text:
Gefitinib and Radiation Therapy in Treating Patients With Glioblastoma Multiforme
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|Adult Giant Cell Glioblastoma Adult Glioblastoma Adult Gliosarcoma
|Drug: gefitinib Radiation: radiation therapy Other: laboratory biomarker analysis
|Phase 1 Phase 2
|Study Type:
|Study Design:
|Intervention Model: Single Group Assignment
Masking: None (Open Label)
Primary Purpose: Treatment
|Official Title:
|A Phase I/II Study of an Oral Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor (EGFR-TKI), ZD 1839 (Iressa), [NSC #715055] With Radiation Therapy in Glioblastoma Multiforme
- Maximum tolerated dose of gefitinib defined as the dose at which no patients develop acute grade 5 toxicity and less than 30% of patients developed acute dose limiting toxicity graded by the National Cancer Institute Common Toxicity Criteria v2.0 [ Time Frame: Within 90 days from the start of radiotherapy treatment ]
- Rate of late toxicities associated with gefitinib and standard cranial radiation, graded according to the NCI CTC v2.0 [ Time Frame: Up to 10 years ]
- Overall survival, by EGFR status [ Time Frame: Up to 10 years ]
- Progression-free survival [ Time Frame: Up to 10 years ]
|Study Start Date:
|March 2002
|Primary Completion Date:
|June 2005 (Final data collection date for primary outcome measure)
|Assigned Interventions
Experimental: Treatment (gefitinib, radiation therapy)
Patients receive gefitinib PO QD for 7 weeks. Beginning 1 week after initiation of gefitinib, patients undergo radiation therapy QD 5 days a week for 6 weeks. Treatment with gefitinib continues for up to 18 months in the absence of disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.
Drug: gefitinib
Given PO
Other Names:Radiation: radiation therapy
Undergo radiation therapy
Other Names:Other: laboratory biomarker analysis
Correlative studies
Detailed Description:
I. To identify the maximum tolerated dose of ZD 1839 (gefitinib) when given concurrently with cranial radiotherapy.
II. To determine if ZD 1839, given orally on a daily basis starting at the time of conventional radiation therapy (RT), may improve the overall survival of adults with newly-diagnosed supratentorial glioblastoma multiforme, compared with historical controls, stratifying by epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) status.
III. To determine, in a multi-institutional setting, the feasibility and toxicity of prescribing ZD 1839.
I. Whether ZD 1839 also improves progression-free survival in these patients.
OUTLINE: This is a phase I, dose-escalation study of gefitinib followed by a phase II study.
Patients receive gefitinib orally (PO) once daily (QD) for 7 weeks. Beginning 1 week after initiation of gefitinib, patients undergo radiation therapy QD 5 days a week for 6 weeks. Treatment with gefitinib continues for up to 18 months in the absence of disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.
After completion of study treatment, patients are followed up every 4 months for 1 year, every 6 months for 2 years, and annually thereafter.
|Ages Eligible for Study:
|Child, Adult, Senior
|Sexes Eligible for Study:
|Accepts Healthy Volunteers:
Inclusion Criteria:
- Histopathologically confirmed glioblastoma multiforme (with areas of necrosis)
- Diagnosis must be made by surgical biopsy or excision
- The tumor must be supratentorial in location
- The patient must have recovered from the effects of surgery, post-operative infection, or other complications before study entry
- Radiotherapy must begin =< five weeks after surgery, and Iressa (gefitinib) must begin one week prior to radiotherapy
- Patients must have an estimated survival of at least 8 weeks
- Zubrod performance status of 0-1
- A diagnostic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) scan must be performed preoperatively and postoperatively prior to the initiation of radiotherapy; preoperative and postoperative scans must be the same type
- Patients diagnosed only by stereotactic biopsy do not require the postoperative scan
- Patients unable to undergo magnetic resonance (MR) imaging because of non-compatible devices can be enrolled, provided pre and postoperative CT scans are obtained and are of sufficient quality
- Hemoglobin >= 10 grams
- Absolute neutrophil count >= 1500 (ANC) per mm^3
- Platelets >= 100,000 per mm^3
- Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) =< 25 mg
- Creatinine =< 1.5 mg
- Bilirubin =< 2.0 mg
- Serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT) or serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT) =< 2 x normal range
- Patients must consent to submission of their tissue/serum
- The patient must sign a study-specific informed consent prior to study entry; if the patient's mental status precludes his/her giving informed consent, written informed consent may be given by the responsible family member
Exclusion Criteria:
- Recurrent or multifocal malignant gliomas
- Metastases detected below the tentorium or beyond the cranial vault
- Major medical illnesses or psychiatric impairments which, in the investigator's opinion, will prevent administration or completion of protocol therapy
- Previous radiotherapy to the head or neck (except for T1 glottic cancer), resulting in overlap of radiation fields
- Active connective tissue disorders, such as lupus or scleroderma which, in the opinion of the treating physician, may put the patient at high risk for radiation toxicity
- Previous malignancies, except for non-melanomatous skin cancers and carcinoma in situ of the uterine cervix or bladder, unless disease-free for >= 3 years
- Prior chemotherapy or radiosensitizers for cancers of the head and neck region
- Patients with known acquired immune deficiency (AIDS); patients with AIDS require complex therapeutic regimens; the pharmacokinetic interactions of these regimens with ZD 1839 are unknown and therefore, pose a safety risk related to excess toxicity or interference with anti-viral effectiveness
- Patients with known multiple sclerosis, as these patients may have decreased tolerance for radiation therapy to the brain
- Pregnant or lactating women, due to possible adverse effects on the developing fetus or infant due to study drug
- Patients treated on any other clinical protocols within 30 days prior to study entry or during participation in the study
Please refer to this study by its ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00052208
|United States, Pennsylvania
|Radiation Therapy Oncology Group
|Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, 19103
|Principal Investigator:
|Arnab Chakravarti
|Radiation Therapy Oncology Group
|Responsible Party:
|National Cancer Institute (NCI)
|ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier:
|NCT00052208 History of Changes
|Other Study ID Numbers:
U10CA021661 ( U.S. NIH Grant/Contract )
|Study First Received:
|January 24, 2003
|Last Updated:
|June 11, 2013
Additional relevant MeSH terms:
Neoplasms, Neuroepithelial
Neuroectodermal Tumors
Neoplasms, Germ Cell and Embryonal
Neoplasms by Histologic Type
Neoplasms, Glandular and Epithelial
Neoplasms, Nerve Tissue
Antineoplastic Agents
Protein Kinase Inhibitors
Enzyme Inhibitors
Molecular Mechanisms of Pharmacological Action
ClinicalTrials.gov processed this record on September 20, 2017


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THE Premiership Rugby 7s begins at Kingsholm tonight.
The Cherry and Whites have named an exciting squad ready to take on Bath Rugby, Exeter Chiefs and London Irish in Pool B.
The squad, lead again by Olly Morgan and Simon Lane, sees two faces that helped lift the trophy at the last season's curtain-raiser return in Steph Reynolds and Rhodri McAtee, and they are joined by a sprinkling of talent from across the Gloucester Rugby Academy.
Back-to-back Junior World Championship winners Callum Braley and Henry Purdy are set to make their bow in Cherry and White after summer moves to the club while England Under 18 Sam Underhill appears alongside centre Ollie Thorley, a first team debutant in February against Northampton Saints.
Young back rower Dan Thomas will be involved after a summer move from the Scarlets and Jacob Rowan will also have a first chance to impress at Kingsholm.
The squad will be captained by Sevens World Cup winner and new signing Aled Thomas, who starred alongside McAtee in the Welsh victory in 2009, with Sam Showering of the Wailers Sevens squad appearing in Cherry and White for the first time.
Gloucester: 1. Sam Showering 2. Jacob Rowan 3. Dan Thomas 4. Bill Meakes 5. Sam Underhill 6. Rhodri McAtee 7. Aled Thomas (captain) 8. Lloyd Evans 9. Henry Purdy 10. Ollie Thorley 11. Callum Braley 12. Steph Reynolds Squad reserves- 13.Charlie Norman 14.Ben Vellacott

subset: commoncrawl


text:
The population of the American black duck (Anas rupripes) has declined dramatically in recent decades whereas mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) and wood ducks (Aix sponsa) have increased.
This decline has been attributed to many factors including overharvest, introgressive hybridization by mallards, competitive superiority of mallards, and habitat degradation.
Alternatively, it is possible that the different kinds of ducks are more sensitive to human disturbance in their habitat, displaying greater levels of neophobia (fear of "new" things) and/or wariness towards humans.
In January 2005, Russell Greenberg, ornithologist at the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center, tested the degree of neophobia in wild populations of black ducks, mallards, and wood ducks by measuring their latency to feed near familiar and novel objects at the ponds by the Bird House at the National Zoo.
Below are two video clips showing the experiments in action (clips may take a few seconds to load).
The first shows a "control" experiment, one where there is no "novel" object.A pile of duck food has been placed on an island in the duck pond.
Initially, the ducks are hesitant but they approach the food fairly quickly and once the first birds begin eating, there is a mad rush of waterfowl to devour the remaining duck food.
Control experiment, no novel object
In the second video clip a series of "novel" objects, plastic orange cones, have been placed to surround the duck food.
The ducks take much longer to walk onto the island (not shown in video) and although they are quite aware of the food, they will not pass the cones. Notice how they circle around the cones hoping to find a clear path to the food.
Experiment with novel objects
After 30 minutes, the ducks never did feed. During experiments on subsequent days, using the same novel object, the ducks finally overcame their fear and fed.
Additional experiments using other "novel" objects (e.g. foil-wrapped softballs) are continuing. By analyzing which kinds of duck feed first, and how long it takes them to feed, it is hoped that we will gain a better understanding of the impacts humans have on wild populations of ducks.


text:
Balfour reports good health after Minor League outing
PHOENIX -- The ultra-competitive Grant Balfour wasn't too happy when he learned that his first game action of the spring would come in a Minor League setting. But he was in a better mood upon his return from the Monday outing, when he was able to report good health.
That's all that really mattered, anyway, never mind his surroundings.
The closer, who underwent minor surgery on his right knee just a month ago, made 17 pitches and "didn't feel anything in my knee," he said.
"It was fine," he continued. "I wasn't thinking about it at all, so now it's about getting ready and going through those speed bumps I get. It's Spring Training -- same old, same old, trying to get my arm going."
Balfour admitted to giving up a couple of hits and runs, but "that was kind of expected," he said. The right-hander is notorious for his spring struggles, so he was just happy he made it through the entire first inning.
"That was a plus," he said, laughing. "Got all three outs."
Balfour compiled a strikeout and two fly balls in that span, never once needing to make a play himself and test his knee.
"Just the outfielders doing all the running today," he joked.
The 35-year-old veteran is now tentatively scheduled to make his Cactus League debut on Thursday, against the Reds, and is expected to make five appearances before regular-season play begins April 1.
"I wanted to go out there today because it doesn't really do me much going over there," he said. "I know I needed to get that out of the way, though, I guess. I think I had more intensity going into live batting practice than I did today. For some reason I just can't really seem to get it going in those games over there. That's all right. I got my pitches in and an inning under my belt, too."
Jane Lee is a reporter for MLB.com. Read her blog, Major Lee-ague, and follow her on Twitter @JaneMLB. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.


text:
Buchholz thrilled by arm strength in debut
FORT MYERS, Fla. -- Clay Buchholz didn't have great results during his Grapefruit League debut Tuesday, but the key for the righty is that he felt healthy, something he was not at the end of last season.
Buchholz threw some fastballs at 93-mph against the Rays. In Game 4 of the World Series, he was topping out in the high 80s while being bothered by right shoulder fatigue.
"Definitely, I feel good," Buchholz said. "I don't know if it's because of the time off or whatever, but everything seems to be coming together pretty easily right now."
Before he started suffering shoulder and neck woes last June, Buchholz had put together the most dominant stretch of his career, going 11-0.
Buchholz thinks that he's made the physical recovery necessary to regain his status as an All-Star.
"It definitely feels completely different than the last month and a half, two months that I threw last year," Buchholz said. "That's what I wanted to feel like coming into camp, and I just have to keep working day to day and getting out there every five days."
By design, Buchholz pitched just one inning against the Rays, giving up three hits and a run. He threw 26 pitches.
"I've been pitching against them for seven years now, so they know what I've got and I know them," Buchholz said. "It's more about going out and getting a feel regardless of who you're pitching against."
Ian Browne is a reporter for MLB.com. Read his blog, Brownie Points, and follow him on Twitter @IanMBrowne. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.


text:
IMPROVEMENTS will be made to make it easier to pay and park at Worcestershire Royal Hospital – but "excessive" charges will not be reduced.
The health trust which runs the hospital has agreed to a number of new measures being introduced this autumn, including a new one-hour rate to help people looking to make shorter visits.
It is also looking to invest in a debit card payment option, and has launched an investigation to see if more spaces can be provided at the site.
But despite concern from the city's MP Robin Walker, the hospital has not announced any reductions in parking charges.
The new one-hour charge has yet to be decided, but will be made public ahead of a meeting of Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust's board meeting on Wednesday, September 24.
At the moment the hospital charges £3 for up to two hours of parking; £4.50 for two to four hours; £6 for four to six hours and £7.50 all day.
In 2012/13 the trust made £2.2 million from parking fees at the Royal, of which less than a fifth – £403,000 – went into patient care and the rest on maintaining the service.
Mr Walker was one of 150 MPs to sign a House of Commons motion on Monday urging hospitals to cut "excessive" rates and make it easier for people to pay.
Mr Walker says during the summer recess from parliament he's knocked on doors and people have continuously raised it as a concern.
"I spoke to a lot of people on the doorsteps over the summer recess and it was raised to me as a real issue," he said.
"If you live in Worcester just about everyone, at some point, has to visit the Royal and if the charges are too much it just encourages people to leave their cars in residential streets.
"They ought to look at a multi-storey as I know capacity is also an issue, they should allow people to pay by card and I also think they should consider something like the Ringo system where people can pay on their phone."
The motion says for many people getting to hospital by car is "essential" and urges "excessive fees" to be cut.
The trust has responded by revealing a series of measures are in the pipeline.
Chris Tidman, director of resources, said: "While the trust would like to reduce or even eliminate car parking charges for its patients, the economic reality is that this could only be achieved with an equivalent increase in NHS funding to ensure that clinical services were unaffected.
"However, following feedback from patients and visitors, we do intend to introduce a one-hour charge this autumn for patients and visitors making shorter visits.
"As many of our patients require regular visits to our hospitals we also offer a spe cial concessionary parking charge of £1 per day for parents visiting children in our care, patients with cancer and other long-stay patients and their visitors.
"We are also looking into investing in debit card payment options for our parking charges to complement the cash point machines already available near to payment points."
He said the trust recognises that capacity "remains a problem", despite 100 extra spaces being created in 2012, and efforts are being made to create more.


text:
by Howard Lestrud
ECM Political editor
Former Forest Lake High School teacher and wrestling coach Bob Dettmer is wrestling with other issues these days, serving his fourth term as a state representative. He represents 40,000 constituents in District 39A.
Early this week, Rep. Dettmer, a Republican, found himself introducing a House resolution expressing the sense of the House in opposition to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) decision to remove freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling from the Olympic Games beginning in 2020.
Also, this week, Dettmer was speaking against Gov. Mark Dayton's suggestion that a toll be imposed on the new Stillwater bridge to be built over the St. Croix River. The proposal calls for a $3 charge each time a vehicle crosses on the new bridge.
"This bridge is already being paid for by taxpayers," Dettmer countered. "I am not a champion of toll roads and I don't believe a toll was ever part of the initial federal legislation," Dettmer said. "Just think of what this could do to the price of cheese," Dettmer said in trying to point out the craziness of the proposal.
The House resolution opposing IOC action on wrestling shows Dettmer's love for the sport in which he participated and a sport he coached for more than 30 years. Dettmer was a star wrestler at Faribault High School and at Bemidji State University. He also wrestled in the 1972 Olympic Trials losing to eventual Gold Medalist Dan Gable.
Minnesota has an outstanding history of producing outstanding wrestlers, both freestyle and Greco Roman, Dettmer said.
In drafting the resolution Dettmer said he gained support of longtime University of Minnesota coach Jay Robinson and from Dan Chandler, four-time Olympian who wrestled for Anoka High School.
The resolution speaks to the United States as a key competitor in international wrestling competition, especially the Olympic Games, with 124 medals having been awarded to the U.S. throughout history. Greco Roman wrestling has been part of Olympic competition since 1896, including participation by a Minnesotan on the U.S. team every summer Olympic Games since 1968.
The resolution resolves to request reconsideration by the IOC of its decision due to "the immense local and global impact said ruling will have." Dettmer said the Democrats have introduced a similar resolution but his reached the floor first, he said.
Dettmer, who is in the minority this session, has carved a history in the Legislature for his veterans legislation. He serves in the United States Army Reserve as a Chief Warrant Officer 4 (CW4). Dettmer served a two-year tour on active duty supporting Operation Enduring Freedom at Fort Gordon, Ga. and later Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Howard Lestrud can be reached at [email protected]


text:
Almost overnight, Arthur Wise has become one of the wealthiest and most powerful attorneys in America. His first big purchase is a simple beach house in a place called Bluepoint, a town on the far edge of the flexed arm of Cape Cod.
It's in Bluepoint, during the summer of 1952, that Arthur's teenage son, Hilly, makes friends with Lem Dawson, a black man whose job it is to take care of the house but whose responsibilities quickly grow. When Hilly finds himself falling for Lem's niece, Savannah, his affection for her collides with his father's dark secrets. The results shatter his family, and hers.
Years later, haunted by his memories of that summer, Hilly sets out to find Savannah, in an attempt to right the wrongs he helped set in motion. But can his guilt, and his good intentions, overcome the forces of history, family, and identity?
A beautifully told multigenerational story about love and regret, Wise Men confirms that Stuart Nadler is one of the most exciting young writers at work today.
©2013 Stuard Nadler (P)2013 Hachette Audio
"Highly recommended"
Absolutely; I was sorry when it ended. It moved me and made me think.
Hilly, the narrator. I admired his integrity, morality and intelligence.
He was quite expressive, and I found him easy to listen to, and I really enjoyed the experience.
A difficult father and his admirable son
I highly recommend this book to lovers of serious--not beach reading--fiction. It reminds me of The Help in that it observes race relations and the struggles of African Americans from the 1950's to the present. I found it very moving.
"this one's a must!"
I only listen once, but recommend this book to everyone.
Interesting, Moves fast. A different view of perennial issues.
Complex characters are provocative.
He is the best narrator ever!! Great voice and pace. Made the book an absolute pleasure.
If possible
All of your narrators should be like Bernard S. Clark!!!
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The best functionality available for estate agents and website developers. Already have a website? We can integrate into it. Already have a web developer? We provide developers a flexible framework and a full range of tools, as well as our assistance to get the integration done. Don't have a website? No problem, we have a range of sites you can choose from or are happy to put you in touch with someone who can deliver your dream site. When you buy dezrez you automatically have the latest tools for your website as well as the all important live feed, referrals and client login area. It's your website and it's your data so we think it's your choice.
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text:
We Don't Know How They Do It: Women Who Rock
Consistently step up whenever you have the opportunity to take charge. An unstable economy offers sporadic chances for upward mobility — if your manager is fired, you should make a move immediately. Bob Calandra, coauthor of How to Keep Your Job in a Tough Competitive Market, provides this script: "I'm not looking to be promoted, but I also recognize no one wants chaos. I know the ins and outs of my boss's job, so feel free to tap me for any of her work while we're in this transitional phase." Don't appear as though you expect something in return, and you might just get it.
You can't get what you deserve unless you know what you're worth. Do your research online (payscale.com and salary.com have salary range information for most careers), ask around the office (verydiscreetly!), and check job boards to get an accurate picture of how your job is valued right now.
For more tips on how to find out if you're underpaid, click here.
4 Ways to Beat Job Burnout


text:
Israel Photographed Ebook
by by Jennifer Kathleen Phillips
About the Ebook
eBook containing photographic tips and examples using photos taken in Israel. Suitable for the coffee table and as a photography or art, student resource. Also suitable for entry level photographers wanting to know how to take better photos.
Features & Details
- Category Arts & Photography
- Version Fixed-layout ebook, 120 pgs
- Publish Date Mar 30, 2012
- Last Edit May 11, 2014
- Language English
About the Creator
Jennifer Kathleen Phillips is renowned for her visual poetry and art, which sometimes has a prophetic flavour. She is also a qualified preacher and webmaster and also writes song. She has won awards for her academic excellence including the title of "Massey Scholar" for graduating in the top 5% of university students and the "Victoria Gibbons Memorial Prize" for her Church History research. Over the years Jennifer has taught a range of subjects at different levels. Her publications also cover a range of topics including, photography, poetry, art, information technology, theology, Biblical studies and education. Jennifer has been a volunteer, committee member and president in a range of groups, including Multifocus and the ACT branch of the Australian Federation of Graduate Women (AFGW).
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text: See Fact Sheet on Farmer Mac Non-Program Investment and Liquidity Management: Notice of Proposed Rulemaking below The Farm Credit Administration (FCA) Board today approved a request by AgriBank, FCB, for a charter for a new service corporation called Farm Credit Foundations. The Board also approved the articles of incorporation for the organization. Currently, Farm Credit Foundations exists as part of AgriBank, FCB. It provides human resource services and benefits to AgriBank and its affiliated institutions; to U.S. AgBank, FCB, and its affiliated institutions; and to one association in the CoBank, ACB, district. Altogether, Farm Credit Foundations currently serves 7,800 employee-clients, as well as their dependents, across 47 employers; it also administers retirement plans for 6,500 retirees. By transforming Farm Credit Foundations into a Farm Credit System (FCS or System) service corporation, AgriBank seeks to increase the control and accountability of the institutions that use Foundations' services over its business direction, operations, and cost structure. It also seeks to create a viable human resource service business that delivers important economies of scale, allowing employers to provide competitive employee services and benefits. In addition, transforming Foundations into a service corporation will allow its employer-owners to focus on their core business models. The Foundations' charter will become effective on January 1, 2012. At this time, the employers that use its services will become user-owners of the new service corporation. The Foundations' headquarters will be in St. Paul, Minn. FCS service corporations are authorized by section 4.25 of the Farm Credit Act of 1971, as amended. They are created to perform certain functions and services for the financial benefit of the System banks and associations that own and use the corporations. In other business, the Board approved a notice of proposed rulemaking to amend FCA's liquidity and investment management rules pertaining to the Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation (Farmer Mac). FCA is proposing to update and strengthen the existing regulations in response to the recent financial crisis and recent developments in best practices. In addition, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act requires FCA to review all regulations that refer to, or require the use of, credit ratings; to remove these references and requirements; and to substitute other appropriate standards for measuring creditworthiness. The notice that the Board approved today solicits public responses to questions related to the removal of these references and requirements from regulations pertaining to Farmer Mac. For more information about the proposed rule, see the attached factsheet. Following a 30-day period for congressional review, the proposed rule will be published in the Federal Register for a 60-day comment period. Comments for the proposed rule may be submitted by electronic mail to firstname.lastname@example.com, through the Pending Regulations section of FCA's website at www.fca.gov, or through the federal government Web portal at www.regulations.gov. Comments also may be sent by mail to Laurie A. Rea, Director, Office of Secondary Market Oversight, Farm Credit Administration, 1501 Farm Credit Drive, McLean, VA 22102-5090. The public may read submitted comments at the FCA office in McLean, Va., or on FCA's website at www.fca.gov. Fact Sheet on Farmer Mac Non-Program Investment and Liquidity Management: Notice of Proposed Rulemaking The Farm Credit Administration (FCA) Board adopted a proposed rule on October 13, 2011, to revise its regulations governing non-program investment and liquidity management at the Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation (Farmer Mac). FCA first issued these regulations in 2005. The recent financial crisis and recent developments in best practices present several opportunities to update and strengthen these regulations. In addition, in July 2010, the President signed into law the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (Dodd-Frank Act). Section 939A of the Dodd-Frank Act requires all Federal agencies to review their regulations that refer to or require the use of credit ratings, to remove those references and requirements, and to substitute other appropriate standards of creditworthiness. While this proposed rule does not propose new standards, it does discuss and seek comment regarding the best approach to setting creditworthiness standards for eligible investments purchased by Farmer Mac. Below is a summary of the proposed changes and a listing of the questions on which FCA seeks comment. Summary of Proposed Changes 652.5 Definitions - We propose to add definitions for "cash," "contingency funding plan," "liability maturity management plan," "liquidity reserve," and "Office of Secondary Market Oversight (OSMO)" to introduce the terms or define acronyms for increased user-friendliness to the reader. 652.10 Investment Management - We propose additional Board policy requirements and enhanced internal controls of investments. We also propose to address investment eligibility through a section entitled "Due Diligence." We propose to incorporate stress testing into the section. We also propose to strengthen our regulations over investment reporting so that the Board of Directors would have sufficient information regarding investment portfolio practices and results. 652.15 Non-Program Investment Purposes and Limitation - We propose to add a new permissible purpose for non-program investments: investments that complement program business. This purpose would recognize that certain investments, such as investments with a rural focus that are backed by the full faith and credit of the United States Government, could advance Farmer Mac's mission. Farmer Mac would, however, need to seek FCA's prior approval for any investments not explicitly authorized on the list of eligible investments. We propose to exclude from the calculation of the 35-percent-of-total-outstanding-loans portfolio maximum all investments posted as margin against derivative exposures. We propose this change because the Dodd-Frank Act may result in additional margin requirements for Farmer Mac, and we do not want to discourage the use of derivatives as an appropriate risk management tool. We propose to revise the maximum non-program investment limit to eliminate the outdated floor on that maximum of $1.5 billion which, given its growth, Farmer Mac should not need to rely on in the future. 652.20 Eligible Investments - We propose to reduce some of our maturity and portfolio concentration limits and eliminate commercial mortgage-backed securities from the list of authorized investments. The proposal would also make clear that subordinated debt is not a permissible investment. We further propose to revise single obligor limits; e.g., none for Treasuries and 15 percent of regulatory capital for all others down from the existing 25 percent of regulatory capital. 652.25 Management of Ineligible and Unsuitable Investments - The existing rule requires Farmer Mac to divest of ineligible investments within six months unless FCA approves a divestiture plan for a longer period. Under the proposed rule, the eligibility of investments would be determined only at the time of purchase. Investments that are eligible at the time of purchase would remain eligible even if their credit quality deteriorates though such events would trigger additional reporting requirements. The proposed rule specifies liquidity reserve treatment for investments with deteriorated credit quality. The proposed rule would also reserve FCA's authority to require divestiture for safety and soundness reasons. 652.30 Management of Interest Rate Risk - We propose to strengthen the interest rate risk management section by broadening its application to the whole investment portfolio. Under the proposal, Farmer Mac would have to establish policies and procedures to, among other things, consider the nature and purpose of derivative contracts and establish derivative counterparty limits. 652.35 Liquidity Management - We propose to add a requirement for a Liability Maturity Management Plan (LMMP) to emphasize the need to effectively manage the term structure of liabilities and the associated funding risk. We also propose to add a requirement for liquidity Contingency Funding Plan (CFP) to ensure that well-conceived and sufficiently detailed plans are in place to deal with all aspects of response to a variety of liquidity stress scenarios. 652.40 Liquidity Reserve Requirement and Supplemental Liquidity - We propose to restructure the minimum liquidity standard as well as to increase the minimum from 60 days to 90 days of maturing obligations. The proposal would require Farmer Mac to hold cash and/or Treasury securities ("Level 1" assets) in an amount sufficient to meet obligations for 30 days. A second tier of liquid assets ("Level 2" assets) would be required to fund an additional 60 days of maturing obligations, for a total of 90 days of liquidity. Finally, "supplemental liquidity," above the 90-day minimum, would be made up of either Level 1 and 2 assets or a third-most-liquid tier of eligible asset classes. We also propose to restructure discounts applied to non-program investments for purposes of calculating days of liquidity. The restructuring achieves a simplified approach but also deepens discounts on assets that represent the third-most-liquid tier of eligible assets. 652.45 Temporary Regulatory Waivers or Modifications for Extraordinary Situations - This provision authorizes FCA, if it determines that an extraordinary situation exists which necessitates a temporary regulator waiver or modification, to provide relief from FCA's eligibility and liquidity reserve requirements. We propose a provision that would authorize FCA, in such a situation, to also take other actions as deemed appropriate. Questions Regarding Dodd-Frank Act Compliance-Substitutes for Credit Ratings The rule suggests three alternative approaches, but welcomes public comment on how these might be used in combination as well as any others that might not be specifically discussed. Questions: Should FCA regulations specify financial measurements, benchmark indexes, or other measurable criteria against which institutions could evaluate the creditworthiness of their investments? Should such a creditworthiness standard include specific standards for probability of default (PD) and loss given default (loss severity)? If so, why, and where could the agency obtain the data needed to derive such probabilities and loss severity standards? Also, should creditworthiness criteria vary by asset class and/or type of investment? Finally, would it be appropriate to combine this approach with one or more of the other approaches discussed below, and if so, which ones, and why? Question: Should FCA develop regulations that would require Farmer Mac to develop its own internal assessment processes for evaluating creditworthiness of investments? If so, what principles should be applied in creating such a system, and why? Would the amount of resources needed to establish and maintain such a system potentially be overly burdensome to Farmer Mac? Would it be appropriate to combine this approach with one or more of the other approaches? If so, which ones, and why? Question: Should FCA develop regulations that would require institutions to use third-party assessments to assess creditworthiness? What reliable third-party sources exist? Should creditworthiness criteria distinguish between issuer-paid third-party sources and investor-paid third-party sources? If so, how? How might we combine this approach with one or more of the other approaches to create an optimal regulatory structure? 10.14.2011


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The Protector Targa 30 is one heck of a boat. I can say that because as I write this, my hair is still wild from a ride I took aboard her this morning. Protector sales rep Andrew Carleton and I spun her around Manhattan, from the 79th Street Boat Basin on the Upper West Side all the way to the Brooklyn Bridge. We sat in comfort in her optional Stidd helm seats and enjoyed the extra foot of LOA she has over her predecessor, the Targa 28. The current was ripping up and down the island so we "only" got her up to about 46 knots, but Carleton claims that another Targa 30 out in California hit 59. I am not inclined to call his bluff, because today it felt like the twin 300-hp Mercury Verados hanging off the back of that puppy weren't even trying.
The U.S.S. Intrepid, which is docked off Manhattan's Pier 86, recently took up a new gig—host to a NASA space shuttle. Carleton decided that just off the Intrepid's bow would make a great place to turn some corkscrews. And even with a billion-dollar flying machine sitting atop a multibillion-dollar floating fortress a mere hundred yards away, I have to say, my attention was fixed elsewhere. Namely on our wake, as the boat spun around just tighter than her 30-foot 6-inch LOA and up on its inflatable rail at such an angle that at one point I was essentially standing on the boat's Hypalon tubes. My hat's off to NASA and the U.S. Navy, but on June 14, 2012, Protector won the day.
Click here for Protector's contact information and index of articles
This article originally appeared in the August 2012 issue of Power & Motoryacht magazine.


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While the frosty winter rages outside, the Indonesian Rain Forest's Jungle Dome retains its steamy tropical splendor. This month, several colorful orchids punctuate the lush foliage with lovely blooms.
Orchids are coaxed into bloom with extra special care by the rain forest staff. Take a look at the results of their hard work!
Learn more about the animals of the Indonesian Rain Forest at http://kidszoo.org/our-animals/indonesian-rain-forest/.Attention teachers: Take your students on a virtual journey around the world in the zoo's exciting new Globe Trotter multimedia program! With five live animals and a "mystery" to solve, this dynamic presentation will engage students as they learn how they can help save our planet.
Globe Trotter is perfect for school assemblies, parent nights or as a reward for special projects. We are now booking programs for spring 2013.
See program fees and find out if you qualify for a free program at http://kidszoo.org/programs-and-events/zoomobile/.
Contact the Zoo Education Department at 427-6808 or firstname.lastname@example.com to schedule your program today.Always bring your Zoo Membership when you travel to enjoy discounted admission to more than 140 zoos nationwide! Two new organizations have joined our list for 2013:
*Lake Superior Zoo in Duluth, Minn.
*Natural Science Center of Greensboro in Greensboro, N.C.
See a complete list of all 140 participating zoos and attractions at http://kidszoo.org/membership/reciprocal-zoos/.
Contact us at firstname.lastname@example.com or 427-6800 with questions about your Zoo Membership and for information on using your Travel Card.


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Wednesday, September 30, 2009
November 15, 1968 Coliseum, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR: Grateful Dead/Mint Tattoo/City Blue
The poster advertises The Grateful Dead with Mint Tattoo and City Blue at the Oregon State University Coliseum, in Corvallis, Oregon on Friday, November 15, 1968. The dead were scheduled for Vancouver on Saturday, November 16 and then Eagles Auditorium in Seattle on Sunday, November 17. Most San Francisco bands like to play dates in two or three of the Northwest cities on a weekend, as it made sense to stop in Oregon on the way to Seattle or Vancouver. I do not see this show listed in Deadlists or Dead.net, and up until now knew nothing about it.
According to Deadlists, the Vancouver show on Saturday the 16th was canceled, but the Dead played two shows in Seattle, one an afternoon benefit. I wouldn't be surprised if the afternoon show was only possible because the Saturday show in British Columbia had been canceled. The Moody Blues were playing Eagles on Friday and Saturday, so they couldn't add a show there on Saturday night.
This begs a couple of questions:
was the Corvallis show canceled, along with Vancouver? My guess is that it was not, because it may not have been financially viable to do only one paying gig in Seattle for the entire trip.
was there a stealth show in Oregon or Seattle on Saturday night? This is intriguing, because if you were in a rock band and had a free Saturday night in the Northwest, what would you do? We need to keep our eyes open for unexpected Dead sightings in the Northwest on November 16, 1968, because they might be true.
Mint Tattoo was a Bay Area based band featuring Sacramento musicians, guitarist Bruce Stephens and organist/bassist Burns Kellogg (plus drummer Gregg Thomas). Mint Tattoo released an album on Dot in 1968, and then Stephens and Kellogg joined Blue Cheer in 1969. I don't know anything about City Blue; presumably they were a Corvallis band.
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I've wondered about this show for a while (that poster appeared on ebay 2-3 years ago, I put it up on the GD poster archive at deadlists.com/posters/1960s/19681115.html) so it's nice to see some of your speculation.ReplyDelete
I believe I saved the ebay auction's web page so I'll go back and see if the seller had any additional info. (I'm guessing he didn't, otherwise I would've put it on the poster archive page)
One other point - you questioned whether the 11/17 afternoon show was possible only because the 11/16 show had been cancelled. The poster and a newspaper ad (Seattle Helix) for the Seattle shows clearly indicate two shows were scheduled, one at 3 and one at 9. So the cancellation of the Vancouver show had no bearing on the Seattle afternoon show.ReplyDelete
Poster and ad are at deadlists.com/posters/1960s/19681117.html
Do you have any idea how near to November 16 the Vancouver show was canceled? Its plain from the advertisement that the afternoon benefit was scheduled, but my question would still be whether it was added later (albeit still in time to advertise) because of a cancellation. A night time show in Vancouver means a load out after midnight, and then a 3-hour drive to Seattle for a noon load-in. Not impossible, but kind of a squeeze. If there's no Vancouver show, then its just a leisurely drive up to Seattle for Sunday's show.ReplyDelete
The Grateful Dead may have been in Eugene as the did a number of free shows at the EMU ballroom around this timeReplyDelete
hodesy, your comment is very interesting. There had to be a reason to leave a "hole" in their schedule on a Saturday night (November 16). A planned stealth free concert at Eugene would certainly fit the bill.ReplyDelete
I would have thought that any stealth appearances at EMU would have been mentioned in the U of Oregon newspaper, the Daily Emerald. There were reports of the January '68 and January '70 shows, but nothing from November '68. http://libweb.uoregon.edu/dc/newspaper/index.php is where you can do some poking around.ReplyDelete
That said, it's entirely possible that something happened and wasn't mentioned, or that it was mentioned and didn't end up getting indexed in the library database. With such a precise date, I'd think it'd be worthwhile for any intrepid Corvallis- and/or Eugene-based affiliates of LLD to go spin some microfilm ...
Also, a free Dead concert at EMU Ballroom may not have been authorized. Some student group might have gotten permission for a dance, and not named the group. As a result, it may not have been referenced or reviewed. Another thing to look for would be events at EMU Ballroom on that date that could have been co-opted (a student dance marathon, etc).ReplyDelete
This definitely took place. Marshall Adams, guitar player for Big City Blue had this to say: "Big City Blue came together for the Grateful Dead Concert at OSU Gill Coliseum in Fall Term 1968. We were to open and Mint Tattoo was to also be featured. We had one set of material with Jimmy Hibbs doing most of the vocals and rhythm guitar, Jim Knight on Bass, Ron Leach on drums, and Marshall Adams on lead guitar and folk flute. Well we opened and it went quite well.........35 minutes later we went back on and did our set again. Seems that Mint Tattoo was busy out in the parking lot doing whatever bands would do in a parking lot."ReplyDelete
Dark Toast, thanks for the on-the-scene report.This certainly confirms the event. A great story about Mint Tattoo as well.ReplyDelete
Do you have any idea if the Grateful Dead played anywhere in Oregon the next night (Saturday November 16, 1968)? There were periodic rumors of free stealth shows at EMU Ballroom in Eugene, and I was wondering whether Nov 16 might have been such an event.
I don't have info on an EMU show, but I do have info on other undocumented Dead shows. I'm going to send you an email in a few minutes.ReplyDelete
Hoping this blog post by Corry Arnold and the Deadlists entry can be brought into dialogue.ReplyDelete
Indeed, I would strongly urge Deadlists folks to comb through Lost Live Dead when undertaking updates (which are always very, very welcome - thank you).
I always wondered what happened to that missing finger!ReplyDelete
This is Dave Sorochty the 1968 Deadlists caretaker. I am in touch with Corry as of yesterday.
I've found out about a number of unlisted Dead shows on my own - ususally by checking for old newspaper listings on NewspapeArchive.com or the goodle newspaper listings. I start looking through Corry's pages and it looks like he has already foud out about most of them and more. Very cool!
Teddy and I took things as far as we could back when we were originally updateing Deadlists. Things definitely need to be cleaned up, as well as to incorporate all the new info that has come out since then. I've been working on some updates, which you may have seen if you are on the Deadlists email listing.
If there are any other web pages like this, please let me know.


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The National Center for Science Education is pleased to accept applications for its third class of Grand Canyon Teacher Scholars. Lucky teachers will be given an all-expenses-paid seat on NCSE's annual Grand Canyon expedition, an eight-day voyage through some of the world's greatest geological wonders.
The eminent scholar of religion Huston Smith died on December 30, 2016, at the age of 97, according to The New York Times (January 1, 2017).
As the only national organization that is wholly dedicated to defending the teaching of evolution and climate change in the public schools, NCSE is the perfect place to find someone to speak to your organization or university about issues relevant to evolution and climate education and attacks on either or both.
National Center for Science Education, Inc.
1904 Franklin Street, Suite 600
Oakland, CA 94612
fax: 510-788-7971
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DETROIT - There is a good chance many people will come across a bad boss at some point in their career, so what is the best way to handle the situation?
Management experts suggest being arrogant, demanding, and hypercritical can be some of the worst traits of a bad boss. If you're an employee working under them, a boss like that can make for a miserable working experience. But there are certain strategies that experts recommend for surviving, and even thriving in this type of situation.
Executive Coach Janice Sabatine tells her clients to think of interactions with unpleasant supervisors as an opportunity to improve your business survival skills.
The first thing to do is to protect yourself. Sabatine recommends that you document every interaction with your boss. Also, summarize and write down important conversations, and send your boss written memos to confirm projects and deadlines.
Local 4 talked to some Metro Detroiters who told us what they think makes a good or bad boss.
"I think that a good boss should be able to do anything that the employees around them can do," said Eryn Rice of Oakland County. "A bad boss on the other hand, doesn't show up or shows up late, doesn't really care about the people that they're with."
"Got to have that positive feedback," said Jessica Hunter of Royal Oak. "Otherwise your employees don't work as hard for you."
Another tip that Sabatine offers is to build and maintain your network in the office. Develop relationships with everyone from assistants to top managers to top managers in other departments. By doing this, you'll establish yourself as a team player.
Sabatine says to think of your unpleasant boss as the spark that ignites your next career move, but some others suggest otherwise.
Derrick Munson of Detroit said, "If you have a bad boss, stick your job out because your bad boss may get fired soon also. So just hang in there and keep on working, and avoid the boss as much as possible"
Trevor of Royal Oak offered some advice for coping in a job you don't love: "Find your outlet while you can, take breaks... take a breather, that's about it."
The most important thing to do is to take everything as a learning opportunity.
"Just like you learn more from mistakes sometimes than from what you do well, you can really learn from a bad boss," said Sabatine.
Before labeling your boss as bad, reflect on your experience and ask yourself if your boss is making you better at your job, and perfecting your weakest skills.
Also remember, management experts say it's unlikely a bad boss is going to change his or her behavior, so if you can't work with them, it may be time to move on.
"You're always gonna have bad bosses," said Jessica Hunter. "They're gonna be out there, just be the bigger person, work hard until you find something that you really love."
Copyright 2013 by ClickOnDetroit.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.


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Trainers have come forward to allege widespread use of performance-enhancing drugs within Australia's horse racing industry.
Thoroughbred horses are being injected with the same banned substances that were once used by US cyclist Lance Armstrong during his now discredited career, the trainers say.
Some high-profile trainers even describe drug cheating in the industry as rife, a News Limited newspaper reported.
"Trainers don't think they can compete unless they get an edge," one racing identity told the newspaper.
Another trainer said he could line-up blood-doping for $1400 per horse.
The alleged banned substances being used are EPO, a hormone that boosts red blood cell production and increases endurance, and opiate-based stimulants.
Trainers also claim the practice of "milk shaking" - or combining the drugs with sodium bicarbonate - is becoming common to mask the banned substances with officials failing to police cheating properly.
"They are terrified to get the big names," one trainer told the newspaper. "But if this has been in bike racing for 25 years, how long has it been in horse racing?"
All trainers spoke to the paper anonymously, citing safety concerns.
But Racing Victoria and Harness Racing Victoria strongly denied drug problems in the industry.
"We have a robust and active testing regime in place for both EPO and opiate-based stimulants and there is no evidence to indicate the systematic use of either within the state of Victoria," Racing Victoria's integrity manager Dayle Brown told the paper.
The state government announced $4 million in funding last year to help the industry detect performance-enhancing drugs with more staff and upgraded laboratories.


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Always a Cut Above
For delicious entrees, an endless buffet, or just a casual bite, we can handle any hunger you bring to the table.
Dining at Hollywood is always a special experience. Enjoy a variety of choices, each with its own special flair and unique flavors. Take a look at what we've got and then get a taste of Hollywood.


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You're starting to strike me as a guy who has an answer to everything, but not being able to obtain ammunition is a problem, regardless of how much you have. And the amount being bought by the government is ridiculuous.
But honestly, imagine if we had to duke it out with our govt.... no amount of ammo would be enough. but at the same time, its vitally important, in my opinion, for the citizens to be armed. It sends the right message about america and our way of life.
^this is worth a watch. 2 minutes long, regardless of you believe it or not.


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A glimpse into some of the special events taking place at Bullitt County Public Schools.
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USA made oval shaped, acrylic key tag with split ring, digitally printed in full color. 2 1/16" x 1 3/8". Quick turn, just ask. Your custom logo or message will sure to be noticed. This is a promotional item that will enjoy repeat usage.
Product Size: 1-3/8"W x 2-1/16"H
Imprint Area: 1.19"W x 1.88"H
Price includes one full color digital imprint. For a different design on second side, call for pricing and details.
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And in this I resemble the Lappwing, who fearing hir young ones to be destroyed by passengers, flyeth with a false cry farre from their nestes, making those that looke for them seeke where they are not .... [John Lyly, "Euphues and His England," 1580]
The -n- was added early 15c. (compare messenger, harbinger, scavenger, porringer). Meaning "one traveling in a vehicle or vessel" first attested 1510s. Passenger-pigeon of North America so called from 1802; extinct since 1914.


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BENTONVILLE, Ark. Sam's Club has announced the winners of the "Como Si: Doing Business Today for Tomorrow!" contest.
The winners of the nationwide contest, presented by Sam's Club and The United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, were selected from contestants who submitted short videos promoting their small business, detailing what has brought their enterprise through today's tough economic environment and what their plan is to "keep up and keep going." The winners were chosen for originality, creativity, relevance and clarity of their videos.
The winners are:
Delmy Franco, My Tidy Files – North Hollywood, Ca. Alba Gonzalez-Nylander, Alba Video Production – Franklin, Tenn. Michelle Manon, Tamahli – San Antonio, Texas Jesus Ojeda, Ojeda's, Inc – Des Moines, Iowa Molly Dalton Robbins, Palomita and Chucho Clothing – San Rafael, Ca. Maria de Lourdes Sobrino, Lulu's – Anaheim, Ca. Nelson Soler, Multicultural Entrepreneurial Institute, Inc – Milwaukee, Wisc. Roger Villeda, Villeda Marketing International – Denver, Colo. Lilian Jimenez, Jimenez Communications – Fontana, Ca. Jennifer Fuentes, Independent Beauty Consultant – San Antonio, Texas
The winners receive a trip to the home office of Sam's Club in Bentonville, Ark. to learn about incorporating the latest technology into their businesses while creating a better bottom line.
"Small business owners are pressed to find more effective and affordable ways to promote their business and compete in a tough economic environment. They must do so while learning new skills, such as managing cash flow, logistics and human resources. We are pleased to be part of an initiative that can help deliver valuable information to those who are eager to learn and apply it," said Carlos Doubleday, Sam's Club VP.


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WEST MIFFLIN (KDKA) — There are concerns over school-issued credit cards after a KDKA investigation discovered questionable spending.
Expensive lunches, nightclub outings and a $50 purchase at the beer distributor are just a few of the charges made by employees of the West Mifflin School District. District officials say they've done nothing wrong and can account for every single purchase.
"I would welcome any community member here that would like to come to my office to meet with me," Superintendent of West Mifflin School District Dr. Daniel Castagna said.
Forty-three credit cards were issued to 43 of its employees such as school administrators and maintenance staff.
"Your school directors should be here for the citizens of West Mifflin and not for yourselves," one West Mifflin citizen said.
The superintendent says the district is there for the citizens and prior reports stating that the cards were being wrongly used for meals, hotels and gas are false.
"I was a former auditor so I know they are following the rules in the district beyond other school districts," Diane Stanesic, another West Mifflin citizen, said.
"The detailed review of expenditures has already been made and there were no improprieties whatsoever. The district has not encouraged or forced any administrator to make any reimbursements," School Solicitor Matthew Racunas said.
"What you're allowed to do is you can either drive home and take a break and go home or get something to eat and charge mileage and come back or you're allowed to go out and get something to eat for dinner," School Board Vice President Michael Price said.
Price says all spending is tracked by a P card system and all expenses are reviewed and scrutinized by several supervisors and accountants each month, including the school board itself.
"We currently have a cutoff of state per diem allowed on bills. We are actually below that but are thinking of making it lower than before," Price said.
The State Auditor General Eugene DePasquale disagrees.
He said, "We've come across this in other school districts and we've strongly recommended that they recall the cards and abandon their use. At a very minimum, they should have very tight fiscal control over their use."
The school board made a motion to approve an automated phone system message that would go out to every home in the district using the district's phone system that's used for delays.
The superintendent would leave a message stating that there was no credit card misuse, and if anyone has any questions, they should call him.
The board says they expect the message to go out in the next few days pending legal review.
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Day Trips from Sharm El Sheikh to Cairo Pyramids by Air
1 Day
Private Tours
- Return flight from Sharm El Sheikh
- Tour to Giza Pyramids and Sphinx
- Tour to Egyptian Museum and Old Cairo
- Shopping through famous Bazaars
- Service of professional English Tour Guide
- Entrance fees to the sights
- Lunch at a quality restaurant
- Bottled water during the tour
- Pick up and return service from Hotel
- Assistance of our personnel during tours
- All transfers by air conditioned mini-bus
- All services charges and taxes included
- Personal spending
- Optional Activities
- Tipping
Pick up from your Hotel in Sharm El Sheikh by air-conditioned vehicle to Sharm El Sheikh Airport for your flight to Cairo, where you will be accompanied by your own expert Egyptologist Tour Guide to visit the famous Giza Plateau, home of Egypt's greatest attractions the Great Pyramids, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Your Cairo tour will include the Great Pyramid of Cheops, Middle Pyramids of Chephren, the smallest Pyramid of Mykerinos and the Mysterious Sphinx, the Father of Terror to the ancient Pharaohs, This tour includes a visit to the Valley Temple facing the great Sphinx. On the way you will have lunch, then enjoy exploring the world-renowned Museum of Egyptian Antiquities that was built in neo-classical style designed by the French architect Marcel Dourgnon which exhibits a collection now over 120000 masterpieces ranges from Pre-Dynastic era, Pharaonic era to the Greco-Roman period in Egypt. Learn about the great Egyptian civilization and the mummification art in ancient Egypt. Moving on to visit the Christian heritage in Coptic Cairo including some of the early religious monuments of the city such as the Hanging Church or the Suspended Church (this Basilica Church named for its location on top of the south gate of the Fortress of Babylon). The church became the centre of the Christian Church of Egypt. Afterwards, you will have a wonderful afternoon shopping at the famous old market in Cairo known as Khan El Khalili Bazaar . Enjoy your free time in Cairo, then transferred to Cairo Airport to fly back to Sharm El Sheikh with direct transfer to your Hotel in Sharm El Sheikh . Lunch included.
- Prices - Per Person in Sterling Per Tour and can be paid in US$ or Euros by credit card via a secure payment system with no extra surcharge.Current prices valid through April 30.2018.
- Payment - Reservations should be made as early as possible to secure your places on required tour. A full payment will be required when confirming your booking as requested and can be paid by credit or debit card (Visa / MasterCard) via Verisign Secured payment system on our website.
- Transportation - Transport for all tours included: domestic flights, trains, and air conditioned vehicles by road. Wi-Fi, Bottled water and ice box all included whilst travelling by road. All are new vehicles of the latest design and technology.
- Tour Guides - Are always there to meet and greet you from your pickup point and return. All tours of the sites in Egypt include constant guidance of a highly qualified Egyptologist Tour Guide both on included and optional tours.
- Travelling with Children in Egypt - Children delight in touring the Pyramids, Temples and Tombs in Egypt as often it is part of their school study programme. Memphis Tours offers packages to suit all ages with excellent combined multi location destinations such as Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, Nile Cruise and the Red Sea Resorts.
- Wheelchair Travellers - Memphis Tours are particularly keen to promote and cater for disabled and wheelchair clients with specially adapted transportation for easy accessibility. (Please click here).
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America's Premier Indie Record Label Celebrates 40th Anniversary With Alison Krauss & Union Station Featuring Jerry Douglas, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Béla Fleck, Irma Thomas, Minnie Driver, Steve Martin and Robert Plant
ROUNDER RECORDS 40TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT is a celebration of Rounder's 40 years in the music industry. Filmed in October 2009 at Nashville's Grand Ole Opry, it features Grammy winning Rounder artists Alison Krauss & Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Béla Fleck and Irma Thomas, along with musical host Minnie Driver and special guests Nathan & the Zydeco Cha Chas and jazz/R&B pianist Henry Butler. The special also includes select performances from Steve Martin's show at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, from Alison Krauss and Robert Plant's 2008 "Crossroads" special and from Madeleine Peyroux's 2009 concert in Los Angeles. ROUNDER RECORDS 40TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT is part of special programming airing in March 2010 (check local listings) on PBS stations.
Highlights of the concert, filmed in high definition, include Alison Krauss & Union Station's performance of the song "Restless" from their Grammy®-winning, million-selling album Lonely Runs Both Ways; Mary Chapin Carpenter's performance of her smash radio hit "He Thinks He'll Keep Her"; Irma Thomas belting out her R&B chart topper "You Can Have My Husband But Don't Mess With My Man"; Steve Martin's performance of songs from his Grammy-nominated album The Crow; Béla Fleck tearing it up with Jerry Douglas on a song from the early Rounder Fleck recording Double Time; and a rousing grand finale that blends blues, R&B, zydeco, country and bluegrass during a gospel medley of "Angels Watching Over Me," "I'll Fly Away" and "Down by the Riverside."
The artists featured in this PBS special have collectively garnered 53 Grammy Awards and sold more than 25 million albums. The program's executive producer and longtime Rounder senior VP, Brad Paul, said, "It is a real thrill to have so many of our amazing artists represented in this show. The musical diversity and artistry is exceptional and rarely seen on TV anymore. Hats off to PBS for their strong commitment to quality television."
PBS' VP of Fund Raising Programming, Joe Campbell, adds, "PBS is delighted to present a very special concert event, celebrating 40 years of incredible music with some of the finest musicians working today. PBS is one of the few places where concerts like this can be seen in their entirety and we're proud to present these great musicians to our audience."
Rounder Records was founded in 1970 by Ken Irwin, Marian Leighton Levy and Bill Nowlin. With only their passionate enthusiasm for American roots music lighting the way, the three Boston area college students cast their lot into the perilous music industry. "Before founding Rounder, we were basically music fans," says Irwin. "None of us had any record industry experience whatsoever," echoes co-conspirator Nowlin.
This untested trio has gone the distance: from humble beginnings 40 years ago to winning Album of the Year for Krauss and Plant's Raising Sand at the 2009 Grammy Awards. Rounder is now considered one of America's premier independent record labels, and has emerged as the pre-eminent source for vital, uncompromised music of all genres.
Rounder will release Rounder Records' 40th Anniversary Concert on CD on March 2, 2010.
A DVD is scheduled for release in May 2010.
PBS special programming invites viewers to experience the worlds of science, history, nature and public affairs; hear diverse viewpoints; and take front-row seats to world-class drama and performances. Viewer contributions are an important source of funding, making PBS programs possible. PBS and public television stations offer all Americans from every walk of life the opportunity to explore new ideas and new worlds through television and online content.


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I watched him play a lot during his college career. I honestly don't understand this pick. He had a mediocre college career. He was constantly yanked in and out of the Duke starting lineup along with Mason Plumlee and Ryan Kelly. He doesn't have much offense. He can't hit jumpshots. He doesn't have the size to guard NBA centers, so I guess he's going to the end of the PF depth chart. His best game of the past season was on senior night, where he played well in the first half while his team got blown out by UNC in a game that decided the ACC regular season.
Here is an awesome pic of how he attempted the patented Duke flop to take a charge, but instead was called for a foul while John Henson put his junk on his shoulder.
Can ANYONE explain why a 1st round draft pick was used on Miles Plumlee? Did the Pacers think they were drafting Mason Plumlee?


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I made this Chicken, Broccoli, and Quinoa Casserole with Creamy Curry Sauce a few times to get it just right, and I really wasn't planning on posting the recipe right away. Then today after I took the latest version out of the oven I ate some for lunch, had seconds, and realized I was looking forward to eating it again for dinner, and I decided that this recipe needed to be on the blog.
Of course I put my own spin on it, using leftover rotisserie chicken to save a step, bumping up the lemon juice, and topping the casserole with coarsely-grated Parmesan instead of cheddar. If you're already a fan of uber-nutritious quinoa you're going to love this, but even if you've never cooked quinoa before, I highly recommend you give this a try.
(Makes 4 generous servings, recipe adapted from Quinoa 365: The Everyday Superfood.)
1/2 cup quinoa (rinsed unless the package says it does not need rinsing)
1 cup water for cooking quinoa (or a little more, see recipe)
3 cups broccoli flowerets, cut into same-sized pieces
1/2 tsp. salt (for cooking broccoli)
2 cups diced cooked chicken (I used leftover rotisserie chicken)
1 1/4 cup low-fat sour cream
1/3 cup mayo or light mayo
2 T fresh-squeezed lemon juice
1 tsp. Dijon mustard
1 tsp. curry powder (I used Penzey's Sweet Curry Powder)
salt and fresh ground pepper to taste to season the sauce (I used Vege-Sal.)
1/3 cup coarsely grated Parmesan cheese.
Whisk together the low-fat sour cream, mayo, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, curry powder, Vege-Sal (or salt) and black pepper to make the sauce.
South Beach Suggestions:
Ten More Tasty Ways to Enjoy Quinoa:
(Recipes from other blogs may not always be South Beach Diet friendly; check ingredients.)
Quinoa Salad with Avocado, Radishes, Cucumber, and Cumin-Lime Vinaigrette from Kalyn's Kitchen
Quinoa Tabbouleh Salad with Parsley and Mint from Kalyn's Kitchen
How to Cook Quinoa in a Rice Cooker from Gluten Free Goddess
Quinoa Pilaf from Simply Recipes
Quinoa Salad with Tomatoes, Feta, and Parsley from The Perfect Pantry
Quinoa Mushroom Pilaf from Gluten Free Goddess
Curried Quinoa Salad from Wasabimon
Citrus Quinoa Salad with Toasted Almonds from Cooking with Amy
Quick Quinoa Salad from Guilty Kitchen
Quinoa Casserole from Macheesmo
(Want even more recipes? I find these recipes from other blogs using Food Blog Search.)


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BOROUGH youngsters are being asked to take part in a fancy dress competition with a difference at Dudley Museum and Art Gallery.
The museum is officially opening its World War One exhibition on Monday August 4 to coincide with the start of the conflict 100 years ago.
The exhibition features a mock High Street with shop fronts depicting life prior to the war before visitors are confronted with the harsh realities of war when they are faced with a painted battlefield, soldier's dug out, nurses station, mine and trench complete with sandbags, wooden boarded floors and bomb flashes.
Children are being encouraged to come along in costume with the chance of winning a gift voucher to spend in the museum shop.
They can dress up as 1914 schoolchildren or as soldiers, nurses, ambulance drivers, miners, munitions or farm workers.
There's also some items of clothing that children can dress up in on the day and the chance to take part in a broomstick rifle drill.
Other activities taking place at the museum this summer include a couple of themed activity days comprising of bugs and slugs on Thursday July 31 and a cowboys and cowgirls craft day on Thursday August 21.
There's also a fossil family fun day on Saturday August 30.
The museum is situated on St James' Road and open every Monday to Saturday from 10am to 4pm with admission free.


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Food Drunk, a New Orleans-based food truck specializing in "chef-inspired, alcohol-influenced cuisine" has come up with a new, boundary-pushing burger just in time for Mardi Gras: King Cake burgers. The sweet-meets-savory creation features a brioche bun smeared with white icing and bedecked with purple, green, and gold sprinkles, in homage to the official cake of Mardi Gras.
Between the buns, there's a Black Angus brisket patty and a slice of sharp cheddar cheese.
The King Cake burgers will be sticking around until Mardi Gras. To track down the truck, follow Food Drunk on Twitter.
About the author: Erin Jackson is a food writer and photographer who is obsessed with discovering the best eats in San Diego. You can find all of her discoveries on her San Diego food blog EJeats.com. On Twitter, she's @ErinJax
Love hamburgers? Then you'll Like AHT on Facebook! And go follow us on Twitter while you're at it!


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Heather Nyberg-Schlotzhauer
Beacon Correspondent
Fortuna will be alive with festive activities on the first Friday of the month, kicking off the holiday season from 6-9 p.m. along and around Main Street.
"There will be art, music, fun and great deals from local merchants," Diana Rios of the Fortuna Business Improvement District said. "Fortuna's First Friday features amazing artists from Humboldt's north coast, including, oil, acrylic, water color paintings, air brushing, pottery, and modern day sculptures."
Local musicians will have an outlet to play great music in a number of locations around downtown, she said.
You will find music and art that is good for all ages. There is truly something for everyone," Rios said.
Barky Dogz Bathhouse, 1041 Main St., will have a full and self-service pet bathing and grooming haven featuring locally made natural pet products.
Bartow's Jewelers, 651 12th St., will be displaying their Rarest Rainbow natural color diamond jewelry collection. Rarest Rainbow has partnered with the Jewelers for Children Fund to provide assistance to children in need through their "Heart of Hope Pendant" in which each pendant purchase provides a portion of the sales donated to the JFC Fund.
Beverage Plus Foods at 1221 Main St., The Antique Depot at 1122 Main St., and Trendz at 1021 Main St. are all open for business during the Friday night event.
Body Works Fitness Center, 1156 Main St., offers a free fitness day every first Friday of the month to come in and work out.
Dakota's Designs at 1040 Main St. will be featuring art by owner Dakota Daetwiler, local artists Bobbi Bennetzen and Richard Leamon, and a live painting by Daetwiler. More art can be found at Fortuna Art & Old Things at 1026 Main St., where Alice Shaw will be present with her watercolor and ink cards and small prints.
Refreshments are often provided by the many businesses involved in First Friday, but for those who would like to enjoy a full meal several restaurants will be open to fulfill those needs.
Taco Loco at 955 Main St. will be open and displaying a new artist for their first night participating in First Friday. Hoppy's FroYo at 1151 Main St. will offer frozen yogurt and live music of local youth. L's Kitchen, 734 Main St., will also keep their doors open and have a new art display. Eel River Brewery, although not on Main Street, will have Tim Wilson playing the guitar at its restaurant on 1777 Alamar Way.
Ferndale Jewelers at 1020 Main St. will be having PB&J Party. Main Street Art Gallery & School at 1003 Main St. will have new art by Chuck Bowden and live music. Marian's Beauty Salon at 741 11th St. will be presenting hair art by Josephine Brazil and jewelry art by Ashley Bones, and McLean Foundation at 1336 Main St. will have art by Judy Nunes and music by Layla Dias.
Precision Intermedia at 1012 Main St. will be displaying multiple art mediums by Stir Fry Willie who will also be a the Playroom for the annual Halloween costume contest. Rain All Day Books at 1136 Main St. will have art pastels by Abbie Perrott. Strehl's Family Shoes & Repair at 1155 Main St. will have pen, ink, scratch board art by Louise, and The Humboldt Corner at 899 Main St. will be featuring artists Jed Stroll and Matt Cascio demonstrating glassblowing in the store.
There will be businesses open late offering specials and discounts. First Friday takes place from 6-9 p.m. and with the holiday season here, crowds enjoy the evening out looking at the lights, shopping, and enjoying local artists and musicians. Fortuna's First Friday is having a difficult time getting artists and musicians to fill the businesses. Anyone interested in participating should contact the FBID at 725-9261 or the Downtown Merchants at 407-9494. You can also contact firstname.lastname@example.com.


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Off-road police bikes will continue to patrol parts of Wharfedale, Aireborough and Horsforth thanks to new funding.
The Outer North West Area Committee has allocated £4,540 to the Off Road Bike Project to cover the lease and fuel costs of the vehicles.
West Yorkshire Police operates the bikes in conjunction with the Parkswatch service, Youth Service and other partner organisations around the North West Leeds Division of the Neighbourhood Policing area.
They will help the police to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour in parks and other green spaces in the Otley & Yeadon, Adel & Wharfedale, Horsforth and Guiseley and Rawdon wards.
Councillor Barry Anderson (Con, Adel & Wharfedale), who sits on the area committee, said: "I welcome the additional funding that is going into the project.
"The off-road bikes are extremely effective in providing high visibility patrols in green spaces where police cars cannot patrol and police on foot cannot get to quickly.
"Everyone deserves the right to a peaceful existence without anti-social behaviour getting in the way and the bike patrols can help combat a lot of anti-social behaviour issues. Now that the bikes have been operating for a while their riders are familiar with the hotspots and the times of the year that trouble occurs.
"The bikes have also been involved in major police operations to tackle drug abuse and metal theft, and in enforcing residents only access to roads."
The money was awarded from the committee's Wellbeing Fund and works out at each of the wards providing £1,135.


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Picking Through Intriguing 13F Filings
By now all institutional investment professionals and large hedge funds have filed their quarterly 13F reports, revealing their latest purchases and sales in the 2012 fourth quarter. After looking over several dozen of these filings, some interesting names showed up that may be worth a closer look.
Fairholme Capital, the multi-billion value fund run by Bruce Berkowitz, posted an interesting filing about company micro-cap home improvement retailer Orchard Supply Hardware (OSH), a $38 million dollar company at today's market price. The initial intrigue focused on why a multi-billion fund is investing in a microcap. I quickly found out that OSH was spun out of Sears Holding (SHLD), of which Fairholme is a big shareholder. But Orchard is a spinoff and guys like Berkowitz have no interest in owning a microcap. So the natural move is to monetize the asset and sell -- and that's clearly what is happening to Orchard. Less than a year ago, the shares were trading for $27; today the stock trades below $6....383 more words left in this article. To read them, just click below and try Real Money FREE for 14 days.
There's no substitute for a trading floor to get great ideas, so Jim Cramer created a better one at Real Money and blogs there exclusively. We then added legendary hedge fund manager, Doug Kass, with his exclusive Daily Diary and best investing ideas. Staffed with more than 4 dozen investing pros, money managers, journalists and analysts, Real Money Pro gives you a flood of opinions, analysis and actionable trading advice found nowhere else, and allows you to interact directly with each expert.
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The football signing day that always gets most of the attention at Texas A&M is in February, and that's because it's usually when the vast majority (if not all) of A&M's signees fax in their letters of intent. In recent years, however, the Aggies have been recruiting an increasing number of junior college prospects that are graduating at mid term. They are attractive because in many instances they have three years to play two seasons -- or, in some cases, they redshirted and can have three seasons of eligibility left.
For programs in the Southeastern Conference like A&M, mid-term additions have become even more important because the conference restricts member institutions to 25 signees in February regardless of whether they have qualified or not. In order to sign more that 25 prospects in a class, programs can sign junior college transfers in December and they count toward the previous class' 25 signee limit.
The A&M staff has used their ability to use leftover scholarships to garner commitments from a number of mid term enrollees from high school such as Sharpstown linebacker Reggie Chevis, Rockwall Heath defensive end Jordan Points, Kennedale linebacker Brett Wade, Little Cypress-Mauriceville ATH Alex Sezer and Fork Union Military Academy receiver JaQuay Williams. They've also added several junior college stars who could be immediate impact players.
Arizona Western Community College tight end Cameron Clear chose the Aggies over Oklahoma after official visits to both schools in November. Clear indicated in an interview with AggieYell.com last month that he knew where he wanted to go on his way back from Norman.
"On my way back to school from Oklahoma I had about a four hour layover," Clear said. "I though about all my options and called my parents to let them know what I was thinking. I told them that I was impressed with Oklahoma but A&M was the school for me. They thought it was a great choice."
Clear's parents (who live in Memphis) preceded to receive a visit in person from A&M head coach Kevin Sumlin who then flew out to Arizona to see Clear.
"At the end of our conversation I was telling him what I was thinking and then just said it," he said. "I said I wanted to commit to A&M. He had a huge smile. I heard that he would tweet Yesssir when he got a commit. I went and looked at Twitter and he did it right away. That felt pretty good."
Clear gives the Aggies a tight end who blocks like an offensive tackle and offers them significant options in short yardage situations as a run blocker, as a pass protector, and a pass receiver like A&M used Nehemiah Hicks this year.
City College of San Francisco offensive tackle Jeremiah Stuckey visited A&M the same weekend as Clear and committed during the visit. The massive Stuckey told AY that he committed because of the academics and from what his host (All-American and Outland Trophy winner Luke Joeckel) told him about A&M and the coaching staff.
"He (Joeckel) seems like a real good guy and told me all about A&M from a players point of view. He said he liked all of the coaches and he respects them as coaches, leaders and people. He said Coach Sumlin would shoot it to you straight and I like that," Stuckey said.
Stuckey has three years of eligibility remaining.
Hutchison Community College linebacker Kenny Flowers committed to A&M in early November, and like Stuckey and Clear, came in on a game weekend which really made an impression on him.
"The best part was just seeing the 12th Man and the game atmosphere," said the 6 foot, 1-inch, 220-lb. Flowers.
However, Flowers' eye also caught the depth chart and the play of senior linebackers Sean Porter and Jonathan Stewart.
"I watched Porter a lot and I watched Stewart some too," he said. "I talked to them after after the game. They said that they were leaving and that they were going to need me next year."
Late last week, it looked like A&M had missed out on one of their key JUCO targets, Butler County Community College linebacker Tommy Sanders. Sanders had supposedly cut down his choices to Ohio State and South Carolina, but decided Tuesday night that he would not only reconsider A&M, but would sign with them.
Sanders visited A&M for the Aggies' game with Missouri and had them as his leader going into the visit. He did not commit and subsequently took official visits to Ohio State and South Carolina. He listed the Aggies as one of his leaders along with Ohio State and Mississippi State last week and was supposed to announce on Dec. 12, but then backed off of that date when he scheduled the visit to Columbia.
One final target,Za'Darius Smith of East Mississippi Community College, ran into the numbers crunch with A&M and decided a better bet was to sign with the University of Kentucky. His defensive line coach at East Mississippi, Jimmy Brumbaugh, has taken a similar position with Kentucky, which likely played a big role in his decision.
Even without Smith, the Aggies have an impressive amount of mid-term talent that will be on campus for spring football and are being counted on moreso than most prospects to make an immediate impact on a team that should be one of the favorites next season for a national title with Heisman Trophy quarterback Johnny Manziel at the helm.


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Throughout most of Fringe: Season 3, Peter is in love with who he thinks is Olivia, but it's actually Olivia from the alternate universe. When the original Olivia returns, Peter is emotionally distraught, because he realizes that he'd enjoyed spending time with the alternate Olivia. If you were Peter, what would you do in this situation? Would you stay with the alternate Olivia or return to the original Olivia who you developed an initial relationship with?
This is such a convoluded situation. I mean, really, this is a rough choice Peter has to make. To follow his heart he'd have to go both ways, with both Olivias, and he cannot. Really and truly, I think he should go with the one he loves and that would be with the alternate Olivia…although how to break that to the original I don't know. I guess that's what Season 4 will bring? Answers to that and so much more drama to keep everyone interested and involved in the storyline, I am sure- and it's what keeps viewers coming back for more, more more!
What would you do in Peter's shoes? What if you were Olivia!! Can you even imagine?!
Order Fringe: The Complete Third Season on DVD here today: http://bit.ly/o2MYBv !
"I have been hired by Warner Bros. WBWord division to promote Fringe: The Complete Third Season on DVD/Blu-Ray."0


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If he can kick off better than Baker, fine. I thought Baker was doing pretty well, but whatever.
I know Vandy's cap number will be high for a PK next season and I know Polian must be looking at cheaper kickers with similar accuracy, but Vandy has been with the Colts for a while and is also the most accurate kicker in league history. Even with a cap number over 2 million, I think he's worth keeping. Yes, I know he can't kick off to save his life; it's a liability, no doubt.
Of course, if the Colts cut Vandy in the offseason and sign someone cheaply who is just as good you'll never hear a word out of me.


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Book a flight to Salalah and you'll find the Sultanate's 'Second City' and capital of the Dhofar region has plenty to offer. Salalah is a vibrant, colourful city, famous for its yearly Khareef (monsoon), from June to August. Visitors come for the fruit plantations, coconut-fringed beaches, bustling souqs and archaeological sites.
Discover a city bolstered by new wealth that offers a flavour of East Africa in the heart of the Arabian Desert. You can fly to Salalah with Qatar Airways and discover the perfume capital of Arabia for yourself; this city is something special.
Every trip to Salalah should start in the Old City, with a visit to Sultan Qaboos' Palace. Sultan Qaboos was born in a fortress here, and his Grand Mosque is also worth visiting.
Al Baleed Archaeological Site is today an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here you'll find the extensive ruins of the 12th century trading post of Zafar.
It's also home to the Frankincense Museum, where you can find out about Salalah's history in the frankincense trade. The Tomb of Nabi Umran also attracts visitors from across the globe.
Travel to Salalah and you'll find diving is popular here. Guided diving and snorkelling tours take place in the waters by Salalah and at dive centres near Mirbat. The annual Khareef Festival celebrates monsoon season and Dhofari culture. This spectacular event is the perfect place to enjoy live music, entertainment and street food.
Pack your binoculars and visit Khawr Salalah Lagoon to spot ospreys, flamingos and other migratory birds. Or take a leisurely stroll through the city's plantations of bananas, papayas and coconuts. Located near the corniche, this is a relaxing way to spend an afternoon in the city.
The wealth the port has brought to Salalah has seen international restaurants spring up across the city. Almost everywhere you turn you can find Thai, Indian, Chinese, and Arabic food. The city's buffet restaurants are the ideal place to sample local specialities such as hummus (chickpea dip) and Shawarma (meat kebab).
For fine dining or a romantic meal, five-star hotels offer a la carte dining. You'll find there are few restaurants outside the city, so if you plan on visiting attractions further afield, it's best to pack water and snacks for the journey.
Frankincense is the most popular purchase when you travel to Salalah. You'll find various different grades of frankincense, the lightest being the highest quality. Other popular purchases include Omani perfumes and hand-crafted Dhofari clay incense burners. For souvenirs and handicrafts, head for The Handicraft Souq or Haffa Souq, where you'll need to practice your bargaining skills.
Al-Husn Souq is the best place to mingle with locals and see traditional Omani hats being made. The colourful tangle of streets near the Sultan's Palace are filled with the aroma of frankincense and it's easy to find handicrafts and hand-made jewellery here.
Flights to Salalah with Qatar Airways arrive at Salalah Airport, located around three miles from the city.
Visa restrictions for entry into the country will depend on your country of origin, length of stay and whether your trip is for business or pleasure. So before you fly to Salalah please check the visa and passport requirements.
Currency: Omani Rial (OMR)
Voltage: 240 V 50 Hz
Plugs: Type G
Language: Arabic / English
International dialing code: +968
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