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For many years I have had the desire to visit Lebanon although with the uncertainties and wars in the Middle East over time that desire had waned like the setting sun. A few years ago while traveling in Turkey, I met a family from Lebanon while touring the Grand Palace in Istanbul and a seed was planted for me to think again about visiting Lebanon.
With uncertain and flexible travel plans for vacation, I once again began to desire the land that in the past was known as "Paris Of The East". As I stand on a train platform in Brussels, Belgium with practically numb hands from a cold winter wind, I am looking forward to in a few hours boarding a Middle East Airline flight for the warmth of Beirut.
On a flight that is less than half full, about three hours and forty five minutes after leaving Brussels I peak out my window and through almost smoggy skies I begin to see the outline of the paradise I waited so long to visit.
An easy Immigration and Customs clearing process and I exit into the arrivals area of Beirut International Airport.
Paying what I consider an absorbent amount for Wi-Fi access, US$12 (75min) I begin to put together my plan for the next three days and two nights in Lebanon. With a rental car from Europcar for US$77 along with helpful information, a map and a little word of caution from the Europcar employee, I set out for the Mayflower Hotel in the Hamra area of Beirut.
My Lebanon adventure begins.
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Lebanon, Beirut A Gem In The Middle East
For many years I have had the desire to visit Lebanon although with the uncertainties and wars in the Middle East over time that desire had waned like the setting sun. A few years ago while traveling in Turkey, I met a family from Lebanon while touring the Grand Palace in Istanbul and a seed was planted for me to think again about visiting Lebanon.
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Do tell as can't believe there's ever been a report on this country, mostly for the issues you first mentioned.
Look forward to reading more.
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From Brussels To Beirut
From the boarding area in Brussels I can tell that my flight to Beirut will not be full. For me this is a good thing for two reasons. One, I will probably get to stretch out in coach and more importantly I will have a window seat.
Although it has snowed overnight in Brussels the skies are clearing at the airport and with no de-icing required it does not take long before Middle East Airline Flight 216 is airborne for Beirut.
This is my first time flying a Middle East airline and I am quickly impressed by the attentiveness of what seems to be by American standards an over-staffed crew. The flight attendants are very business like and seem more that eager to help passengers find their proper seats even on a half full airplane.
Our flight time to Beirut is just under four hours and we are served (for free) a hot meal in coach which seems to be lacking on most flights in the United States. However, in reading their on board magazine there maybe somewhat of an explanation for this.
MEA has recently been granted a 12 year extension of it's rights to be the exclusive airline to and from Lebanon. This can be seen as somewhat of a competitive edge which may in turn allow MEA to provide a better product for its passengers. A win-win situation.
About three hours and forty minutes into the flight we begin our approach into Beirut under smoggy skies that clear as we descend lower.
From my seat I begin to see "Paris Of The East" although the landscape reminds me somewhat of Manhattan, New York when arriving into La Guardia airport.
Our route takes us along the downtown shores of Beirut where I get a birds eye-view of Pigeons Rock before Flight 216 touches down ahead of schedule.
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To Hamra, West Beirut
Leaving the Beirut airport I quickly enter the "First Time Uncomfortable Zone" of driving in a foreign country. Although I have a generic map, it is now dark and it is not an easy feeling as I merge onto a dimly lit highway with huge trucks belching diesel fumes. It would help if I read Arabic but I continue on as if I know where I am going.
Soon I see two tunnels that eases my comfort level. I was told earlier about these by the rental car employee and now I have a sense that I am on the right track. I take the one on the right and exit onto a congested one way street. A quick stop at a gas station and an English speaking local confirms that I am almost where I should be.
Heading down a busy Hamra Street, I make a few turns here and there, head this direction and then the next, compete for road space with a few motorcycles and pedestrians, ask a few more questions and then eventually arrive at my destination.
Unknown to me at the time I made my reservation, I am staying at a hotel that has a part of Lebanon's sad civil war history.
The Mayflower is said to be one of the only hotels that remained open during the conflict. I am happy to see there is no evidence of the war left behind. I am not sure why but I am upgraded to a Junior Suite and will have room to entertain a delegation for the next three days.
Although it is later in the evening, checked it at the Mayflower, I hit the streets to find an old Middle East friend. Fortunately, I think she will not be hard to find as I have no doubt she is very popular in a city like Beirut.
At an ATM just off Hamra street I withdraw some Lebanese pounds and continue my search by sitting outside at Kaakaya Restaurant. A Lebanese salad is ordered followed by what I consider a Lebanese feast. Humus, seasoned pickles, grilled meat, slices of warm pita bread topped with mint leaves and read onions along with French fries.
In talking with Kaakaya's manager he has offered to help me find my friend and suggest I should enjoy our time together with a hint of mint and lime.
My food arrives and shortly thereafter my Middle East friend. Hours later I leave Kaakaya content with a full stomach and a big relaxing smile on my face thanks to the delicious food at Kaakaya and from being able to spend quality time with my friend, Shisha.
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To Byblos And Beyond
I leave the comfort and safety of The Mayflower Hotel for what some may consider a dangerous or crazy idea. I am about to go driving in Beirut and through the Lebanese countryside where I am told drivers take road signs as mere suggestions.
This explains why during my journey into the city some "One Way Signed Streets" had two way traffic and some traffic signals did not work as far as some drivers were concerned.
Down Hamra Street I am in the mid-morning traffic rush although it is probably like this most hours on any given day. A few turns here and there and I exit West Beirut to join a highway along the coast that will eventually take me to Tripoli.
Another interesting aspect of Lebanese driving is how a three lane highway becomes four or five lanes by drivers choice topped off with a few honks as the process is accomplished. All fun to watch as I cruise along enjoying the scenery and the sounds of a local radio station.
A stop along the way at Wooden Bakery and I discover a first for me. A pastry named after my country of birth. Surprisingly, I don't have the appetite to eat my homeland. However, I am amused to see it in the form of a fancy chocolate presentation in Lebanon.
A few hours after leaving the Mayflower I am at my first stop, Byblos. Located along the shores of Lebanon this city is recognized as one of the world's oldest inhabited cities. Archeological records have been found here dating back some 8,000 years ago.
After paying a small entrance fee and walking the grounds I can see why here would have been a prime location for our early ancestors. Today with an ocean breeze blowing the temperature is near perfect and the scenery spectacular. I imagine not much has changed here in that regard since about eight millenniums ago.
Early residences along with the remains of a Roman theater from the third century are just some of the findings that have been excavated here.
I am not sure about the beginning of its existence but nearby is also an old souk (market place). Although it is now modernized with the latest souvenirs and high fashion items available for sale.
I wonder to myself what a pair of Nike's would have cost 8,000 years ago.
Even with a language barrier there is no wondering the meaning of the sounds I am hearing as I watch two gentlemen play one of the world's oldest board game.
With a last chance to hit an opponent's checker and coming up with an lucky roll of the dice I think I know the meaning of "Aaatt.."
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Al Mina
Leaving Byblos I am soon making slow "S turns" along the highway pass good size red and white striped barriers. I find this interesting and I get the video tape rolling (ok, that is so old school). What seems to be to be an old military check point turns out to be an active one and I quickly put away my recording device.
Although it maybe different here I had an interesting experience doing almost the same thing at a border crossing into Israel a few years ago. I have learned my lesson.
As it turns out, I along with about every other car along the route are freely allowed to pass. Beyond the check point the landscape begins to change into mountainous terrain. On my right, I now get a glimpse of towering snow capped mountains.
Soon I see an exit for The Cedars but continue on for about another 20km to the seaside community of Al Mina just outside of Tripoli. With the time being later in the day than planned and early warnings of rebel issues in some areas of Tripoli I remain for only a brief time at Al Mina.
From the seaside docks I enjoy views of the area that made the drive for me definitely worthwhile.
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My husband took our daughter to Beirut last summer and they both loved it. They were there only 3 days, but enjoyed the cafes and some sightseeing.
My husbands client acted as the guide for them and took them to a night club ( for my 21 yo daughter mostly!) great restaurants and on a boat ride.
They thought everyone was very nice there and would both go back any time.
It sounds like your trip was a great - thanks for the report - I enjoy trip reports from all over the world!
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I was also only there for 3 days but like your family I really enjoyed Lebanon.
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Lebanon, The Cedars
Leaving the main highway between Tripoli and Beirut, early on I can see that I am going to be in for a treat as I make my way to see one of the symbols of Lebanon. Past another military check point I begin another climb of sorts towards a mountain pass area. Hills and mountains of various size and shape are on my left with the higher ones topped with snow.
In an open area I come across an interesting sign, one I would definitely not expect to see in Lebanon.
"Mi-ssi-crooked letter, crooked letter, i-humpback, humpback-i". I guess there is more than one place in the world where Mississippi is popular.
My journey this afternoon takes me through some of the most fascinating mountain side communities that I have ever seen. In an area that looks like a mini Grand Canyon buildings seem to hang in an unreal way from the cliffs and gorgeous hillsides.
From the edges of a portion of these striking cliffs an occasional waterfall can been seen tumbling to floor of the canyon below. Navigating the narrow mountainous roads through these communities is just as spectacular and stunning as the views.
With the sun fading in the west, the sides of the hills begin to glow shades of orange not only from building lights now being turned on but from the sun doing its magic artwork. It all seems a bit surreal.
Although I know better, snow is not the first thing that comes to mind when I think about the Middle East. However, as my elevation continues to increase the mountains here are covered with winter's soft white touch. In one area I am enclosed between walls of it as I approach The Cedars.
Cresting a small hill, a symbolic representation of Lebanon comes into view. Although much of daylight has gone, the amazing view is only slightly diminished.
My drive back to Beirut is under the cover of darkness and yet the mountains around me still sparkle with beauty. Even a roadside reminder of the season just past adds a nice touch to the scenery.
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A Taste of Beirut Nightlife
One of the things Beirut is known for besides its excellent food, it is the nightlife that can be found here. With one night left in Beirut, I drive over to the Gemmazyeh area to investigate for myself. Along one of the main streets I discover parking is difficult unless you know where you are going and chose one of the many valet services. Since I am not sure where I am going I cruise the block and eventually find a parking spot one block away from Gourgad Street.
My first stop along the popular nightlife street is not at a nightclub but at Cosmi.Comsaj a small fast food sort of business. For me, Cosmi.Comsaj turns out to be a nice find as a Chicken Shawarma with Jebneh Sahen Chips is delightfully excellent.
It is Wednesday night and in checking out the more busy music venues none of them grabs my attention except one that requires a reservation to get into. Maybe if I was willing to depart with a few hundred Lebanese pounds I may have managed to make my way in but I move on.
Down a side street I stop to take a picture of a funny sign at another nightclub and the door swings open as I am doing so. For a split second I feel uneasy as a bouncer is steering at me but then he beckons me over and invites me in with an apology that there is only room at the bar.
I have just entered Jukebox a small unpretentious bar with a DJ spinning some tunes I am familiar with. As I make my way to the bar I am given a few "high-fives" and smiling welcomes from a few of the patrons. Not long after I am chatting it up with a few of them who make me feel right at home.
Later in the evening to my surprise one of the locals takes this one step further as she gets up on the bar requests that the DJ stop the music.
With drinks raised in the air a toast is made to America and the American in the room. Now if that does not make a guy feel special and at home, I don't know what will unless you under 18 years old because no Justin Biebers are welcomed here.
From the window to the wall a taste of Beirut nightlife at Jukebox was a ton of memorable fun.
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One Last Drive
With a flight scheduled to leave Beirut at 6:15pm, I leave the Mayflower Hotel around 2:30pm for one last drive around the city before heading to the airport. I am surprised that at 2:30 in the afternoon traffic is already bump to bump on the streets of Hamra. I am afraid that I will have to cut my last minute sightseeing short.
After about a half hour of watching sets of red lights go on and off in front of me, my ears become filled with the sounds of beating drums. I soon discover part of the reason for the traffic congestion. I am not sure the purpose of the small marching band along the side of the street but I get a small candy bar out of the deal.
Near the city center I get a glimpse of Khatem Al Anbiyaa Mosque then maneuver down more streets with government buildings that are blocked with concrete barriers to prevent parking. Near the mosque I am able to park for a few minutes to take in its beauty. I saw it lit up a few nights ago and it is even more spectacular then.
Along the shores of Lebanon near the downtown area many gather with long poles to do some unique fishing in the crashing waves that pound the rugged coast line. Looks like a nice way to spend a few hours in the afternoon. However, I think near Pigeon Rock the locals there have an even better idea as they take in the views while enjoying spending time with my Middle East friend, Shisha.
Driving along the coast and taking in view of one of the cities most popular beaches, I get a chance to feel like a local driver as a car tries to pull out in front of me. I tell him to stay put with a few honks.
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Thanks for the report. You have a lot of guts to be driving in Lebanon.
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At times it was a challenge and I had one close call. However, I did manage to get a honk or two in at the end so it was fun
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Things To Do in Dallas Tonight: July 9
Your wayfaring guide is still away. Let's pick up the pieces of a pretty slow Wednesday.
As Pete noted yesterday, your itinerant guide is out of town. Technically, as you read this, he's likely somewhere over Arkansas, hopefully returning to our warm embraces and even warmer streets.
But if you want more than hot hugs, here's what to do tonight.
I admit, I've never seen Scott Pilgrim vs. The World. Missed it in its theatrical run, missed it on DVD, have seen it on cable but never clicked the remote. So tonight's quote-along at the Alamo Drafthouse probably isn't for me. But maybe it's for you. Starts at 7, and I'd suggest an early dinner at nearby La' Me before. Get the bun cha Ha Noi and an order of egg rolls.
If you have $5 and an urge to drive to Denton, the Whippoorwills continue their domination of North Texas with a show at Rubber Gloves. They've played Dallas and Fort Worth already in the past week, so if you missed either of those sets, head north. Denton's Pleasure Principle opens, and takes more than a few cues from the Gary Numan album of the same name.
For a quieter evening, head to the Kessler Theater in Oak Cliff. Local folk singer Brice Beaird kicks off the night, and will be followed by Nashville musicians Buddy Greene and Jeff Taylor. The entire night is a fundraiser for UT Southwestern's Conquer Project, which focuses on the research, treatment, and therapy surrounding the disease transverse myelitis. Dinner and a pint at Ten Bells Tavern down the block is always a good bet.

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Nancy's Corner - The Farmer's Wife Pony Club Sampler Quilt
Laurie Hird, author of "The Farmer's Wife Pony Club Sampler Quilt" is collector of "The Farmer's Wife" magazines, quilter, and a history sleuth. Laurie wrote a book and designed a sampler quilt inspired by children's thank-you letters from the early 1900s. These children sold subscriptions to "The Farmer's Wife" magazine to try to win a prize--a Shetland pony with a saddle or carriage!
Aired: 01/01/12Video has closed captioning.


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My Nonprofit Reviews
Review for Seeds of Love, Santa Clara, CA, USA
Semilles de Amor came into my life four years ago. I was lucky enough to travel with a group to help build fences and paint the new home built for 30 some amazing children. I was struck by the dedication of Mama Nancy and the staff to the children. I was most impressed with the foresight of Nancy to put together a learning environment for the children. Once I went there I fell in love with the children and have traveled back two more times with adult groups to build playsets, fences, arbors, yard lights and anything else needed for the home to be successful. What an amazing group of adults that care for, teach and instill values and manners in the children. Parents that adopt these children will be blessed with a forever family. I think about Semilles de Amor every day and look forward to my next trip there.
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Date: 21 January 2009
Dynamics of Memories Research Seminar
Date: 21 January 2009 Time: 5.00 pm
21 January 2009
Ruth Wodak, Distinguished Professor of Discourse Studies, LAEL, Lancaster University
Remembering and Forgetting. Narratives coping with traumatic pasts
Venue: IAS MR3
In this lecture, I will discuss the complex dialectics between individual and collective memories, using narratives of former German (Austrian) Wehrmacht soldiers interviewed in a German-Austrian exhibition on the German Wehrmacht 1995 ("Vernichtungskrieg der deutschen Wehrmacht 1941-1944 ) as an example. (See Heer et al. The Discursive Construction of History. Remembering the Wehrmacht's War of Annihilation. Palgrave 2008 [Wie Geschichte gemacht wird, Vienna 2003].) In these narratives - also used for a film by the Austrian film producer Ruth Beckerman ("East of War") - former soldiers talk about their war time experiences and frequently deny "having seen or known anything in relationship with the extermination of Jews, Gypsies and civilians".
The narratives are frequently not contextualized and thus of a more general nature: "how to survive a normal war". During the interviews, however, time and location become specified, through the confrontation with the pictures of the exhibition and also through the questions of the interviewer. Negotiations about time and place start, usually emphasizing that the respective interviewee was NOT at a place where crimes had been committed or NOT at the specific time suggested by the evidence; or the interviewees denied that crimes had taken place at all (Wodak 2006a, b).
Such discursive strategies of denial and justification are, of course, not new; they appeared whenever aspects of the NS past were debated in the Austrian public sphere (de Cillia & Wodak, 2008). They also occur nowadays, whenever traumatic incidents are reported and discussed and photographs of war crimes are published in the media. The impact of photographs for "remembering and forgetting" thus has to be focused upon. The justification discourse also includes the analysis of knowledge structures, which are intertwined with "time" and "space". "Knowing or not knowing" the time, the location, or specific orders, groups of people or ideologies, becomes a central issue in "dealing with traumatic pasts".
The data for this analysis stem from an interdisciplinary project ("The Making of History", 1999 - 2002), where 40 hours of video interviews, as well as TV documentaries, films, schoolbooks, newspapers and other genres were analyzed in great detail.
Contact: firstname.lastname@example.com>
News website: http://www.lancs.ac.uk/fass/groups/dynamicsofmemories/event/2633/
Associated staff: Ruth Wodak
Associated projects: DYLAN: Language Dynamics and Management of Diversity EU-Sixth-Framework Integrated Project (IP)
Associated departments and research centres: Language, Ideology and Power Group (LIP), Linguistics and English Language


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DARLINGTON residents can have their real Christmas trees recycled between January 7 and 13.
The trees will be chipped and used as mulch by Darlington Borough Council's grounds maintenance team.
Last year, about 600 trees were taken to collection points across Darlington.
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There are 12 Christmas tree collection points: South Park - Bedford Street entrance; Homebase, Darlington Retail Park; North Park; B & Q, Whessoe Road; Sugar Hill Park - Prior Street entrance; Water Park, Middleton St. George; Hurworth Grange Community Centre; Town Farm Field, Sadberge; Eastbourne Park; Rockwell Pastures, Heighington - Village Hall car park; Charnwood Drive, Faverdale and the Household Waste Recycling Centre, in Whessoe Road.


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We'll do Mantel saga our way, says RSC actor
Devotees of Hilary Mantel's stories of blood and intrigue in the court of Henry VIII should brace themselves if they are expecting the Royal Shakespeare Company to perform a slavishly accurate adaptation.
Ben Miles, who has been cast as Thomas Cromwell in the adaptations of Wolf Hall and Bring Up the Bodies, warned readers of the books that he will not try to replicate the image they have conjured in their minds.
The actor, who began his career with the RSC but is more widely known for television roles such as Coupling and Lark Rise to Candleford, said that he was considering taking up falconry and archery in preparation for the role, but would not pander to the expectations of readers.
Asked whether he felt…


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Written on: 19/11/2013
Our mail server is hosted by justhostme, and often fails to open due to conflicts in trusted certificates.
Once a ticket is submitted the response time is generally very good, but the response always seems irrelevant to the request.
After following the actions required, the new settings deleted all existing mail. Thankfully recoverable once old settings put back.
Several attempts later, after more advice from support and we are none the wiser.
When running a business from home, we can't be without mail for very long. So had to revert to the old settings and trust an untrusted server with no certificate, which in itself can be unnerving.
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Release Date: 1993 |
I really like Blutkind and select other Wumpscut material, don't have this however.
this album is good with some killer tracks but yeah its very inconsistent
Defcon and Small Chambermusicians came before this right
Album Rating: 4.5My fav Wumpscut album. Concrete rage rules.
yeah haz
Album Rating: 4.0I love this album. One of his best. He wouldn't do anything this good again until Fuckit.
Digging: Adimiron - Et Liber Eris
i think bunkertor 7 and embryodead are his most consistent, with fuckit not far behind
I love wumpsctu as well
Bands: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z


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" Genre: Animation / Studio: Dreamworks Home Entertainment / Production Year: 2007 / Actors: Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz, Antonio Banderas "
* Prices may differ from that shown
== Introduction ==
I like to build up a collection throughout the year of Christmas films. I usually bring them out when doing the decorations and when the decorations get put in the loft, so do the Christmas films. I add to them each year, but at the moment because I think my soon to be four year old is a little too young for classics like 'It's a Wonderful Life' & 'A Miracle on 34th Street' I have only been collecting animated films. I am a big fan of the Shrek series, as is my daughter, and I was delighted when they brought out a Christmas film.
== Shrek ==
For anyone who has been living on the moon and hasn't seen a single Shrek film, I'm sure most of you have but we have to cater for everyone in this review, I will explain a basic background to the main three characters in this film.
Shrek (Mike Myers - Voice) is a grumpy ogre who lives in a swamp, he is married to Princess Fiona (Cameron Diaz - Voice), another ogre (watch the first film to find out how all that comes about), they live together with their three children Fergus, Farkle and Felicia. Shreks best friend is Donkey (Eddie Murphy - Voice) and he is a bit over the top at times and more often than not, the best laughs are reserved for him, sometimes you are laughing with him and sometimes you are laughing at him.
== The Film ==
The film starts off in the middle of summer, Shrek is out in his swamp trying to catch some of the summer rays, when out of nowhere Donkey appears singing Christmas songs and informing Shrek there is only 159 days until Christmas. This happens again a few days later and then again the night before Christmas Eve, so we are left to presume that Donkey did this every day up until then. Shrek hates Christmas, and tells donkey this, but when Fiona comes out to see what the noise is, he grudgingly tells her that he is looking forward to Christmas and has lined up a special surprise.
In a panic Shrek goes to the ends of the earth as the titles roll up, and sets about making the place look perfect for Christmas. The fun really begins when Donkey and all the other Shrek regulars turn up and gatecrash the Shrek families first Christmas. Of course there are some little poignant moments that make you feel sorry for some of the characters, but before you get too sad there is always a laugh to perk you right up and make you remember this is an animated comedy.
There are some hilarious laugh out loud moments in this short film; I actually watched it on my own before I watched it with my daughter and I was in fits of laughter. The actual film is only 20 minutes long, although by the time you add the credits at the end it amounts to 27 minutes.
A Shrek film isn't a Shrek film without a fantastic soundtrack and this one is no exception, with classical pieces like Wagner's 'Ride of the Valkyries' and O'Fortuna mixed in with The Waitresses 'Wrapping Paper', Journey's 'Don't Stop Believing' and C + C Music Factory's 'Gonna Make You Sweat'.
=== Cast ===
Shrek - Mike Myers - Voice
Donkey - Eddie Murphy - Voice
Princess Fiona - Cameron Diaz - Voice
Puss in Boots - Antonio Banderas - Voice
The Gingerbread Man - Conrad Vernon - Voice
Pinocchio - Cody Cameron - Voice
== Price ==
You can purchase this from amazon.co.uk for £5.83 including delivery.
== Verdict ==
This is a great little film, probably a little expensive for a 20 minute film, so it would probably only be of great benefit to a fan of the series. The good news in this film is that all the cast members are back (In Scared Shrekless, a Halloween short, Donkey is played by someone else) and it is packed full of laughs that my daughter and I both laughed at. The thing I like about these films is some of the little details and also the adult humour and childrens humour, that make it perfect for family viewing it is rated as a U for universal. There are also a few little retellings of 'Twas the Night Before Christmas', which also raised a chuckle from myself and the little one. All in all a great family film, just a little too short, but we are fans of the series so it doesn't really matter that much.
Shrek has been increasing in popularity since he hit the scene a few years back and audiences up and down the country and around the world have warmed to this grumpy green ogre and his adventures. Not Shrek voiced by Mike Myers has been given his own Christmas special which I missed when it was on but have not since seen on DVD. This followed on from the third film in the series.
Shrek the Halls is far shorter than the movies and has a much more simple storyline. The premise of the story is that Shrek really wants to spend his first Christmas as a family man to be perfect in every way but he is unsure how he will go about it, espeically with his friends causing havoc. This special Christmas show is only around 30 minutes long but brings together all the popular characters from the films, including Fiona played by Cameron Diaz and Donkey played by Eddie Murphy. Also about is Puss in Boots played by Antonio Banderas amongst others. As you can imagine chaos is going to reign supreme in this fun tale.
I found it be very fast paced from the start and there is confusion and mayhem throughout. As it was shorter I did find that at times I'd miss something as there is alot going on at once. As with the movies my favourite character is Donkey. I know some of you may find him annoying but to be honest with you I think he makes this series with his enthusiasm despite all setbacks he faces and his constant voice grating on Shrek. However, Shrek couldn't do without him as much as he moans.
There is plenty of homour in this short DVD and it also includes pop music too which takes the form of popular Christmas songs. The special actually starts out in the summer with Shrek's triplets being born and the theme of this special is about families at this wonderful time of year and bringing everyone together.
Overall, I thought that this is a fun and enjoyable little addition to the Shrek movies that is worth getting if you love the movies.
Shrek the Halls is a wonderful little film that was on BBC 1 on Christmas Day, it follows Shrek, his wife and their three little babies as they prepare for their first Christmas together, Shrek has no plans and abhors Christmas until he realises how much his young family are looking forward to the event.
He rushes to town to find out about Christmas, buys an Idiots Guide and prepares accordingly, however he is utterly unprepared for what Christmas as all of his friends visit to share their Christmas Cheer, Donkey, Puss in Boots, the three pigs and Gingerbread man all tell their version of the Night before Christmas and everyone is having a great time except for Shrek, will the grumpy old ogre understand the real meaning of Christmas or will he end up alone and grumpy on Christmas day?
Well I think we all know the answer but this film is great fun for the whole family. Its warm, fun and really good idea for Christmas Day. Its only half an hour long so keeps the family entertained without distraction allowing you to get on with preparing dinner or tea.
The whole crew are here with Mike Myers as Shrek, Princess Fiona played by Cameron Diaz and Eddie Murphy and Antonio Banderas as Donkey and Puss in Boots, there is singing, dancing, great comedy and a really festive treat for the whole family.
If preparing for next year you can buy the DVD for a penny on Amazon Marketplace or £4.98 new.
Shrek the halls is a short film which was broadcast on Christmas Eve on bbc1 in 2007, it is a funny festive insight into the Shrek residents at Christmas time.
As a family who loves Christmas films, we love this short film, we just wish it was a full length film as it is onlt on for 21mins.
The story is set just after Shrek the third about Shrek, Fiona, their little ones and all of the much loved Shrek characters, including of course donkey and puss in boots..
The Story:
Shrek promises Fiona a Christmas surprise but knowing very little about the celebrations as ogres don't usually celebrate Christmas, Shrek is given a copy of Christmas for Village Idiots! This is a Christmas guide.
Shrek follows the book's instructions.
He decorates the house and puts up a Christmas tree, he is very proud of himself as everything seems to be going well and to plan.
Then donkey turns up with his entire family and also puss in boots turns up and when Shrek tries to read his version of 'Twas the night before Christmas.' On Christmas Eve,! donkey and puss in boots butt in and tell their own versions of Christmas.
As expected, Shreks Christmas decorations end up getting ruined and Shrek throws his guests out!
Fiona leaves to find them and she explains to donkey about Shrek's perfect Christmas.
Shrek turns up and apologizes for losing his temper so after a fun snowball fight, they all return to Shrek's home where he tells his Christmas story about Ogre Claus.
All of our Shrek favorites are back!
* Mike Myers as Shrek
* Eddie Murphy as Donkey
* Cameron Diaz as Fiona
* Antonio Banderas as Puss in Boots
* Conrad Vernon as Gingy
* Cody Cameron as Pinocchio and The Three Little Pigs
* Aron Warner as Big Bad Wolf
* Christopher Knights as Three Blind Mice
* Marissa Jaret Winokur as the Bookstore Clerk
This DVD is £5.00 with free delievery on Play.com
Loving Shrek and all three films, this was a definite to buy on my shopping list and as usual I really enjoyed it. I must say that I am now starting to get a little bored of the Shrek storyline, but this is a great group of loveable characters and with a great festive feel.
Shrek the Halls is a TV special that tells the story of how Shrek wants the perfect Christmas for his family, everything is going to plan until donkey and puss in boots turn up to help. It's the night before Christmas and Shrek is trying to make it the best Christmas ever for Fiona and his children, unfortunately the more Shrek tries the worse thing end up especially as he trying so hard and everyone has different ideas of how they want to celebrate over the festive season.
Starring the voices of Mike Myers as Shrek, Eddie Murphy as Donkey, Cameron Diaz as Fiona, and Antonio Banderas as Puss in Boots, they all-star cast reform for the great Christmas edition.
This is a product for those looking to complete their Shrek collection and for ones who loves to get in the mood for Christmas by watching some good Christmas films. It is fairly short it has all the humour and charm of the others Shrek films. With a great soundtrack to put you in the festive cheer as all Shrek films with the great soundtrack.
For under £6 this film is worth every penny, although if you are expecting a long 3 hour film then I am afraid you will be disappointed. This is a great film for the family this Christmas.
The 30 minutes TV special comes to DVD. This is a good family special that is very entertaining but it is certainly missing something. In the movie, Shrek wants the perfect family Christmas but he doesn't know what to do. He buys a book to help him and everything is going great until donkey and the gang come along.
It invloves the usual humour and the funny voices of Eddie Murphy which are very entertaining and provide some great family fun.
It is a great special but the credits started rolling after 20 minutes and it isn't very good value for money and doesn't keep you entertained for long enough. It would be great to see a full length special following this story. However, the laughs are still great and its a great family tale for everyone. It is a great movie for everyone to enjoy. The soundtrack is also very good to get everyone in the mood. I found I was able to watch it a few times but it is short so you will know the story all the way through after a couple of watches.
Overall, it is a great buy to complete your Shrek collection but not the best buy if you are hoping to keep people entertained for a couple of hours.
A half-hour television special.


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We missed you this week and yes, your seat is still reserved, so come and be our guest next Sunday. This week we enjoyed our Sunday School lesson from the last chapter of the book of Acts and the only thing that would have made it better is if you had been there to share it with us.
Then the morning message was taken from Luke 21:25-28 which are in reference to "The coming of the Son of Man." Then we went back to Isaiah 13 to get another perspective on how "the coming of the Son of Man," will be far different than the last time he came to the world of men.
We covered the need to be "Prepared" when he comes, and regrettably how many are not only unprepared, but completely unaware.
After morning worship, we had a fellowship dinner in the fellowship hall and then came back to the sanctuary to practice for our upcoming Christmas Program. If you like to worship the Lord with song, we can always use more voices. (I will reserve you a seat in the choir, if you will fill it).
Hope to see you next Sunday, may God richly bless you.


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Short description . . .
This topic presents a character who encounters outward change masquerading as inward change, and whose task is to maintain his composure during the masquerade.
Before you begin . . .
Throughout the Task section, you can display related reference and conceptual information by clicking the links. After reading the displayed information, click the Return link.
Task . . .
John Fortrand settled in a burgundy leather chair with a cup of coffee and focused on the conventioneers gathering for happy hour throughout the cavernous lobby. From 4:00 � 5:00, John had given a presentation (I Come to Bury Information, Not to Praise It: Reducing Information Overload with Links), and now wanted to relax and people-watch before dinner.
|Related reference
When the concierge announced a phone call above the numerous conversations, John heard a familiar name: Patricia Dardington. He hadn't thought of her in several years, and assumed she was with one of the conventions crowding the hotel. But surely not the Technical Communicators' Society (TCS) convention.
John stood and scanned the lobby for Patricia. He wondered what she had been doing the past 15 years, and thought it might be pleasant to say hello and catch up. Maybe she had changed.
|Related concept
A determined woman bustled to the concierge desk to take the call. Her spiky brunette hair complemented the hotel architecture; and John didn't remember Patricia having highlights. When she looked around before speaking into the phone, they had eye contact through the throng milling about. It wasn't the Patricia Dardington he'd known.
Moments later, sipping his coffee and savoring the various dining options in the city, John heard a woman's voice near his right ear.
"You're looking around like you're lost," she said. "As usual."
John assumed it was one of the ubiquitous cell-phone chatterers and looked up with pursed lips to see the woman who had answered the concierge's phone. Close up, looking into her brown eyes, he realized she was the Patricia Dardington he'd known. And he also realized that it wouldn't be pleasant to say hello. "Patricia," he said, affecting amiable surprise.
"You didn't recognize me a few minutes ago," she said pleased. She adjusted the shoulder strap on her laptop case and thrust out her hand to shake.
John politely stood and extended his hand, noticing an odd slight tremor in hers.
"I feel like I've entered a time warp," Patricia said. "You haven't changed a bit."
John didn't like agreeing with her, but he felt that he had entered the same time warp. But apparently she was different, and he wasn't. "You . . . you've really changed," he said as neutrally as possible.
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Patricia liked his observation. "And I'll bet you're here for the TCS convention."
John nodded.
"Well, I'm delivering the keynote address," she said.
"For what?" John asked.
"The Southeast Realtors' Association," she said, as if he should have known.
John was more surprised that the Southeast Realtors were having their convention in the Midwest, than Patricia was now a realtor. "So, you ended up in real estate," he said, knowing as soon as he said it that he had misspoken.
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"Correction," Patricia said. "I didn't 'end up' in real estate."
"Sorry," John said. "Wrong wording." It would be the wrong wording even if he adhered strictly to Simplified Technical English.
A meandering waiter offered them hors d'oeuvres. None of them would go with coffee, so John declined. Patricia plucked a shrimp, and when the waiter left, she declared, "But you ended up in tech writing. Haven't figured out how to get away."
"I don't want to get away," John said. "I like what I do, most of the time." But he wanted to get away from her and looked around, hoping to see associates to whom he could excuse himself. Until then, he determined to stay on guard. He didn't want to give her the satisfaction of losing his temper.
"I don't know, John," Patricia said with forced cheeriness, "it seems kind of limiting."
"I guess it would be if you're already limited."
Patricia paused, the cheeriness deleted from her face. But then she restarted and mocked, "'I guess, I guess.'" When John didn't respond, she prodded half-heartedly, "There was nothing ever definite with you."
"I guess not," John quipped, wondering why her cutting comments were listless. She seemed to know it, too. Maybe she had changed.
Patricia nibbled the plump shrimp and rubbed her thumb and forefinger on a purple cloth napkin. "How's Lynne?" she asked.
John had been observing the slight quiver in her hand, and was caught off guard. Though Patricia had known his wife, she didn't know they had had a baby, Timothy. But John didn't want to tell her about them because he was afraid she would say something trite that would impel him to choke her. He attempted to close the memory of them.
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"Yoo-hoo, John," Patricia prompted. "Is she here with you?"
"I wish."
"And what is she doing these days?"
"Same old same old," John said. "Just like me. No change."
"Too sad," Patricia teased.
He couldn't fault her for teasing, because she didn't know, but he lost control and replied caustically, �And are you married now?�
Patricia's eyes widened. She started to answer, but clicked her shrimp dish on the nearby glass-topped table and pulled a cell phone out of her laptop case, holding up her index finger to John. She thumbed through several messages, then closed the phone. �I'm expecting a call from a regional director,� she said, evasively looking around the teeming lobby.
John was about to repeat his question, but he knew the answer. "What time's your speech?" he asked instead.
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Patricia was relieved by that question and snapped her left wrist to display a watch with a gold band. "In twenty-two minutes."
"Are you nervous about it?" John asked.
Patricia boasted, "Oh, come on. This is the third speech I've given this year."
"Are you nervous about something else?"
Patricia paused, then scoffed and said, "I'm not the nervous type, like you."
"Hmm," he said through compressed lips.
"Do you ever disagree with anyone?� she taunted, further deflecting his questioning.
�Not with people like you.�
She raised her eyebrows.
�Your thoughts and opinions never meant anything to me,� John explained. But he had felt sympathy for her. Mean as she could be, he still did.
Patricia narrowed her eyes at hearing what she had meant to him, though it shouldn't have been news. �Did I say something to offend you?� she asked, her voice rising above the conversational hum. Several persons nearby looked at them and then away.
�Not particularly,� John said.
�'Not particularly,'� Patricia sneered. �You'll never change.�
John shrugged.
Patricia mimicked him and said, �Most people change, unless they're emotional zeroes.�
John clenched his teeth to modulate his voice and temper and asked tonelessly, �Do they?�
�I've changed,� she said adamantly and waved her hand around her hair and face to prove it.
John thought about his wife and son, the despairing period after that, and mused flatly, �I don't know that I have.�
�Well, I have,� she stressed.
Despite her transparent protesting, John was inquisitive about her. �All right,� he said, �what's been a significant event in your life? What caused your hands to shake?�
Patricia officiously looked at her watch again and said, �I'd love to detail the highlights of my life, but . . .� She put out her hand to shake goodbye.
�But you have nothing to show for it,� John said mechanically. �Other than your career.� He reached for her hand, but she drew back.
�I don't have the faintest idea what you're talking about,� she said and glanced around with watery eyes.
"There's some upsetting knowledge that you don't want to face,� John conjectured, �that propels you from one thing to another."
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Patricia jerked her leg to step away, but stopped and grimaced as if she had stepped on a nail. "Oh, that's specific," she gasped.
Seeing her pained expression, John put his guard down and assumed his regular voice. �I don't know how to express it,� he said.
�Don't tell me the tech writer's at a loss for words,� she said irritably.
He remembered a useful line from a popular song, but couldn't remember the songwriter. "It's like the poet said, 'So much has happened, but nothing has changed.' That applies to you, Patricia. You were right about a time warp."
She flinched and her laptop case slipped off her shoulder and thumped onto the carpet before John could catch it. "Glenn Frey said that," she hissed.
John picked up the case, and to avoid Patricia's eyes drilling into him from underneath her blade-like bangs, he looked around.
One of her colleagues came over and looked askance at John for causing her to drop the computer. The colleague took it, then whispered to her, and when she nodded and unfixed her eyes off John, escorted her to the main conference room.
John sheepishly followed, trying to think of an apology. Patricia had succeeded in goading him, and he regretted what he had said to her, and her reaction to it. They cold-shouldered him as they went through the wide doors to scattered applause, leaving him at the back of the room.
But when Patricia took the podium, she gaped at John, her face mask-like in the stage lighting.
As he watched her freeze before the congregation of bustling waiters and realtors digging in to their Greek salads, he remembered his inability to speak at his wife's and child's funeral service, and hoped Patricia wasn't entering a despairing period.
What to do next . . .
Curious about Patricia's speech and what it might suggest about her life, John sat down on a stray folding chair. When she didn't begin the keynote address, even after the munching audience began murmuring, he became embarrassed for her and stood to leave. When he waved an encouraging apology, Patricia suddenly began choking into the microphone as if she had swallowed one of the shrimps whole.
BIO: "Keynote Address" is the author's third appearance in Bartleby Snopes. He would like to acknowledge the late James Purdy's story, "Plan Now to Attend," as an influence on "Keynote Address."


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|UVI Departments Present New Service Charters
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The University of the Virgin Islands officially launched a Service Charter program for 11 components and departments at a ceremony held simultaneously on both campuses on Friday, Sept. 19, 2008. Personnel from all UVI departments and components were joined at the sessions by a number of representatives from the Virgin Islands government, including Senate President Usie R. Richards, Sen. Louis Patrick Hill, Director of the V.I. Division of Personnel Kenneth Hermon, Commissioner of the Department of Labor Albert Bryan, Jr., Administrator for St. Thomas and St. John Barbara Petersen, Director of the Motor Vehicle Bureau Jerris Brown and V.I. National Guard Adjutant General Renaldo Rivera.
UVI Service Charters -- which will now be promoted in individual departments and components with brochures and posters -- are part of the University's VISION 2012 commitment to improve service, accountability and cross-functionality. The Service Charters - available at right - describe the service experience that clients can expect from UVI departments and components. They also include key information about a department's service delivery approach and the relationship the client will have with the department.
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