to the sea or going upstream to the interior of China. The modernistic Oriental Pearl TV tower looms in the background redefining the skyline.
Visit Yu Garden and city barzaar
Walk on the Bund, the landmark of Shanghai
In 1949, the communist took over and Shanghai was stripped of its grandeur. In 1990, the Pudong area across the river from the Bund was declared as a special economic zone, and a revival started for the city. Today we take you to futurist Pudong New Developing Area. Transformed from once fertile farmland, this new area is rapidly becoming the symbol of modern China with its clusters of shinning metal and glass skyscrapers of world class hotels, international financial institutions, and commercial centers towered above the Huangpu River. Later you visit to the 88th floor of the Jinmao Tower, the third tallest building in China. At 1,380 feet, it is the world's fifth tallest building, as well as home to the world's tallest hotel - the Grand Hyatt Shanghai. From its lofty platform, you enjoy a stunning view of Shanghai.
Afterwards, you visit People's Square and tour the famed Shanghai Museum, an unique and inspiring piece of architecture, home to more than 120,000 cultural relics of ancient China, including a priceless collection of jade, bronze, ceramics, paintings, furniture, etc. After dinner, you attend an unforgettable performance of the Shanghai Acrobats.
Later, we drop you at the Xin Tian Di for a leisure and romantic night. Literally means "New Heaven Earth", it is Shanghai's trendiest lifestyle destination. This 2-block complex of high-end restaurants (some of Shanghai's best), bars, shops, and entertainment facilities, mostly lodged in refurbished traditional Shanghainese shikumen (stone-frame) housing, is the first phase of the Taiping Qiao Project, an urban renewal project. Busloads of domestic Chinese tourists traipse through in the evenings, Western visitors feel like they've never left home, and hip young Shanghainese flood here to enjoy the good life they feel they're due. (B,L,D)
In the morning you travel by motor-coach to Suzhou, which is often referred, by the Chinese, as the "Venice of the East". Suzhou is a 2,500-year-old city renowned the world over for its traditional gardens, ancient canals and silk production. In 1997 Suzhou's classic garden was designated an UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Pavilion of Watching the Moon, Master of Net Garden
Shanghai Acrobats
The construction of the Grand Canal in the 7th century created a means whereby silk, the prized commodity from this region could be transported to the Northern capital, Beijing, a distance of over 600 miles. With prosperity came prestige as merchants and artisans plied their trade. During the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), Suzhou flourished as a place of refinement, drawing an influx of scholars and merchants, who built themselves numerous elegant gardens.
The Chinese garden developed as a synthesis of two concepts linked in Taoist philosophy - scenery and serenity: the contemplation of nature in isolated meditation led to enlightenment. Therefore, the educated and wealthy built natural-looking retreats for themselves with an urban environment. The garden creates poetic and painterly concepts, and aims to improve on nature in creating a picture that looks natural but is in fact entirely artificial. For this the Chinese garden designer used four main elements: rocks, water, plants, and architecture.
Upon arrival, you visit the Garden of the Master of Fishing Nets, and experience all of the elements of a classical Chinese garden. It is said that the Master of the Nets Garden was named after one of its owners - a retired official who wished to become an accomplished fisherman. Dating to 1140, it is considered by many, the finest of all Suzhou's gardens. Although exceptional small, it succeeds, with great subtlety, in introducing every element considered crucial to the classical Chinese garden. It includes a central lake, discreet connecting corridors, pavilions with miniature courtyards, screens, delicate latticework, and above all, points which "frame a view", as if looking at a perfectly balanced photograph. The best known building is the "Pavilion for Watching the Moon", from where the moon can be viewed in a mirror, in the water, and in the sky.
Later, you tour the Silk Spinning Mill, where you will learn how silk is created from the mulberry-munching silkworms to produce thread and fine cloth. Afterwards, you travel to Tongli, a pretty little water town typical of the region. Tongli gives visitors a good idea of what Suzhou must have been like in its heyday. Reminiscent of scenes from traditional Chinese paintings, it is complete with canals, arched stone bridges, cobbled lanes, and tile-roofed wooden houses. Visit a courtyard mansion to learn about the lavish life style of its residents. Then, learn about traditional Chinese wedding customs at a local folklore museum. Take an exciting ride on a gondola and experience the charm of Tongli's waterways. You will have free time to browse and buy some local specialties along Old Street, which is lined with Ming style homes and storefronts. In the late afternoon, you travel by motor coach to Shanghai and enjoy your evening at leisure. (B,L,D)
In the morning, you are free to rest or to explore the vibrant Shanghai on your own. Your hotel is centrally located near major shopping areas. After lunch, you are transferred to the airport for a flight to the cosmopolitan Hong Kong. A former British colony perched on the edge of mainland China, Hong Kong is a fascinating city of contrasts—a place where East meets West; where the modern blends with the traditional; where shiny skyscrapers stand next to narrow alleys crammed with traditional vendors' stalls. You'll be transferred to your hotel centrally located in the bustling heart of Kowloon, overlooking the scenic Victoria Harbor and near the "Golden Mile," Hong Kong's famous shopping district.
The Victoria Harbour
Tonight we take an exciting walking tour to experience Hong Kong's sights and sounds. We gather together outside your hotel at the Victoria Harbor for a leisure walk on the promenade, where at 8pm every day the harbor is lit up with the spectacular show of "A Symphony of Lights"—a nightly spectacle which combines interactive lights of 33 key buildings on both Hong Kong Island and Kowloon with musical effects to showcase the enchanting night view of the Victoria Harbor. The show is awarded the world's Largest Permanent Light and Sound Show by Guinness World Records.
Afterwards, we board Hong Kong's iconic Star Ferr for a short cruise across the Victoria Harbor. The century-old green-and-white Star ferries weave between tugs, junks, and ocean-going vessels in a harbor crossing to Hong Kong Island, where we disembark and proceed to the bustling Central District.
Walk through the towers of steels and glasses and learn how Fengshui influences local architectures. Ascend to the middle level hillside on the world's longest outdoor escalator, known as the "Heavenly Ladder", to observe a living culture featuring a unique fusion where "east-meets-west"—the hustle and bustle of this modern city mingles with the colorful age-old traditions of yesterday. Here, among the dried seafood and Chinese herb shops, you'll see traditions of the past that remain vibrant today.
As you continue along the walk, you'll experience time through the ages ending in Central, the financial heart of Hong Kong, full of energy and dynamism; an excellent way to see old and new China mingled in a spectacular display of old traditions and new technology. Our walking tour ends at Lan Kwai Fang, a buzzing center of clubs, bars and restaurants—a must for night owls and people-watchers. There's no better way to acquaint yourself with Hong Kong and experience the many facets of this vibrant city than in tonight's walking tour. Kowloon Shangri-La (B)
After breakfast, you take a tour to Hong Kong Island. Visit Victoria Peak, the summit of the Island and home to Hong Kong's elite. Take the "Tram" to the summit and get a panoramic view of the magnificent skyline of the Victoria Harbor, where ferries and pleasure junks glide by. At night, this scene is transformed into a spectacle of lights. Descend and see where Hong Kong plays and prays as you visit the beach of shrine-dotted Repulse Bay.
Take tram to the Victoria Peak
Dim Sum at Jumbo Seafood Floating Restaurant
Continue to the floating village of Aberdeen, where a 20-mintues optional cruise ($8 per person) is available to bring you an up-close look at the disappearing fishing community before this area is abolished and becomes a distant memory. Thousands of people still live on the junks and sampans in the harbor. Their traditional lifestyle is in sharp contrast to the modern life style of those living in the high-rise communities that hugs the nearby hillsides.
Hong Kong prides itself with the most famous Cantonese cuisine in Chinese community. It is said that the Cantonese eat everything with four legs except tables, and everything with two wings except airplanes. To dine at a local restaurant is the best way to understand the local cultural. Today, you will have a special "Dim Sum" lunch at the iconic Jumbo Floating Seafood Restaurant, a complex of fine dining, sightseeing, shopping, and cultural attractions, which is also on top of Hong Kong Must-see list.
Later, you have some free time to shop at the Stanley Market. In the afternoon, you are at leisure to explore this vibrate city independently. (B,L)
Enjoy your final day in Hong Kong at leisure. Hong Kong is bargain shopper's Mecca, and the prime location of your hotel offers everything you possibly need from shopping, dining, entertaining, touring etc. Take in the sights and sounds of Hong Kong on your own or shop to your heart's content.
Hong Kong Island
Victoria Harbor at night
If you like, you can also take a vacation from your vacation with an optional tour to Macau and experience the uniqueness of this former Portuguese colony, which is an hour's turbojet ride from Hong Kong. Macau was first settled by Portuguese merchants and Jesuits in the 1500s. The Jesuits were ousted in the 1800s, but the Portuguese remained in control until 1999, when the colony was handed back to China. Often referred to as the "Monte Carlo of the Orient", 24 hour gambling is Macau's major draw, as well as its unique cuisine and its quaint European ambience. Meet your local representative upon arrival. Visit the ruins of St. Paul's Cathedral, once a powerful presence. The crumbling façade is all that remains. Tour the beautifully tiled Largo do Senado, the main public square, an area of fountains, colonnades, and stately Portuguese architecture. Visit the A-Ma Temple, dedicated to the goddess of the sea, and for whom Macau was named. The temple is over 500 years old. After an included lunch, you will have the "chance" to go to the Casino Lisboa, Macau's largest casino. Take the turbojet back to Hong Kong and transfer to your hotel (optional tour is $99 per person). (B)
Bid farewell to Hong Kong as you are transferred to the airport for a flight to U.S. via Beijing, arriving in U.S. later today. (B)
Hong Kong's Tsing Ma Bridge
Air China Flight Schedule


text:
Get into hard-to-reach places with ease
The next time you need to fit a nut into a tight space, try this trick from Club member Phil Midtvedt of Alexandria, Minnesota. Cover the opening of one end of a box-end wrench with masking tape. Then insert the nut, pressing it firmly against the adhesive side of the masking tape. The tape will hold the nut and keep it from falling out of the wrench, so you can slide the wrench into a narrow opening. Brought to you by: American Profile


text:
The Catholic Spirit in the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis today posted on YouTube a video slideshow of photos from Jesucristo Resucitado (Risen Christ), the archdiocese's mission parish in Venezuela. Dave Hrbacek, the paper's staff photographer, shot the photos during a recent trip to Venezuela and also wrote about the parish, its pastor and the history of the archdiocese's outreach to the community there.
Filed under: clients


text:
|Thread Tools
Alice In Chains -- Tinley Park, IL -- August 22nd, 2013
This is actually a review of all the bands I saw at Uproar Festival yesterday. I went there with my mom as there were a handful of bands I wanted to see and both of us wanted to see the new supergroup Walking Papers (featuring Duff McKagan original bassist of Guns N Roses and Barrett Martin drummer of both Mad Season and Screaming Trees) and attend their signing. Anyhow, I had a blast there! After the 2 and a half hour drive from Greenfield, WI (a suburb of Milwaukee), arrived at Uproar at about 2:50, as I wanted to get there in time to see the band New Politics...
New Politics (3:10-3:35)-
Give Me Hope
Just Like Me
Tonight You're Perfect
Yeah Yeah Yeah
^ The first time I heard New Politics was on the major Milwaukee alternative music station (FM 102/1) as they have played their song Harlem a handful of times, which I really enjoyed. They put on a great, energetic set. They just put out their second album earlier this year and on stage the singer said that they are in the midst of a year and a half tour for it. I would definitely see them again if they came to Milwaukee or Chicago.
Walking Papers signing-
As soon as New Politics ended we headed over to the Rockstar Energy Tent for the Walking Papers signing. I got my copy of their self-titled debut album signed and finally got to meet Duff McKagan, which was an honor. I also got the answer to a question I had always wondered about which was "who played the horns on the Guns N Roses song "Move To The City"? I was surprised enough to find out that it was Duff McKagan's brother who played the brass on that song. I also got a picture with him.
Danko Jones (4:40-5:09)-
The Rules
Had Enough
First Date
Sugar Chocolate
Full Of Regrets
^ After taking a break to sit down and eat some funnel cake we headed back to the side stage where we saw New Politics to get a good spot for Walking Papers. Danko Jones came on before them. The singer whose name is Danko Jones seemed like a complete spaz, saying he wished it was raining so he could separate the real rockers from the fakes. And then someone in the crowd requested one of their songs that was an album cut. He keep talking to the guy saying he would be cool and deviate from the written setlist. But in the end he didn't because he wanted to play a song that was 10x as better as the one requested, which he said was about oral sex. I definitely wasn't a fan but someone in the crowd near me got the set and I asked to copy it down into my notebook in case anyone here or on setlist.fm was interested in it.
Walking Papers (5:39-6:12)-
The Whole World's Watching
Red Envelopes
Your Secret's Safe With Me
Capital T
The Butcher
Two Tickets And A Room
^ Walking Papers put on a great rocking show, as expected. During "The Butcher" the singer Jeff Angel came out into the crowd catching me off guard and patting me on the shoulder. I got one of the setlists from the security off the stage which after they were down playing I got signed by singer Jeff Angel and drummer Barrett Martin who were doing another post-show signing. They are excellent musicians who put 110% into their performance and are very nice down to earth guys. I would definitely see them again.
Circa Survive (setlist courtesy of another user on setlist.fm)-
Oh, Hello
Sharp Practice
Holding Someone's Hair Back
In The Morning And Amazing...
The Lottery
Brother Song
Get Out
^ After getting the setlist signed, we headed over to the main amphitheater stage. I caught the last three songs or so of Circa Survive. Someone else posted the setlist on setlist.fm which is where I got it from to post it here. They were an average band. The singer was picking on some young kid in the audience named Josh and dedicated a song to him by saying "Josh, I hope you get your dick sucked someday".
Coheed And Cambria (7:12-7:52)-
Keeping The Blade
Key Entity Extraction V: Sentry The Defiant
A Favor House Atlantic
Goodnight, Fair Lady
Number City
Gravity's Union
Ten Speed (Of God's Blood And Burial)
Key Entity Extraction III: Vic The Butcher
Welcome Home
^ Coheed And Cambria was a band I was not familiar with their music, so it is another setlist I took courtesy of another user on setlist.fm. I thought they were an above average band. I really enjoyed the second to last song they played, Key Entity Extraction III: Vic The Butcher. I will probably look into a few of their albums
Jane's Addiction (8:19-9:18)-
Mountain Song
Had A Dad
Just Because
Ain't No Right
Been Caught Stealing
Another Soulmate
Three Days
Ocean Size
Jane Says
^ Jane's Addiction was a band I was really excited to see. I love their music and have all four of their official studio albums. Towards the end of their set, Perry Farrell said that Jerry Cantrell is a "nice young man" and joked that he was perfect for your teenage daughter to date. They were fun to watch and I was glad to finally see them live. Although, I wish they would played "Ted, Just Admit It...", which is my favorite Jane's Addiction song.
Alice In Chains (9:44-10:55)-
Them Bones
Check My Brain
Man In The Box
Acid Bubble
We Die Young
Down In A Hole
No Excuses
^ Finally, the time had come for Alice In Chains to take the stage. The band I was looking forward the most to finally be seeing live. I wanted to see them in May at The Rave in Milwaukee, but it was in the middle of my college finals week, so that didn't happen. Anyway, they put on one hell of a show! I wish they would have played Angry Chair, It Ain't Like That, and Your Decision but beggars can't be choosers. The set was awesome and Junkhead was definitely a big surprise highlight! One other missed opportunity I can think of is that they could have played Black Gives Way To Blue, a 2009 song dedicated to Layne Staley, whose birthday happened to be yesterday. Also, I was surprised at how poorly the show had sold, many seats near me were empty and the lawn was completely empty with the exception of one or two people. But regardless, I had such a great time yesterday and don't regret going by ANY means.
Upcoming concerts I'm attending-
Twenty One Pilots (January 31)
Green Day (March 30)
Upcoming concerts I'm attending-
Twenty One Pilots (January 31)
Green Day (March 30)
1/12 - Kings of Leon
According to setlist fm, Sludge Factory, Angry Chair and Nutshell got played last night in place of Junkhead, Acid Bubble and Down In A Hole.
Last edited by Sanitarium78; 08-24-2013 at 04:56 AM.
Upcoming concerts I'm attending-
Twenty One Pilots (January 31)
Green Day (March 30)
|alice in chains, circa survive, coheed and cambria, danko jones, jane's addiction, new politics, walking papers
|Thread Tools


text:
Moravian Spice Cookie Wafers (United States)
Recipe courtesy of Food Network Kitchen
This cookie comes to us from North Carolina by way of Central Europe; it's a classic, peppery spice cookie brought to the U.S. by Moravians[ in the 1700s. The key to this cookie is rolling it super-thin to get that characteristic snap; it's a lot easier to roll it that thin between waxed paper. If you don't have the patience, go thicker, for chewy gingerbread-style cookies. Either way, these cookies would be fantastic on your holiday table.]
- 1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon fine salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon finely ground white pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard powder
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1 large egg yolk
DirectionsWatch how to make this recipe.
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.
Whisk the flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, pepper and mustard together in a medium bowl.
Beat the butter and sugar together in a large bowl with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until just combined and lightly fluffy. Beat in the molasses and egg yolk. Gradually add the dry ingredients and mix together on low speed until dough is just combined and still crumbly, about 3 minutes. Give dough a few turns with a spatula to bring together.
Lay out wax paper on a clean work surface and put about 1/3 of the batter on top. Lightly press down and top with another sheet of wax paper. Using your hands or a rolling pin, gently pat into a rectangle. Roll out with a rolling pin until dough is as thin as possible without breaking, no thicker than 1/16 inch thick. This is the key to these cookies: they really can't be too thin. Gently peel back the layer of waxed paper and then replace it loosely.
Transfer rolled batter to a flat baking sheet and freeze until firm and can easily be peeled away from the waxed paper, about 30 minutes. Repeat with the remaining dough.
Cut dough using a small (2- to 3-inch) fluted round cookie cutter and return to the freezer for 15 minutes to set. Transfer frozen cookies to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake until crisp and lightly, evenly colored (but not brown), about 10 minutes.
Busy baker's tips: Store baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 10 days. The dough can be frozen, between sheets of waxed paper and well-wrapped in plastic wrap, for up to 2 weeks. Baked cookies can be wrapped in plastic wrap then aluminum foil and frozen for up to 1 month.
Cook's note: Don't be intimidated by how many cookies this recipe makes. This dough freezes well, and you can roll out far in advance -- so when you need cookies, you can cut and bake as needed, which is a great holiday timesaver.
Copyright 2007 Television Food Network, G.P. All rights reserved
From Food Network Kitchens
Cooking Tips
More Recipes and Ideas
United States of Potato Salad
Recipe courtesy of Jeff Mauro
United Tates of America
Recipe courtesy of Food Network Kitchen
Persimmon Spice Cookies
Recipe courtesy of Food Network Kitchen


text:
The first round is over, now it's on to round two. Metal and Prog metal drummers.
Your votes can help the world's greatest ever Metal or Prog Metal drummers to make it through to the knockout stages of Rhythm's Drummer's World Cup.
The first round will comprise six categories, each with 20 drummers battling it out to progress in the competition. Next round will be Jazz, BeBop and Big Band, followed by Modern Rock, Punk, NuWave and Indie; Reggae, Ska and Funk; and then Pop, Session and Gospel.
Simply vote for your favourite drummer in each round, and the top two in each group will progress to the next round (last 16), along with the next four drummers with the highest number of votes in any category.
After that it's knockout rounds! Get voting!
And don't forget, you can still pick up a copy of Rhythm Presents 100 Drum Heroes, available in the shops, onlineand on Newsstand for iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch right now! It's got loads of interviews and profiles with a ton of drummers, plus it's beautifully illustrated with classic and new photographs!


text: Interstate Leather boasts high quality leather and unmatched designs for you to wear with attitude and pride. This men's driving glove is made of soft, supple leather. Velcro at wrists offer a secure fit for any activity. Sizes: S(8"-8.5"), M(9"-9.5"), L(10"-10.5"), XL(11"-11.5"). Measure hand circumference (at knuckles; dominant hand). Imported.


text:
View all 570 products
Home & Office
For a space that's out of this world
Get excited about your home and office space. We have unique products for your floors, walls, kitchen, bath, and just about any other surface that holds still long enough, including your pets! Deck the place out in your favorite fandom or bring in a single element. It's up to you. As it should be.


text:
Irrigation Products »
Garden Hose & Reels »
Garden Hose Pipe »
Tricoflex Hose, " The Professional's Choice " »
Tricoflex Hose 1" »
Tricoflex Garden Hose 25 Metre 1"
Hozelock Tricoflex Garden Hose 1" is the largest hose size available and is used by the professionals who require to move large volumes of water quickly. This is one of the highest quality hoses being manufactured at the moment. This is not usually available to the public and is used by most professional gardeners; such as garden centres, farmers and landscapers. The multilayer design, made of an exclusive woven fibre and a double core layer, ensures that Tricoflex is highly flexible for easy handling, with excellent resistance to repeated bending, crushing and pulling as well as minor deformation under pressure. In addition, the lining is extremely smooth, thereby maintaining even flow. Especially thick and made of high quality materials, Tricoflex offers remarkable ageing resistance with exceptional preservation of flexibility.
Product Details:


text:
GP2 Photos
GP2 slideshow
Rooney's record may stand forever - Ferguson
Manchester United's new all-time leading goal-scorer Wayne Rooney may never be bettered, according to Alex Ferguson. More »Omnisport - 9 hours ago
Daily Fantasy Gameweek 22 review: Firmino, Llorente and Sanchez star
There was another full round of Premier League action which saw forwards and defenders star and several goalkeepers return negative points again, so who starred and who bombed on Yahoo's Daily Fantasy? More »Yahoo Sport UK - 9 hours ago
Cadbury to be Premier League partners from 2017-18 season
The Premier League is the place to go for big money deals involving transfers, television rights and sponsorship deals. More »90Min - 9 hours ago
Teammate backs up Balotelli racism claims
Bastia fans insulted Mario Balotelli's mother before making racist chants during last week's Ligue 1 game with Nice, says Wylan Cyprien. More »Omnisport - 10 hours ago
Ross Brawn glad to see Ecclestone leave F1
F1 has become too complicated for fans and Ross Brawn hopes to restore simplicity having returned as part of Liberty Media's revamp. More »Omnisport - 11 hours ago


text:
Thomas J. Darrah
Thomas "Tommy" John Darrah, 59, died peacefully on March 28, 2013, in Bloomingdale at his family's homestead, surrounded by his loving family after fighting a brave battle against cancer.
Tommy, the third of eight children, was born in Saranac Lake to Belva Jean (Farmer) Darrah and the late Ralph Leonard Darrah. He attended elementary school at St. Bernard's Catholic School, and after the family moved to Bloomingdale, in 1966, he attended school in the Saranac Lake Central School District.
He resided briefly in Milford, Conn., and then enlisted in the United States Army. After his military service, he returned to Bloomingdale, where he was employed at Hoyt's Chrysler/Dodge/Plymouth in Saranac Lake as an auto body repairman. In 1972, he met his first wife, Barbara Jean (Callaghan), and they were married on Sept. 1, 1973. They resided in Poughkeepsie, where he worked for Paintmaster Autobody. In 1974 they returned to Bloomingdale, where Tom was employed by Charles Hinds Chevrolet, Oldsmobile, Cadillac in Ray Brook. In October 1975, Tommy and his brother, Wayne, opened Darrah's Body Shop, located on Main Street in Bloomingdale. The brothers were third-generation auto body repairmen, having learned the trade from their father, Ralph "Teet" Darrah, and grandfather, Wayne P. Darrah. The business succeeded quickly, and with continued growth, they then leased the auto body repair shop located behind Davy Chevrolet, Cadillac, Oldsmobile, Ray Brook, then moved the business to Wesvalley Road, Lake Placid, and finally purchased property in Lake Placid, which is currently Darrah and Darrah Autobody Repair at the bottom of Mill Hill.
Tommy took great interest in creative cooking and was a self-taught chef for several years. In 1990, he purchased and ran the Steakside Restaurant in Bloomingdale. Tommy married his second wife, Jeannie L. (Gillespie) Darrah, on Dec. 17, 1995. Tom and Jeannie ran the Steakside Restaurant in Bloomingdale and the Raindancer Restaurant in Saranac Lake throughout the 1990s.
One of Tommy's greatest accomplishments occurred on May 21, 1982, at 2:31 a.m., when, en route to the hospital, he delivered his third son, Benjamin Sean, who was born in the car on Trudeau Road.
Tom also enjoyed camping, making spaghetti sauce, canning pickles, food shopping, gardening, diagnosing, fixing, programming and building computers, playing practical jokes, bartending at La Bella restaurant, going to church with his brother, Stuart, chatting with friends, of whom there were many, watching television and helping anyone who needed anything, including giving the shirt off his back.
Survivors include his wife of 17 years, Jeannie L. Darrah, Saranac Lake; his previous wife of 19 years, Barbara J. Darrah, Bloomingdale; their four sons: Daniel T. Darrah and his wife Kirsten of Peru, Matthew B. Darrah of Bloomingdale, Benjamin S. Darrah of Kennebunk, Maine, and Thomas J. Darrah Jr. of Bloomingdale; stepson Aaron S. Gillespie and his wife Kate, of Saranac Lake; grandchildren: Cole G. Darrah, Alysa P. Darrah, and Bryce D. Darrah; his mother, Belva Jean Darrah of Bloomingdale; six brothers: Wayne A. Darrah and his wife Brenda of Bloomingdale, David R. Darrah and partner Gail Lozier of Plattsburgh, Scott D. Darrah and partner Donna Sayles of Saranac Lake, Stuart J. Darrah and his wife Tracy of Bloomingdale, and Ronald P. Darrah and his wife Mia of Bloomingdale; one sister, Marianne T. Ahern and her husband James, of Saranac; mother-in-law Marie Tiblis, of Lake Placid; sisters-in-law Sandra M. Cimbrec and her husband John, of Plattsburgh, and Carol A. Eldridge and her husband William "Sarge," of Bloomingdale; brother-in law Joseph C. Patnode and his partner Jessie Thayer, of Lake Placid; close family member Rocky (Linda) Cimbrec, of Pennsylvania; several dear nieces, nephews and cousins; and his cat, Simba.
Tommy was predeceased by his father, Ralph L. Darrah, in 1984, and one sister, Susan Lynn Darrah, in 1961.
Calling hours will be held from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, April 1, at Fortune-Keough Funeral Home, 20 Church St., Saranac Lake. A funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 2, at St. Paul's Church, Bloomingdale, with the Rev. Bill Muench officiating.
Those wishing to remember Tom Darrah may make donations in his memory to High Peaks Hospice. Family and friends are also encouraged to sign the online guestbook (www.fortunekeoughfuneralhome.com) expressing their condolences or sharing their most memorable recollection about Tom.


text: Photos are from The Bachelor Season 17, episode 4. From ABC: "A gritty warehouse is the location for a topsy-turvy roller derby with Sean and eight of the bachelorettes. Sarah faces another physical challenge that causes her to have emotional breakdown, but Sean proves to be supportive and helps her to try and overcome her fears. All of the women push themselves past their limits until one woman falls hard and is rushed to the hospital."


text:
Mar 2013
Miss Universe launches new YouTube series
The three reigning queens in the Miss Universe Organization appeared March 26 in a new YouTube series, "Crown Aside."
The new series will offer snippets of conversations between Miss Universe Olivia Culpo, Miss USA Nana Meriwether and Miss Teen USA Logan West.
In the debut episode, the trio shared "texting mishaps," in which they laughed about mistakes they had made while texting.
Source: Examiner.com
Mar 2013
'Extra' Miss Universe Having Fun at Universal Orlando Resort
"Extra's" special correspondent Miss Universe Olivia Culpo headed to Florida for some fun in the sun at Universal Orlando Resort. Take a look at some of the behind-the-scene antics!
Mar 2013
Trading in Tiaras for Cleats
Miss USA Nana Meriwether and Miss Universe Olivia Culpo traded in their sashes and tiaras for cleats and shin guards. When asked Culpa about her background in soccer, Culpo jokingly answered: "I've never played soccer before. I just so happen to be playing against Miss USA who's playing on the Mia Hamm Foundation team and she's an all American volleyball player, so moral of the story is… it will be a fun day." Read more here.
Mar 2013
Watch the full episode of All-Star Celebrity Apprentice.
Watch the celebrities fight over who will have Miss USA, Olivia Culpo, on their team! Watch the full episode here.
Mar 2013
Olivia Culpo in US Magazine
Olivia Culpo: 2013 Amy Winehouse Foundation Inspiration Awards and Gala. Miss Universe looked breathtaking in a one-shouldered gold sequined gown at the March 21 gala in NYC. Read more here.


text:
Here is a bowl with a very obvious face.
A Kutani-yaki nodate chawan by Takaaki-
And here is a chawan that was a little more difficult.
A Bizen-yaki chawan by Hisamoto Kouichi-
I really like the Bizen one! The Kutani one had some crazing that I didn't notice in its auction photos...


text:
Webcast & Photos
The 2017 Commencement Ceremony will be streamed live for your enjoyment.
In cooperation with Gustavus Adolphus College, GradImages will be photographing all graduates as they receive their diploma at the Commencement ceremonies.
Graduates can pre-register your contact information to receive your photo proof and to order at gradimages.com.
Graduates will receive a digital proof of the photos within two weeks following Commencement.
Then graduates or family member may order online at GradImages or call 800-261-2576.
Any other questions, please contact GradImages.com customer service at 800-261-2576.
Guests at Commencement are welcome to take personal photos and videos.
Guests should remain outside of the roped-off stage and seating area reserved for graduates and faculty.
Please also be courteous to others watching and taking pictures to ensure site lines are not obstructed.


text:
Debates of May 5th, 2004
House of Commons Hansard #48 of the 37th Parliament, 3rd Session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was nations.
- The Environment
- Sudan
- Asian Heritage Month
- Projet Jeunesse Saint-Michel
- Canadian Rangers
- The Love Boat
- Permanent Joint Board on Defence
- Université de Sherbrooke
- Canadian Apparel and Textile Industries
- Senior Citizens
- Emergency Preparedness Week in Canada
- Status of Women
- Public Service
- Centre for International Governance Innovation
- Special Olympics Winter Sports
- Taxation
- Sponsorship Program
- Gasoline Prices
- Iraq
- VIA Rail
- Government Appointments
- Canada Health Infoway
- Gasoline Prices
- Taxation
- Royal Canadian Mint
- Public Safety
- Pay Equity
- Child Poverty
- Air Canada
- Foreign Affairs
- Canadian Broadcasting Corporation
- Public Works and Government Services
- Trade
- Health
- Public Service
- Grain Transportation
- Business of the House
- Government Response to Petitions
- Mathieu Da Costa Day Act
- Committees of the House
- Statements by Members
- Petitions
- Committees of the House
- Questions on the Order Paper
- Question No. 76
- Motions for Papers
- Budget Implementation Act, 2004
- First Nations Fiscal and Statistical Management Act
- Budget Implementation Act, 2004
- Workplace Psychological Harassment Prevention Act
- Criminal Code
- The Income Tax Act
Public Works and Government Services
Oral Question Period
2:55 p.m.
Progressive Conservative
Bill Casey Cumberland—Colchester, NS
Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the letter but it does confirm that the barriers are there. In fact, the rules state that a company can only tender on an entire province at once. The rules also state that all services must be in place within 120 days, which is just impossible for any company other than the current supplier, so it is not a level playing field.
Will the minister change these specifics to open up the bidding or explain why the government does not want the best deal for Canadian taxpayers' dollars?
Public Works and Government Services
Oral Question Period
2:55 p.m.
Vancouver Quadra
Stephen Owen Minister of Public Works and Government Services
Mr. Speaker, we will be issuing a request for proposals by the end of this month which will give a full explanation of a very competitive process.
Let me say to the hon. member that with respect to one provider of government telephone services per province, it is necessary for operational requirements and to provide value for money for the people of Canada. Also, in terms of barriers to entry, any new entrant into the provision of telephone services is allowed by the CRTC regulations to be sold services at the regular cost by an existing incumbent supplier so that there can be no barrier to new entrants--
Public Works and Government Services
Oral Question Period
2:55 p.m.
The Speaker
The hon. member for Oak Ridges.
Oral Question Period
2:55 p.m.
Bryon Wilfert Oak Ridges, ON
Mr. Speaker, Japan and Mexico have recently concluded a free trade agreement. Companies such as Nissan and Sony are able to compete on a level playing field in Mexico against rivals such as the U.S. and Europe.
Japan has realized that FTAs are important for its national security interests. Given that Japan is Canada's second largest trading partner, with an economy greater than that of all of Asia combined, and given that the United States is also aggressively seeking FTAs in Asia, can the Minister of International Trade tell us what steps he is taking to secure Canada's economic and trade interests with Japan, since members of the Japanese Diet are interested in an FTA with Canada?
Oral Question Period
3 p.m.
Jim Peterson Minister of International Trade
Mr. Speaker, the area of northeast Asia is truly a driving force in global trade, and yes, Japan is indeed Canada's second largest trading partner. We will continue to explore with Japan ways in which we can enhance our investment and our trading relationship, but as a start we would ask that Japan open its markets to Canadian beef. That is our priority.
Oral Question Period
3 p.m.
Canadian Alliance
Rob Merrifield Yellowhead, AB
Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister has been dragging his heels on public health. He talked about a national public health agency and a chief public health official. He did that in the throne speech, and he did it again in promising that in the budget, but where is it? Talk is cheap, but he does not even have the forms for filling out the applications.
My question is simple. Will the chief public health officer's position be filled before the election?
Oral Question Period
3 p.m.
St. Paul's
Carolyn Bennett Minister of State (Public Health)
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to announce that we will begin the search for the chief public health officer hopefully next week, and we will take the time it takes to get the right person for the job. We think it will be a short process.
Oral Question Period
3 p.m.
Canadian Alliance
Rob Merrifield Yellowhead, AB
Mr. Speaker, beginning a process is not a lot of assurance.
Does the government realize that SARS came to Canada over a year ago? This government was not prepared then and it is not prepared now. SARS could be only a plane trip away.
Does the government realize that West Nile virus is here to stay? The avian flu is also here within our borders. The agency has not even started to think about getting on its way, so will the agency be in place before this election is called?
Oral Question Period
3 p.m.
Pierre Pettigrew Minister of Health
Mr. Speaker, I can tell you that this country is absolutely ready to meet the challenges that could face us. We have learned from the experience of last year, with $665 million invested in last year's budget in the public health agency. We are ready to meet these challenges.
We are working very closely with the World Health Organization as well, which has acknowledged Canada's great contribution not only in this country but worldwide. We are on top of it.
Public Service
Oral Question Period
3 p.m.
Mario Laframboise Argenteuil—Papineau—Mirabel, QC
Mr. Speaker, Edith Gendron, a public servant with Canadian Heritage, was dismissed because of a personal commitment as president of the movement "Le Québec, un pays", despite the fact that her work is irreproachable.
How can the government claim that this was a purely administrative decision when Guylain Thorne, the person who dismissed Ms. Gendron, is a committed Liberal, a former chief of staff of the current President of the Privy Council, a member of the same team that claimed to be at war against the sovereignists in the sponsorship scandal? Is this not evidence that the decision was indeed a political one?
Public Service
Oral Question Period
3 p.m.
Hélène Scherrer Minister of Canadian Heritage
Mr. Speaker, I do not have much to add to what I already said last week and on several occasions this week. This is a labour relations matter. The public service standards were complied with. I must say that I find it rather strange that Bloc Quebecois members would call for political interference in the area of hiring and labour relations.
Grain Transportation
Oral Question Period
3 p.m.
Anita Neville Winnipeg South Centre, MB
Mr. Speaker, the Government of Canada has a 1996 commitment to dispose of hopper cars. My question is for the Minister of Transport. Could he give us an update on the status of the Farmer Rail Car Coalition's proposal to own and operate the hopper car fleet in the interests of farmers and producers?
Grain Transportation
Oral Question Period
3 p.m.
Stoney Creek
Tony Valeri Minister of Transport
Mr. Speaker, the government is committed to working with the FRCC on its innovative proposal to manage the fleet of railway cars. We will continue with the necessary due diligence on the proposal to ensure that the roles and responsibilities are clear and that value for taxpayers is optimized.
The government and the FRCC have shared interests in ensuring that there is sufficient commercial and competitive grain transportation in this country, grain transportation that in fact meets the needs of producers and other stakeholders.
Business of the House
Oral Question Period
3:05 p.m.
The Acting Speaker (Mrs. Hinton)
It is my duty, pursuant to Standing Order 81(14), to inform the House that the motion to be considered tomorrow during consideration of the business of supply is as follows:
That, in the opinion of this House, the government should propose, before the dissolution of the House, an employment insurance reform along the lines of the 17 recommendations contained in the unanimous report of the Standing Committee on Human Resources Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities, entitled "Beyond Bill C-2: A Review of Other Proposals to Reform Employment Insurance".
This motion, standing in the name of the hon. member for Kamouraska—Rivière-du-Loup—Témiscouata—Les Basques, is not votable. Copies of the motion are available at the table.
I have received notice from the hon. member for Saskatoon—Wanuskewin that he is unable to move his motion during private members' hour on Thursday, May 6, 2004. It has not been possible to arrange an exchange of positions in the order of precedence. Accordingly, I am directing the table officers to drop that item of business to the bottom of the order of precedence. Private members' hour will thus be cancelled and the House will continue with the business before it prior to private members' hour.
Government Response to Petitions
Routine Proceedings
May 5th, 2004 / 3:05 p.m.
Roger Gallaway Parliamentary Secretary to the Leader of the Government in the House of Commons
Madam Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 36(8) I am pleased to table, in both official languages, the government's response to 21 petitions.


text:
These pages were also copied from the Hardin County,TN Court records.
25 Aug
Hardin County, TN Tax Releasements 1888
One response to this post.
Posted by Mary Smith Hughes on August 27, 2009 at 1:41 pm
William Barnell Love was my GRGRGRGrandfather,born April 14, 1790 in NC. Died in Hardin Co., Tn April 10, 1872. I would love to find out who his father was. I want to belong to the DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution) but my ancestor was too young to have fought in AR. Can you help me?