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Guardia - an effective shield against electromagnetic radiation and electrosmog
How to protect oneself from the effects of electrosmog is one of the most discussed topics nowadays. A quick search on the internet brings up a huge amount of scientific studies, reports and opinions around this... ⟶
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Blizzard Squishes 'World of StarCraft' Mod
So apparently it's not cool to make StarCraft mods with the StarCraft modkit – or at least not if you call them 'World of StarCraft.' That name was just begging for trouble, let's be honest. Duly, trouble happened, it happened fast and it happened hard. After becoming a brief internet sensation, the creator of the StarCraft 2 MMO mod we posted about yesterday woke up to a clutch of copyright infringement notices from Activision-Blizzard, via YouTube. Ouch.
So far, this means his work-in-progress videos have been pulled, and that's all. The project hasn't been forcibly shut down and its forum is still active, but it's unclear for now if development will continue.
It's incredibly important to note that, at this stage, we don't know exactly why this has happened. Obviously people are going to want to leap to certain dramatic conclusions (i.e. 'OMG they're making their own World of StarCraft!'), but I'd be very, very wary of making such presumptions until we hear more. I'd be much more willing to bet this is a precautionary measure rather than some great revelation – after all, letting anything bear that name means Blizzard essentially couldn't ever use it themselves, whether or not they have current plans to. It's never nice to see megacorps wielding this kind of muscle instead of allowing fans to celebrate and promote their products, but it's hardly unprecedented.
I've asked Blizzard for details. We'll see what happens.
Here's what lead modder Ryan got from YouTube a few hours ago:
We have received copyright complaint(s) regarding material you posted, as follows:
from Activision Games Inc about World of Starcraft Pre-Alpha Trailer – CreationArtist25
Video ID: RU1dSXU_Bk0
from Activision Games Inc about World of Starcraft Character Selection Screen – CreationArtist25
Video ID: 37dp_5E5NvQ
from Activision Games Inc about Starcraft 2 ATB Battle System MOD – 'POWER OVERWHELMING' – CreationArtist25
Video ID: BTl7YWYFnP8
Please note: Repeat incidents of copyright infringement will result in the deletion of your account and all videos you have uploaded. Please delete any videos for which you do not own the necessary rights, and refrain from uploading infringing videos.
Intellectual property law: not a lot of fun. I can't find a specific World of StarCraft trademark filing from Blizzard, but their general StarCraft one seems pretty all-encompassing.
Again, I'm not surprised: using 'World of StarCraft' as a title was brave, to say the very least. However you may personally feel about copyright law (and there is an awful lot to hate about it), it is law. I'm guessing – and guessing only – that this is about the name and logo and whatnot rather than the project's actual existence: 'World of StarCraft' is a phrase Blizzard will want to protect, whether because of something of they're working on or just in case they ever do want to work on it. It's understandable, to a point.
What I don't like one bit is that the modders were informed in this rather brutal way. I'm sure a polite email from Blizzard asking if they could please change this and this and this would likely have achieved the same thing without freaking some poor bloke out.
So there's also Ryan's lengthy response over on his forum, a few extracts of which I'll quote below. Not convinced he's totally aware of why this has happened, but who knows.
You created a tool that allowed us to do anything with your assets. You encouraged us to use your assets and were eager to see what we might come up with. You had to have seen this coming?
I know it's hard to trust someone you've never met to piggyback on your own legacy. The brilliance of StarCraft combined with the multiplayer focus of World of Warcraft. You might be a little worried about your lore being butchered… or even more-so worried about a guy with no supervision tainting the name of your company with poor product.
Let me assure you that I am in no way shape or form going to deliver anything less than complete perfection. I've been following your work since Warcraft. I've worked with every editor you've put out since I was 13 years old.
If you have a problem with what I am doing… or would like to talk about it. I'm all ears. But please don't send me some messenger with a cease and desist letter.
In a separate post, he sets out his current thinking on the mod's future:
"If Blizzard/Activision doesn't want this to happen then it won't. This game HAS to be pumped through the veins of battle.net to work. I hope and pray that we can come to an understanding here. If they want the name changed then I'll change it."
Yes, well.
Again, we've asked Blizzard for a statement. More soon, maybe.

subset: commoncrawl


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While the Phillies' primary pursuit is the search for a third baseman, yesterday's removal of Eric Bruntlett from the roster offered a reminder that the front office is also working to retool the bench. Here is a window into their thinking:
--Matt Stairs, who wants to return for one more season with the Phils before retiring, is welcome at spring training on a minor league deal. But the team is looking for a different type of player to fill his roster spot. Stairs is a power/on-base guy who can barely play the outfield and certainly cannot handle the infield at this stage of his career.
"Ideally, you would like to have as many defensive options as you can with guys," Amaro said today. "Versatility plays. Matt Stairs was a specialty guy."
--The Phils most pressing bench need is to find a super utility-type, a player who Charlie Manuel can trust to fill in for Chase Utley and Jimmy Rollins. Those talented middle infielders have arrived at baseball middle age, and need more rest than Manuel has provided.
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So here is what Amaro needs to find: A guy who can play shortstop, and is willing to accept a bench role, and can handle the bat well convince Manuel to use him.
One problem. That guy probably does not exist.
"If the ideal guy was there, he would be playing every day in the major leagues," Amaro said. "The likelihood is not great that we're going to find a guy who can hit enough and field enough. You're going to have to make a sacrifice."
So where will Amaro make that sacrifice? On offense, apparently. He is seeking someone who can play the difficult position of shortstop, and has played that position regularly. By cutting ties with Bruntlett, the Phils sacrificed their only player who could sub for Rollins if the shortstop were injured for a significant period of time.
"Shortstop is a specialized position, almost like catcher," Amaro said. "You would err on getting defense over offense."
That would seem to eliminate the following names from the super-utility hunt, among others who haven't played much shortstop lately, if ever: Jamey Carroll and Ronnie Belliard.
In light of Amaro's comments, Juan Uribe and John McDonald become intriguing options, as does Bobby Crosby. Cairo also fits the description, but it is difficult to imagine Manuel penciling in Cairo over Rollins very often.
Ben Francisco is returning, meaning that the other bench search is for a backup catcher. The Phils value defense at that position—they replaced Chris Coste with Paul Bako this year because the organization considered that a significant defensive upgrade—and would ideally like to find a younger option than the 37-year-old Bako.
But the Phils pitchers loved working with Bako last season, which is why I wouldn't be totally shocked to see the team begin 2010 with him as Carlos Ruiz's backup. If the team cannot find an affordable upgrade, they could do worse than Bako. He is certainly not their Plan A, but he remains in the mix.
It is clear that Amaro wants to improve the late inning relief corps by adding a free agent or two. Brandon Lyon and Fernando Rodney would be perfect fits, because they have been closers and setup men—and it wouldn't be the worst idea to have an insurance policy in case Brad Lidge's 2010 performance resembles his 2009.
Without mentioning names, Amaro made it clear that he did not want to rely on the farm system to restock his bullpen for next season.
"I'm trying to get someone who would be a little bit better than our possible candidates," the GM said.
Scott Eyre was an important part of the late-inning mix last season, and he wants to either retire or return to the Phils for one more year. He had minor elbow surgery after the World Series, and we knew that the team was waiting on that to decide whether they were interested in retaining the lefty. Yesterday, Amaro added money as a factor.
"We think the surgery went well," Amaro said. "We're deciding whether the cost of bringing him back will be prohibitive. He may have priced himself out of our range."


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I'm Keeper of Collections at the Institute of Archaeology, UCL, a job I juggle with my role here as a lecturer and Near Eastern archaeology specialist. This can make my day-to-day tasks both varied and unpredictable, as no matter what the diary says, you can never tell what you might be called on to do.
My day begins in soggy London Town, striding across a string of parks in my daily walk from Holborn to the Institute in Gordon Square. Today I'm wielding my second best umbrella, after a disastrous gust of wind demolished my rather fine Book of the Dead parasol yesterday. There's a brief encounter with a former colleague en-route, during which we admire each other's rain protection gear, then I arrive to see what the day holds. (more…)


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Orthodoxy in Hawaii
Christianity in Hawaii
The first Christian service held in Hawai'i was a Russian Orthodox Paschal service. Somewhere between 1792 and 1793, while traveling from Far East to what was then Russian America, a Russian trading ship stopped over in the Hawaiian Islands. The Russian Orthodox Priest, not wanting to celebrate Holy Pascha (Easter) at sea instructed the captain to disembark. The captain then told the priest that he feared the native Hawaiians but was then told, "They will not harm us for we are Orthodox, and we bear the Light of Christ to Illumine their Hearts." The Priest then landed and blessed a temporary altar under a newly built temple made out of palms and bamboo. As they departed, the Orthodox Priest nailed a copy of the miracle-working Znamenny (Kursk-Root) Icon of the Sign of the Mother of God to a bamboo post promising that, "We shall return and baptize these natives to the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church."
First Orthodox Chapels
In 1815, Russians built Hawaii's first Orthodox Church -- the Russian Orthodox chapel at Fort Elizabeth. On the Island of Kaua'i, three Russian forts were built, Forts Alexander, Barclay & Elizabeth. Fort Alexander also housed a small Orthodox chapel, but Fort Elizabeth was the trading base for the new Russian-American Company in Hawaii. When the King Kaumuali'i of Kaua'i ceded his kingdom to King Kamehameha the Great in 1816 after the refusal of the Russian Tsar to annex Kaua'i due to political troubles in Russia, the forts were also ceded and the Hawaiian Islands become one unified kingdom. The chapels ultimately fell into dispair after Calvinist missionaries from the United States landed in 1820 after the death of King Kamehameha I. In 1882, the Hawaiian Kingdom sent a diplomatic delegation to St. Petersburg, Russia, to witness the coronation of Tsar Alexander III. The reports of the Hawaiian special envoy to the Russian court, Colonel Curtis 'Iaukea about the liturgical services were widely published in Hawaiian language newspapers. Two years later, Tsar Alexander III sent King Kalakaua the Imperial Order of St. Alexander of Nevsky-the highest Russian award and established a permanent Russian Embasy in Hawai'i with a very small Orthodox chapel. Subsequently, 200 Ukrainians were imported by American sugar planters. In 1893, Queen Lili'uokalani was deposed by US Marines and American sugar plantation owners--who were mostly the children of American Calvinist missionaries--and a provisional government under protection of the United States was installed. In 1898, Hawai'i was incorporated into the United States despite near universal opposition from native Hawaiians. In the early 1900s, the Russian ambassador was recalled and the embassy was moved to a small office and the chapel was closed.
Rebirth of Orthodoxy
On November 27, 1910 (Julian Calendar), with the blessing of the bishop of Vladivostok, the first Russian Orthodox reader services were held by Reader Vasily Pasderin. November 27th was, and is, the "Feast day of the Kursk-Root Icon of the Mother of God". In 1916, at the petition of the Russian Orthodox community to the Patriarchate of Moscow, a Russian Orthodox priest was dispatched to Hawai'i to pastor the large population of Russian Orthodox faithful. On Orthodox Christmas (Dec.25/Jan. 7), Archpriest John Korchinsky celebrated the Divine Liturgy at Saint Andrew's Episcopal Cathedral in Honolulu and he established permanent Liturgical service. Thus orthodoxy was established in Hawai'i. In subsequent years the Russian Orthodox Church in Hawai'i had shipped or flown priests to Hawai'i. Archimandrite Innokenty Dronov of Hilo, a contemporary of St. Jonah of Manchuria and St. John of Shanghai and San Francisco, served the entire Orthodox Christian flock on all the Hawaiian Islands throughout 1930's and 1940's. Archimandrite Innokenty frequently returned to the Diocese in San Francisco to report to Archbishop Tikhon and for medical reasons. He is now buried on the Big Island of Hawai'i. In the 1960's a Greek community established a Greek Orthodox Church, and soon thereafter, the Serbian community established an Orthodox mission. The mission later joined the Russian Orthodox Church of Hawai'i. In the late 1990's, the current priest and one of the first Russian Orthodox priests since Archimandrite Innokenty, was ordained to serve the Orthodox Faithful in Hawai'i, Father Anatole Lyovin. Currently there are plans to built the first Russian Orthodox Cathedral in Hawai'i.


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Editor's Note: The following story and photo are courtesy of KPCC Radio, Pasadena, Calif.
When he retired last year at the age of 63, Maj. Gen. Anthony L. Jackson, a highly decorated marine whose 36 years of service included stints with Operation Iraqi Freedom and numerous other command posts, headed for the hills – and the beaches, the woods, and mountains.
Jackson purchased an RV as a retirement gift for himself and his wife, and hit the road to explore California's state parks. Cut to a year later, and Jackson has just been sworn in as the new director of California's Department of Parks and Recreation.
The department has had a bumpy year, with its last director resigning in disgrace after officials were discovered to have hidden over $50 million of parks money in special funds. Prior to that, dozens of parks went on the closure list due to lack of funds, while private citizens rallied to save them.
The new director brings managerial experience, knowledge of renewable energy and environmental issues and a deep love and respect for the outdoors. Gov. Jerry Brown said he's confident that under Jackson's leadership, The stewardship of California's beaches, forests, estuaries, dunes and wetlands is in good hands and that the confidence and trust of Californians in our Parks Department will be restored."
But is that easier said than done?
How does Maj. Gen. Jackson plan to rehabilitate the beleaguered department? Which parks are most in need of attention? Will he be able to maintain the glory that Teddy Roosevelt famously described, after visiting Yosemite, as "…a great solemn cathedral, far vaster and more beautiful than any built by the hand of man"?
Interview Highlights:
On how he's planning to rebuild the trust of the park employees?
"The first thing you have to do is find out what the problem is. We are in the middle of a couple of audits and investigations. What I am doing is on a weekly and monthly basis now I am looking at our expenditure and budget and seeing where the money is going. That alone will give that kind of transparency that the top and for all those people who need to know will give an idea of where each and every penny is going. We have that already in the works and we have seen where we are to date. We are putting some of the past practices well behind us."
How are you planning on regaining contributor trust?
"I've already met with several of the important foundation folks and I'm out meeting people at the ground level, letting them see me and get to know me as a manager and leader and person who is responsible and believes that integrity comes first and for most. Part of it is very personal. Leadership is all about people and gaining their trust and living up to the trust that they give you."
What ideas do you have to deal with the over popularity of the parks?
"I'll start by addressing the several thousand people, over 600 park rangers, all the people in the headquarters and at the field, I've only been here a two weeks and I've already been out and tried to shake as many hands as possible and meet the people. What I see are very high quality and dedicated people to the task of winning back the public trust and at the same time executing the mission of the parks to protect the parks and protect the natural resources, all the things that the park symbolically stands for.
On the other hand you're right we have over 65 million people visit the parks on an annual basis and they have high expectations. What I found every time as an everyday consumer at the parks was they were all dedicated, even not knowing I would later be the boss of their department, they treated me as if I was a special person. And they are still out there doing that every day."


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• A daily summary of global reports on security issues.
Israeli forces intercepted an international aid flotilla headed for Gaza early Monday, roping onto the boats by helicopter and killing more than 10 people and injuring dozens.
The Gaza flotilla, led by a group of mostly European and Turkish activists, had been heading for a showdown with Israel, which had made clear it would not allow the six ships to break its blockade of Gaza to bring humanitarian and building supplies to the coastal enclave.
But the violent and bloody confrontation was unexpected, and will likely have serious consequences on Israel's already-strained relations with Turkey. It has already provoked international condemnation, and comes just before Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was scheduled to visit the White House on Tuesday. Some Israeli media reported he would now delay that visit.
A Turkish charity involved with the flotilla said as many as 15 people were killed, mostly Turkish citizens, according to Agence France-Presse. Palestinian news agency Ma'an reported that five of the dead were Israeli Arabs from Haifa. The Israeli military said four commandos had been wounded. Israeli commandos boarded the ships by helicopter in international waters after ordering the flotilla to stop about 80 miles from the coast of Gaza.
Israel put the blame for the violence on the activists, saying its naval troops were attacked with knives, clubs, and gunfire when they boarded some of the ships, and were forced to defend themselves, reports AFP.
"They initiated the violence," [Mark Regev, spokesman for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu,] told AFP. "We made every possible effort to avoid this incident. The servicemen were given instructions that it was to be a police operation and to use maximum restraint."
The Los Angeles Times reports that an Israeli military spokesman said activists grabbed a soldier's weapon and began using it to fire on the boarding naval forces. But the activists tell a different story, according to the Times.
A flotilla spokeswoman, Greta Berlin, told Israel Radio that the confrontation was broadcast live from a Turkish boat participating in the flotilla. The footage, she said, clearly showed Israeli soldiers landing on the deck and opening fire on civilians.
"The minute their feet hit the deck, they started to shoot," Berlin said.
The Times also reports that a video feed from the confrontation appears to show activists beating the Israeli commandos as they roped onto the ship from helicopters.
The killings have provoked widespread condemnation outside Israel.
Turkey recalled its ambassador to Israel after its foreign ministry released a statement calling the confrontation a "gross breach of international law," and warning it might have "irrevocable consequences" for Turkish-Israeli relations, according to Al Jazeera.
The Palestinian leadership issued harsh condemnations, with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas calling it a "massacre," according to Ha'aretz.
Amr Moussa, secretary general of the Arab League, called an emergency meeting of the organization for Tuesday and condemned Israel for its acts of "terrorism and piracy." The response from European nations was more reserved, though still negative.
Meanwhile, opinion pieces and editorials in Israeli newspapers skewered the Israeli actions, and even columnists supportive of the Gaza siege and Israel's right to raid the flotilla bemoaned the international relations disaster the killings will cause.
An opinion piece in Israeli center-left newspaper Ha'aretz called Israeli policy makers a "ship of fools."
Of course the peace flotilla will not bring peace, and it won't even manage to reach the Gaza shore. The action plan has included dragging the ships to Ashdod port, but it has again dragged us to the shores of stupidity and wrongdoing. Again we will be portrayed not only as the ones that have blocked assistance, but also as fools who do everything to even further undermine our own standing. If that was one of the goals of the peace flotilla's organizers, they won big yesterday.
An opinion piece in the conservative Jerusalem Post called the flotilla "just another chapter in an international campaign to chip away at Israel's legitimate right to defend itself," but criticized the way Israel handled its interception. While the public relations battle was likely lost from the beginning, Israel could have taken steps to avoid such an ending.
Meanwhile, Ma'an reports that clashes broke between Palestinians and Israeli soldiers in East Jerusalem as Palestinians protested the killings. Rallies were also held in Palestinian villages in Israel and in Gaza, where Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh called for a strike.


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The global drone data service market is expected to reach USD 8.15 billion by 2025, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. The growth can be attributed to the growing usage of information acquired by drones in operational and big data analytics. The increasing need for UAV imagery analysis is presumed to impact the global drone imagery processing software industry positively and add a new horizon in imagery storage technologies. The increasing adoption of drones in commercial sectors is leading to a revolution in big data cloud services. Launching a drone to capture images is the preliminary step in the drone information acquisition process. The captured images then require correction, calibration, processing, storage, and efficient evaluation.
For further inquiries, about – Drone Data Services Market Analysis, Size, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2014 – 2025, click on this link – http://www.radiantinsights.com/research/drone-data-services-market
The increasing need to evaluate imagery is a key factor driving the adoption of drone imagery software and cloud-based applications, which possess the ability to upload, share, store, and process aerial images. Moreover, there has been a steep increase in the use of cloud-based in-memory computing platform amongst businesses as it accelerates analytics, processes, and predictive capabilities. By gathering information on a larger scale, service providers can now process unprecedented levels of detailed information and turn it into actionable information. UAV companies, such as Precision Hawk, are transforming their business processes to enhance their focus on drone data processing rather than UAV manufacturing.
Browse All Reports of This Category @ http://www.radiantinsights.com/catalog/technology-and-media
Further key findings from the report suggest:
• The industry requires significant improvements in various processes, such as increased fusion of data, compression, encryption, and on-board processing, as the software to perform analytics directly from imagery is still in the research phase
• Big data generated by drones is of vital importance in various sectors, including monitoring construction activities, ortho-rectification, and creation of Digital Surface Models (DSMs) and Digital Terrain Models (DTMs).
• North America is presumed to emerge as the dominant region while Asia Pacific is expected to witness unprecedented growth over the forecast period.
• Over the next three years, agricultural firms and construction companies are expected to harness the capabilities of aerial surveillance through drones on a large scale as these industries have not yet explored the benefits of imagery optimally
• Drone imagery service providers across the globe are expected to transform themselves from being straight up services companies to holistic data analytics companies.
Request a Free Sample Copy of this Report @ http://www.radiantinsights.com/research/drone-data-services-market/request-sample
Table of Contents
Chapter 1. Methodology and Scope
1.1. Research Methodology
1.2. Research Scope & Assumptions
1.3. List of Data Sources
Chapter 2. Executive Summary
2.1. Market Snapshot & Key Buying Criteria, 2014 – 2025
Chapter 3. Drone Data Services Industry Outlook
3.1. Market Segmentation & Scope
3.2. Market Size and Growth Prospects, 2014 – 2025
3.3. Value Chain Analysis
3.4. Market Dynamics
3.4.1. Market driver analysis
3.4.2. Market restraint analysis
3.5. Penetration & Growth Prospect Mapping
3.6. Industry Analysis – Porter's
3.7. Key Company Ranking Analysis, 2016
3.8. PEST Analysis
Read more related reports by Radiant Insights:
- 4D Printing Market- http://www.radiantinsights.com/research/4d-printing-market
The global 4D printing market is expected to reach USD 313.1 million by 2025, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. 4D printing is an advanced process for printing customizable smart materials where an object is 3D printed using a programmable material. It enables the material objects to adjust their appearance or shape over time by using internal or external stimuli, such as change in temperature or water immersion subjected to pressure, electric current, UV light, or other form energies. 4D printing, with its form changing tools, is estimated to revolutionize every industry on a global scale as the technology offers advantages of reduced resource consumption and energy wastage.
- Wiper Systems Market- http://www.radiantinsights.com/research/wiper-systems-market
The global wiper system market is estimated to reach USD 11.07 billion by 2025, according to a new study by Grand View Research, Inc. The growing automobile production is expected to drive the market growth over the forecast period. The improved standard of living and increase in GDP in developing regions has stimulated the purchase of automotive vehicles thereby, fostering the demand for these products. Moreover, the development in road infrastructure in these regions has encouraged commercial transport businesses that are expected to boost the adoption of commercial vehicles. Rain sensing wipers are expected to be used on low cost car segments due to low cost of hardware such as sensors that reduce the overall cost of the wiper system. Thus, it is presumed to raise the functional value of the vehicle that would enable higher sale. Furthermore, these wiper systems increase the safety of the vehicle by minimizing driver distraction.
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Phone: (415) 349-0054, Toll Free: 1-888-202-9519
Address:28 2nd Street, Suite 3036
City: San Francisco
State: California
Country: United States
Website: http://www.radiantinsights.com/research/drone-data-services-market


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|International orders may be delayed up to 15 days or more due to carrier labor challenges.
This is a beautifully crafted backgammon set. We continue to enjoy many hours of play on it.
Think of the extravagance of the aristocracy, the opulence of Versailles. Sensation, the latest series of uniquely handcrafted wood backgammon sets from Neroulia, evokes all the sumptuous glamour of the ruling class and delivers it in a decorative package that's ready for play.
This ornate gold and black patterned mahogany case opens to a lavish, coal black interior lit with amber rosewood and honey ash points, softly contrasted with crimson and chocolate checkers. Feel like a king when you prepare to make history with this sumptuous wood backgammon set.
Click the specifications tab (above) for a detailed description of this backgammon set, including all materials and sizes. You may click any photo above for a closer view.
|Backgammon Set Dimensions:
|Closed Length:
|18 3/4"
|2 1/2"
|Open Length:
|18 3/4"
|23 3/4"
|1 1/4"
|Backgammon Set Materials:
|Case Material:
|Colored Mahogany
|Case Color:
|Dark Brown
|Field Material:
|Walnut Veneer
|Field Color:
|Points 1 Color:
|Points 2 Color:
|Backgammon Stone Dimensions:
|1 3/8"
|Stones 1 Color:
|Stones 2 Color:
|Backgammon Dice/Cube Dimensions:
|Dice Size:
|Dice Set 1 Color:
|Dice Set 2 Color:
|Cube Color:
|Backgammon Cup Dimensions:
|Cup Height:
|2 3/4"
|1 1/2"
|Cup Exterior:
|Cup Interior:
|Red Velour
|Cup 1 Outer:
|Cup 1 Inner:
|Cup 2 Outer:
|Cup 2 Inner:
USA & CANADA - shipping via UPS
We offer FREE ground shipping to the contiguous USA and Canada (Hawaii and Alaska are excluded) for many products. Look for the "FREE SHIPPING" designation.
For all other items, and for Express Shipping options, we use an integrated online UPS shipping calculator. The shipping charges are calculated in real time by UPS. 1
Once you have finished shopping, you will be able to select Express Shipping options (Next Day Air, 2nd Day Air, 3-Day Select) on check-out. Only after you know the total charge, will you be asked to enter your payment information. 2
For same day shipping, where indicated, orders must be received before 2pm Eastern Time (New York) in order to ship same day. Orders received after 2pm will be sent out the following business day. Orders received on weekends and on holidays will be processed the next business day.
INTERNATIONAL - shipping via USPS
We offer shipping to over 190 countries with United States Postal Service using Express Mail International. Packages are insured and fully trackable.
International orders can take up to 5 business days to ship. Once your order ships, you will receive a tracking number by email. Customers are responsible for any import charges (tax, duty, etc.)
APO AND MILITARY ADDRESSES - shipping via USPS
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* The Country must be "USA"
* The City must be entered as either "APO" or "FPO"
* The State must be selected as either "APO/FPO AA" "APO/FPO AE" or "APO/FPO AP"
* You must enter the zip code for your shipping address
* Always remember to enter your full name, grade, and PSC or unit number.
If you have any questions, please email us at email@example.com, or call us toll free in USA & Canada at 1- 866-260-2058.
1 Shipping charges at all times are based on weight and not on ticket price. There is a minimum 1-pound shipping charge on any item, including small items such as dice or checkers. In these cases, shipping charges can exceed the cost of the item.
2 We offer Express Shipping options on all items except Hillsdale game tables. All Hillsdale game tables ship ground freight.


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Did you seal your wood before glassing?
The FG looks dry coz probably risen onto the surface. Not sure if u used a vac but the idea with it is to hold a FG as close to surface as possible. Tell us how did you glass and we might know more...
The way to salvage this might be to strip the fg off if possible. If epoxy still not 100% cured. Did that once or twice, improved a process after, finished great.


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Our main method of finding out where development is going to occur is by checking the weekly planning list produced by the Local Planning authorities (LPA) each week. Two new ones, for Cardiff and Swansea, have been issued this morning so I go through them and note the applications that may have archaeological implications. Today there were 60 registered applications and I identified 11 that could have an impact on archaeological sites. I then checked those with the Historic Environment Record (HER) and also against the early editions of the Ordnance Survey (there are still a lot of post-medieval sites that are not included in the HER and sometimes we can spot these using the old maps). Three of the identified applications appear to be likely to have an impact on the archaeological resource so I enter them into our register so that detailed analysis and advice to the LPA can be prepared later.
Richard Lewis (Head of Projects) came to see me to explain that it appears that a major breach of a planning condition has occurred on a very sensitive archaeological site. I phone the relevant LPA only to find that the Officer dealing with the application and the Head of Planning are both at a meeting outside the Council's offices. A helpful assistant promises to send me the full set of planning conditions for the development and gave me the name and direct telephone contact for the Enforcement Officer, in case I feel action is required.


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My apologies...
I do strive to be accurate in my work, and when I'm not, I want to be the first to admit I was wrong. In my current End of Day/ Week Report I made an error when discussing the hammer candlestick on TLT, and didn't realize it until I was laying in bed!
I mentioned that a reversal of that hammer would conflict with all the other hammers found in equities, and that was incorrect. It would actually support the direction of movement of the other hammers as bond prices normally rise when stocks decline which is what those hammers are saying.
The End of Day post regarding TLT has been updated.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Correction to End of Day/ Week Report…
Posted byAmy Jamison at7:00 AM


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Mark your calendars folks; today is the day that Microsoft officially succeeded in its efforts to transform the Xbox 360 from merely a video game system to a bona-fide general purpose living room set-top box. That's because, for the first time ever, Microsoft now says that time spent on general "entertainment" use of Xbox Live has officially surpassed time spent on multiplayer gaming.
The total hours spent on Xbox Live have increased 30 percent year over year, Microsoft said, growing to an incredible 84 hours a month average for Xbox Live Gold members (that average stood at 60 hours last June). Most of that growth came from increased use of entertainment apps such as Netflix, Hulu Plus, ESPN and Zune Marketplace on Xbox Live, which Microsoft says saw more than double the usage over the last year. With today's release of new entertainment apps including Comcast, HBO Go and MLB.tv, that rate of increase seems likely to continue.
For those worried that Microsoft's focus may now start to slowly shift away from the Xbox 360's once-primary gaming functions, it should be noted that multiplayer gaming usage on Xbox Live also grew in the past year, though Microsoft didn't say precisely how much (Xbox Live reportedly served up over 4 billion person hours of multiplayer gaming through last March, so further growth is almost gravy at this point). Also keep in mind that these stats don't take into account time spent playing single-player Xbox 360 games, which might tip the usage balance back towards gaming.
Still, we should probably have taken Microsoft at its word when it said before last year's E3 that "Xbox used to be solely in the games business, but the business is on a different trajectory now. What was launched as the ultimate gaming machine has quickly evolved to become an all-in-one entertainment device with something for every member of the household."


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A veteran and the founder of the Sarasota Public Art Fund are partnering to bring the Felix de Weldon's original sculpture to the bayfront.
It started with a teasing phone call from Harold Ronson's daughter, Joanne: "Dad, when's your birthday? I'm going to buy you a present."
The present in question was Felix de Weldon's Original 1945 Iwo Jima Monument crafted from Joe Rosenthal's photo of the flag-raising by six Marines on Feb. 23, 1945.
The artist, who enlisted in the military and was assigned to paint murals of war images, immediately made a 4-foot-by-4-foot wax replica of Rosenthal's photo. Upon its completion, the original 10,000-pound monument was erected in front of the Main Navy Building on Constitution Avenue in Washington, D.C.
When the owner of the monument didn't fetch his asking price of at least $1.2 million in a February auction on Madison Avenue in New York, he put it in storage in Connecticut.
"It doesn't fit in my living room," Rodney Hilton Brown, 70, said. "I can't enjoy it. It should be in a place where millions of Americans can enjoy it."
Brown, biographer for de Weldon, purchased the statue from the artist. He found what he calls a "national treasure" under a tarp behind the sculptor's studio in Washington, D.C., and paid to have it restored.
Ronson's daughter called when she saw a newspaper article about the statue's whereabouts.
"She knows I served in Iwo Jima as a kid," said Ronson, who lives on Longboat Key. "It started as a joke. This thing came out of the blue."
But after the jibing ended, Ronson started to think more about the statue.
At a cocktail party three weeks ago, the 87-year-old veteran struck up a conversation with Thomas Savage, founder of the Sarasota Public Art Fund.
"By the time he got through I was drooling," said Savage, who called Brown the next morning.
Now, the pair is attempting to raise $1.4 million to buy, ship and install the statue on Sarasota's bayfront next to "Unconditional Surrender." And they want to do it in three months so the monument can be unveiled on Nov. 10, on the 238th birthday of the U.S. Marine Corps.
"I am desperately looking for two people to give us $500,000 each; that's the kind of money we need to pull this off," said Savage, who is meeting personally with potential donors.
Since announcing the fund drive Monday, $200,000 has already been pledged to the statue that will eventually be gifted to the city.
"It would be absolutely astounding if you had these two iconic World War II images in one place," said Brown, who expects the statue companions to draw 1 million visitors annually. "Between the two of them, it combines every feeling about World War II."
Standing at 26 feet tall, Savage said "Unconditional Surrender" would marry well with the Iwo Jima monument that will stand 20 feet tall, not including the flag, once a base is added to the 12-foot-tall and 18-foot-wide statue. Savage is working with the city to create a large plaza, protected by a barrier from passing vehicles, incorporating both structures.
"One of my missions is preservation of what we did in World War II," said Ronson, who served on a landing craft that carried marines to the beach. "I was no great hero. I was a 17 1/2-year-old kid and I did what they told me to do."
But Ronson saw the sacrifice of his fellow soldiers.
Then, at a World Series game at Yankee Stadium, Ronson discovered that younger generations knew little about World War II. When a slideshow of war images played on the jumbotron and Rosenthal's photo appeared, Ronson said, "I saw that flag go up." No one in the stands could tell him it took place on Iwo Jima.
"My whole life is based around the heroism I experienced in the war," Ronson said. "I want to pass that patriotism down to the current generations. We just want the world to remember what we did."
"I would like to meet my maker knowing that we brought that statue to Sarasota."
EARLIER: "Unconditional Surrender" may get a neighbor statue on Sarasota's bayfront if all goes as planned.
Harold Ronson, a World War II veteran living on Longboat Key, and Tom Savage, founder of the Sarasota Public Art Fund, are partnering to bring the Felix de Weldon's original sculpture crafted after Joe Rosenthal's photo of the flag-raising on Iwo Jima on Feb. 23, 1945.
The 12 � foot statue went to auction in New York earlier this year, but didn't fetch the $1.2 to $1.8 million price tag. Ronson, who witnessed the flag-raising, and Savage are hoping to bring the statue out of storage in Connecticut to Sarasota. As negotiations continue, Ronson thinks $1.5 million will be needed to buy, ship and install the statue.
"One of my missions is preservation of what we did in World War Two," said the 87-year-old Ronson. "I would like to meet my maker knowing that we brought that statue to Sarasota."
The pair is hoping to reveal the statue on Nov. 10, the anniversary of the founding of the U.S. Marine Corps.


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Every year over 35,000 people in the United States die by suicide. This is around the same number of individuals enrolled in the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians (Sault Tribe). Unfortunately this is not the only connection. Our tribal families have been devastated by suicides. For this reason, we began the Sault Tribe Alive Youth (STAY) Project with federal funding received through the Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act and administered through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) agency.
The purpose of the Sault Tribe Alive Youth (STAY) Project is to develop and implement a tribal youth suicide and early intervention plan for the eastern and central Upper Peninsula of Michigan, to help our youth stay alive. The STAY Plan will be based on the Suicide Plan for Michigan yet will be customized to address the unique needs of Native youth in a rural setting and reflect the significant Native American population of the region.
The focus of Year One (2008-09) was to enhance the leadership capacity within the region to better address suicide and related risk behaviors; to establish baseline data and identify gaps within the current methods of gathering accurate and timely data; and to identify barriers within current processes for youth to access substance abuse, mental health and suicide prevention services. These activities served as the foundation for all subsequent suicide prevention efforts.
The focus of Year Two (2009-10) was to implement the suicide prevention plan with the four target populations: Native American youth ages 10-18, Native American youth ages 18-24, future teachers of our Native American youth, and the families of our Native American youth. During Year Two, the barriers for youth to access services, which were previously identified, were addressed and corrected. The Seven Feathers Partnership focused on improving the procedures and policies at tribal and non-tribal health care settings that assess suicide risk and respond to suicide attempts.
The focus of Year Three (2010-11) is to continue with suicide prevention activities, to assess initial project outcomes and to refine project objectives to ensure that the needs of tribal youth are indeed being served. It is anticipated that there will be unforeseen needs identified which will have to be addressed. During this time period is also when the Seven Feathers Partnership prepares for long-term project sustainability. The eastern and central Upper Peninsula of Michigan will have all of the components in place for a comprehensive suicide prevention plan and the Seven Feathers Partnership will look for opportunities to contribute to the field of research in suicide prevention.
UPDATE: Exciting News!! The STAY Project has been granted a 12 month (2011-2012) No Cost Extension by SAMHSA. During year one, the STAY Project was not fully staffed until six months into the grant year. The STAY Project has been granted permission to utilize all of the unspent funds to continue and finish the unmet project goals and objectives.
The STAY Project has four target populations:
The paramount target is all Native American youth ages 10-18 within the seven counties of the eastern and central Upper Peninsula of Michigan. There are approximately 2,200 Native American students in grades 5-12.
A second target population is the Native American college student population (18-24) in the eastern and central Upper Peninsula. There are four accredited colleges and universities in the region. Due to their location, these institutions attract a significant number of Native Americans, especially from the local area. While there are over 1,000 Native American college students in the area, approximately 33 percent—or 330—are between the ages of 18-24, which are considered to be traditional college-age students.
A third target population is teacher education students attending the four higher education institutions in the region which provide degrees in teacher education and preparation. Both Lake Superior State University and Northern Michigan University offer continuing education courses for teachers to maintain their state teaching certification. These local institutions are more likely to serve residents from the area intending to become teachers in the Upper Peninsula and remain in the region. There are approximately 325 teacher education students enrolled at these four institutions each year.
The fourth target population for the STAY Project is the family members of youth. Parents and extended family members (grandparents, aunties, uncles, cousins) are of vital importance to educate about suicide awareness and early intervention strategies. It is estimated there are two family members per youth; therefore, approximately 4,400 family members in the target group.
Please visit our website for further information www.stayproject.org.
You can also find us on our social networking pages: FaceBook, Twitter, LinkedIn, MySpace, and YouTube. Links can be found on our webpage. We update and distribute helpful information often on suicide prevention, bullying prevention, cultural awareness, and other important topics!
DISCLAIMER: The Sault Tribe Alive Youth (STAY) Project is not a direct services counseling program. We will be happy to help/direct you to the appropriate resources in your area but please do not contact us in crisis or for direct treatment. The project is not intended as a form of treatment for those who are suicidal or in crisis.
If you are currently suicidal, we strongly urge you to seek appropriate care at the nearest Emergency Room (ER).
If you are in crisis, please call this toll-free number, available 24 hours a day, every day: 1-800-273-TALK (8255). You will reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, a service available to anyone. You may call for yourself or for someone you care about. All calls are confidential.


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Natural Gas Vehicles (NGVs) are driving real change in America
There are many benefits to using NGVs. Vehicles fueled with compressed natural gas are cost efficient, safe and dramatically better for the environment than gasoline-powered vehicles. And, just as important, the use of natural gas for transportation helps the United States reduce its dependence on foreign oil.


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Pop law abounds in The Lawbringer, your weekly dose of WoW, the law, video games and the MMO genre. Mathew McCurley takes you through the world running parallel to the games we love and enjoy, full of rules, regulations, and esoteroic topics that slip through the cracks.
Regional advertising campaigns are both the scourge of the collector's market and a financial boon to the lucky residents of said region targeted. The most recent ad campaign for World of Warcraft features four collector's cups from ampm stores as well as the ampm sweepstakes, promising some pretty cool prizes for those lucky few. Here's the thought that's the most fun to think about: Which of these is more ad-worthy -- someone seeing a World of Warcraft cup and being convinced to play, or the mass scramble to create a nationwide cup network for collectors and WoW fans, fueling more ad presence?
It's a fun game, advertising. At some point in our lives, we were convinced that fandom and collectors could be the same consumer as the guy who bought stuff because the cup looked cool. At some point, we became complacent with advertisement as collectable, and that's fine. In fact, if anyone wants to send me a Kil'jaeden cup, let's talk.


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A new Sony patent hints at the possibility of tablet style, motion controlled gaming. It's called the "EyePad". Because that's totally not confusing.
Sony has a long proud history of "Eye" devices, such as the EyeToy and the PlayStation Eye. This moniker, which seems to be a codename, isn't final. It's not even a product yet, but rather, one of many Sony patents.
The patent, which GameChup unearthed, was published this week and originally filed in summer 2012. Thus, the application refers to the PlayStation 3 and as with most Sony patents, this should be looked at as R&D—for the time being.
The device is shown to be a flat tablet with glowing edges that would act as motion tracking devices with the PS3's PlayStation Eye. The screen has a touchpad, but the device can detect motion above the touchpad, thanks to two cameras embedded in the device. This means that players could wave their hand over the device to interact with it.
As SlashGear points out, ideas for the device include a finger-controlled 3D roller coaster, a hand-controlled point-and-click game, and virtual animal petting. Why is there always virtual animal petting?
So, yes, this is a Sony patent. There are tech boffins working on this device. But whether it ever makes it out of the lab is another story altogether.
European Patent Application [Free Patents Online via GameChup via SlashGear]
The original headline on this article read "iPad? No, Sony Just Patented Something It's Calling the "EyePad"" but has since been modified.


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Get off the beaten path to explore Tanzania's lesser known reserves and national parks on an action-packed adventure. Watch for herds of elephants, towers of giraffes, and zeals of zebra on an intimate safari experience away from the crowds; float down one of Tanzania's longest rivers, surrounded by hippos and crocodiles; and enjoy dinner under the stars in a boma.
- Travel Style : National Geographic Journeys
- Service Level : Upgraded
- Physical Grading : 2 - Light
- Merchandising : Jane Goodall Collection
- Trip Type : Small Group
- What's Included:Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Wildlife Conservation Discussions, Ruaha National Park. Arrival transfer. Entrances and wildlife safari drives in Ruaha National Parks and and Selous Game Reserve. Boat and walking safari in Selous. Internal flights. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
- Highlights:Spot wildlife in remote Ruaha National Park, Embark on safaris on land and by boat, Stay in a comfortable safari lodge, Learn about conservation research and initiatives.
- Dossier Disclaimer:The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.
VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.
- Itinerary Disclaimer:While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.
Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.
- Important Notes:1. ELECTRICITY
All lodges and camps will have electricity although many work off generators with limited times.
The power supply in Tanzania is nominally 240VAC, 50hz. Variable voltage, spikes and sporadic, unexpected, unscheduled power cuts of varying duration can be expected.
Please note each passenger is only allowed a total of 15kgs of checked and carry-on luggage combined, and must be in small soft-sided bags. This is strictly enforced by airlines and outside of our control.
It may be required to show a Yellow Fever certificate upon entering the country visited. Please check in with your local health expert for advice on Yellow Fever and other inoculations required for this area.
Please note all accommodation listed below is not guaranteed, but is indicative of the types of accommodation used.
Please note that this tour combines with other G Adventures tours. As such, the staff and some travel companions on your tour may have previously been traveling together with G Adventures, prior to Day 1 of your tour. Likewise, some staff and travel companions may be continuing together on another G Adventures tour, after your trip concludes.
- Group Leader Description:Throughout your 6-day journey in southern Tanzania, you will be accompanied on your trip by a G Adventures Chief Experience Officer (CEO). The Chief Experience Officer (CEO) will be the group manager and leader. He/she organizes the trip, and will be there to assist you when needed. Your leader may be from East Africa, or another country outside of the region, and will have a general knowledge base of the region and wildlife. He/she will take care of the small things so you can concentrate on enjoying your adventure. To round out the team, in both Ruaha and Selous, we will be joined by certified safari guides who are specialists in these areas.
- Group Size Notes:Max 6, Avg 5.
- Meals Included:5 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners
- Meals:These meals are provided at the hotels, lodges and camps in which you are accommodated. When a meal is not included, your hotel will have a restaurant or your will be advised of a good local establishment. All meals you have during your trip will be prepared from fresh local produce. All hotels cater to vegetarians; however, any other dietary requirements need to be specified prior to arrival. Please note all bottled drinking water will be at your own expense.
- Transport:4x4 safari vehicle, plane, boat, walking.
- About our Transportation:On this trip we fly into remote park areas of Southern Tanzania. In most cases, we use the Cessna C208 Caravan that can take 13 passengers, but depending on schedules, we may also use smaller 5-6 passenger planes. Flights are not private to G Adventures and there may be stops to let other passengers off between our destinations. Please note each passenger is only allowed a total of 15kgs of checked and carry-on luggage combined, and must be in small soft-sided bags. This is strictly enforced by airlines and outside of our control.
While on safari excursions, we will enjoy wildlife viewing in open vehicles with expert local safari/driver guides.
- Local Flights:All Internal flights are included in small bush planes. Airlines have strict baggage restrictions of no more than 15kg per passenger in small/soft bag & small daypack.
In order to balance the passenger and luggage loads the airline may be required to deploy more than one aircraft and consequently there maybe occasions groups and their luggage may be split up & your luggage may arrive later than you at the lodges.
All flights are subject to local weather and airstrip conditions.
- Solo Travellers:We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
- Accommodation:Safari Camp/lodges (4 nts), hotel (1 nt).
- My Own Room:Please note if you have booked the My Own Room/Tent option for this tour, you will receive your own single accommodation for all night stops.
- About Accommodation:The start hotel on this tour offer comfortable accommodations with en-suite bathrooms, standard facilities, and wifi. Additional amenities vary from location to location. Please see the hotel listings on the Full Itinerary if you would like to learn more about the offerings of your accommodations.
The tented camp accommodations on this tour are situated centrally, with easy access to the park for wildlife safari drives. Tents are typically spacious with mosquito-proof netting, comfortable bedding, and en-suite bathroom with flushing toilets and camping showers.
Please remember that hotel/lodge/camp standards can be different from what you are used to in your home country, which is part of the appeal of adventure travel.
1) Under certain circumstances we reserve the right to change accommodation and provide something slightly different to what is described, though it will always be of similar or better standard/level.
2) Most lodges and camps do not have 24hr electricity - they usually run on generators which are routinely shut off overnight from approximately 10pm to 5am.
3) Lodges and camps are NOT equipped with fans or air conditioning due to the electricity constraints listed above.
4) Winter nights (June to September) can be cold, and most lodges and hotels do not have insulation or central heating. If you require additional blankets or a hot water bottle, these can be requested through your CEO or at the reception.
- Joining Hotel:For details of your joining hotel please refer to your tour voucher, G Account, the G Adventures App or contact your travel agent.
- Joining Instructions:An arrival transfer is included when you arrive on Day 1, or if you arrive up to three days prior provided that you have booked your pre-accommodation through National Geographic Journeys in our joining hotel. Due to customer experience and quality considerations, all services related to the tour must be continuous.
Our driver will be waiting for you with a National Geographic Journeys sign with your name on it, and they will be waiting for you outside the luggage hall. There most likely will be many signs, so please check carefully for your name. In the unlikely case, you are unable to find the guide after 30 minutes, please call our our local support line.
Please note that day 1 is an arrival day and no activities have been planned on this day. Upon arrival to the city on day 1, please make your way to the joining hotel via your included transfer. Details on where to meet your transfer can be found in your voucher notes or on the G Adventures app.
If you have booked pre-tour accommodations through G Adventures, please note that you must contact us to confirm the included arrival transfer. Check-in time at your start hotel will be in the afternoon.
Once you arrive at the hotel, look for a note or bulletin board in the reception with a note from your CEO. This note will give the details of your Welcome Meeting on day 1.
Your CEO will contact you at the hotel on Day 1 and make sure you are settled comfortably. If you arrive late, they will leave you a message detailing what time and where you should meet the next morning. Your CEO will organize a short meeting soon after arrival, during which you will meet other tour participants and receive information about general and specific aspects of the trip.
- Arrival Complications:We don't expect any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, as soon as possible please contact your starting point hotel, requesting that you speak to or leave a message for your CEO (if you are not on a group tour please refer to the emergency contact details provided in this dossier). If you are unable to get in touch with your leader, please refer to our emergency contact details. If you have pre-booked an airport transfer and have not made contact with our representative within 30 minutes of clearing customs and immigration, we recommend that you make your own way to the Starting Point hotel, following the Joining Instructions. Please apply to your travel agent on your return for a refund of the transfer cost if this occurs.
- Emergency Contact:Should you need to contact us during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call either the G Adventures Local Representative (if one is listed below) or our G Adventures Local Office. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information, so they may return your call and assist you as soon as possible.
If you have purchased an arrival through G Adventures or if an arrival transfer is included in the cost of your tour, please note that:
Your arrival transfer has been arranged based on flight information provided to us. If you are advised of a flight schedule change within 48 hours of your scheduled arrival time, we will do our best to rearrange your arrival transfer however we cannot guarantee this. If your arrival transfer does not arrive within 30 minutes after you have exited the arrivals area please take a taxi to your start point hotel.
G Adventures Local Representative (Tanzania)
During office hours, 9am-5pm local time:
From outside Tanzania: +255 754 400 141
From within Tanzania: 0754 400 141
G Adventures Local Office (Nairobi, Kenya)
From outside Kenya: +254 727 208 832
From within Kenya: 0727 208 832
If you are unable for any reason to contact our local office, please call the numbers listed below, which will connect you directly with our 24 hour Sales team, who will happily assist you.
Toll-free, North America only: 1 888 800 4100
Calls from UK: 0344 272 0000
Calls from Germany: 0800 365 1000
Calls from Australia: 1 300 796 618
Calls from New Zealand: 0800 333 307
Outside North America, Australia, New Zealand, Germany and the UK: +1 416 260 0999
- Finishing Point Instructions:This trip ends at the International airport in Dar es Salaam. If you are departing today, please be sure to book your international flight for late evening. Should you wish to stay the night in Dar es Salaam, please ask your sales agent about booking post night accommodation.
- What to Take:You will be on the move a lot and the small planes used have limited luggage storage, so please pack as lightly as possible to avoid issues. Your baggage should be clearly labelled and restricted to one small soft compact sports/duffel bag, or backpack, (no hard suitcases please) weighing no more than 15kg. You may bring a small daypack but its weight is included in the total weight allowance of 15kg. Luggage limits on planes are strictly enforced by the airline, due to limited vehicle capacity and safety. The cost of transporting any luggage beyond these restrictions (or the possibility of having to leave things behind) is the sole responsibility of the client. The Captain is in sole command at all times and to stick to the strict safety guidelines will leave unplanned excess baggage behind.
It is important to pack clothes for warm days and cool evenings, as well as a jacket for early morning wildlife safari drives. Light, quick-drying, practical clothes are advisable for this safari trip.
- Packing List:Cold Weather:
• Long-sleeved shirts or sweater
• Scarf
• Warm gloves
• Warm hat
• Warm layers
• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
• Required visas or vaccination certificates (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)
• Binoculars (optional)
• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
• Cash, credit and debit cards
• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
• Ear plugs
• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
• Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
• Fleece top/sweater
• Footwear
• Hat
• Locks for bags
• Long pants/jeans
• Moneybelt
• Outlet adapter
• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
• Reusable water bottle
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sleepwear
• Small travel towel
• Sunglasses
• Toiletries (Preferably biodegradable)
• Watch and alarm clock
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Windproof rain jacket
Smart Dress:
• Smart outfit (For evenings out)
Warm Weather:
• Sandals/flip-flops
• Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)
• Sun hat/bandana
• Swimwear
- Laundry:Laundry service at Ruaha and Selous are included and no need to pay extra, but a tip is greatly appreciated.
- Visas and Entry Requirements:All countries require travellers to have a valid passport (with a minimum 6 months validity). Please note that upon arrival by air to Arusha, Tanzania, most nationals can obtain a visa for US$50 in $US cash (valid for those who would be permitted a Tanzania visa while still in their own country), though it costs US$100 for U.S. nationals. This visa is valid for up to 3 months with multiple entries/exits permitted to Kenya and Uganda only. If you are transiting through Uganda or Kenya, you will have to purchase a transit visa en route. These are usually $US20, and valid for 24 hours. Alternatively, for either of these two countries, you may purchase a normal visa for US$30 and US$50 respectively, both of which are valid for up to 3 months. As fees and policies can change, we highly recommend that you contact your local embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements, or see your travel agent. It is your responsibility to have the correct travel documentation.
It may be required to show a Yellow Fever certificate upon entering the country. Please check in with your local consulate and health expert for advice on Yellow Fever and other inoculations required for this area.
- Spending Money:Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.
- Money Exchange:The local currency in Tanzania is the Tanzanian Shilling (TSH).
Shillings can be obtained locally by changing foreign currency or by using ATMs (where available) which will disperse local currency. Your CEO will inform you where you can change money throughout the tour and approximately how much money you will need for each country.
The easiest foreign currency to exchange for locally for any of the local currencies is the $US; however the British Pound and Euro may also be exchanged as well. Please note that due to past problems with forgery, $US notes that are older than year 2006 are not accepted in Africa.
Large note ($US 50, $US 100 etc) can be difficult to change in some places, but will gain you the best exchange rate.
If you plan to rely on cash, please bring foreign currency (Euro, Pound, USD) with you, as it is often expensive to buy these currencies locally. And in more rural areas, it is often not likely.
If you plan to buy your visas at borders, you will need to bring $USD cash to pay for these visas. Please note you cannot use the local currency or any other currency to buy these visas- they must be purchased in USD.
Please do not bring Travellers' cheques to Africa. They are difficult if not impossible to exchange in many places.
Visa/Plus system cards are the most widely accepted debit cards. It is harder to find machines Mastercard/Cirrus cards. We highly recommend that if you hold a Mastercard, you obtain a Visa card prior to departure and travel with both. This is also useful should something unforeseen happen to one of your cards during your travels.
While there are many ATMs in the major centres, there are no guarantees that your credit or debit cards will actually work in Africa. Check with your bank.
Credit cards can be used in major cities and towns ONLY but please do not rely on them as a method of payment because they are generally not widely accepted. You should be aware that to purchase products or services on a credit card a fee of 5%-10% usually applies. The majority of our optional activities can also be paid by credit card. Your CEO will advise on these.
Please note that in many areas there may be occasional power-outages, where there will be no electricity for hours at a time. In addition, ATMs outside of larger centers often run out of cash or can be out of order unexpectedly. These factors could affect your ability to access money from ATMs. As such, please do not rely on credit or debit cards as your only source of money.
A combination of foreign currency and debit/credit cards for cash advances is best. Always take more rather than less, as you don't want to spoil the trip by constantly feeling short of funds.
As currency exchange rates can fluctuate often we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com.
- Emergency Fund:Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (ex. a natural disaster) require a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!
- Departure Tax:USD30, usually included in most international air tickets.
- Tipping:Tipping is an expected, though not compulsory, component of your tour program. The gesture serves as an expression of appreciation for exceptional service, and amounts given are up to your discretion.
Tipping is one of the most direct ways that you can have a positive economic impact within the African community. Although it may not be customary for you, it is an important source of income for those in the tourism industry. Giving a tip should be a seen as a formal 'thank you', and the action should in no way be awkward.
The best method of tipping someone that has served the whole group is to plan in advance, and not rush when it comes to saying goodbye. A suggestion would be for each group member to contribute anonymously by putting their tip into an envelope. This often works the best and the group should gather to present the gift to the recipient(s), offering their thanks and showing their appreciation. This method brings the action out into the open, allowing for a friendly and appreciative interaction between the group and the recipient(s).
You may use the following as a guideline, all given in a per person format:
CEO: $5-10 USD (per day)
Driver: $5-10 USD (per day)
Local guides: $1 USD (per couple of hours)
Restaurant/café servers: 10% of the cost of the bill
- Optional Activities:Ruaha National Park
- Ruaha Balloon Safari (575USD per person)
- Health:We recommend you contact your family physician, or your local travel clinic for the most up-to-date health information at least one month before departure. Travellers should also carry a basic first-aid kit and hand sanitizers/antibacterial wipes on their travels. Medical facilities are basic throughout these countries. For your own safety, we strongly recommend that you advise your tour leader of any medical condition that may affect you while travelling with the group. Your tour leader will be able to inform you of local health advisories (e.g. drinking water quality). Please ensure you have all the inoculations recommended by your doctor.
- Safety and Security:Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure. We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travellers' cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. When travelling on a group trip, please note that your CEO has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Your CEO will accompany you on all included activities. During your trip you will have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. While your CEO will assist you with options available in a given location please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your itinerary, and we offer no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgment when selecting an activity in your free time. Although the cities visited on tour are generally safe during the day, there can be risks to wandering throughout any major city at night. It is our recommendation to stay in small groups and to take taxis to and from restaurants, or during night time excursions.
Protests and Demonstrations- Protests and demonstrations, even those that are well intended, have the potential to turn violent with no warning. Counter protests can also turn violent. Action by security forces to disperse demonstrators and protesters may occur at any time. If you are in an area where demonstrators or protesters are gathering, avoid the temptation of staying for a good photo opportunity and leave the area immediately.
Water based activities have an element of danger and excitement built into them. We recommend only participating in water based activities when accompanied by a guide(s). We make every reasonable effort to ensure the fun and adventurous element of any water based activities (in countries with varying degrees of operating standards) have a balanced approach to safety. It is our policy not to allow our CEOs to make arrangements on your behalf for water based activities that are not accompanied by guide(s).
Swimming, including snorkeling, is always at your own risk.
We take all prudent measures in relation to your safety. For ways to further enhance your personal safety while traveling, please visit:
- Trip Specific Safety:Arusha
-People are generally friendly in Arusha, but don't let people take advantage of you
-Always leave your passport (It's better to carry a photocopy of it instead), traveller's cheques, flight tickets and money that you won't be using in the safe deposit in your hotel room/reception. This is free of charge to G Adventures clients.
-Remember that like in any other city, you should never leave your bags unattended, nor flaunt jewellery, cameras etc
-Please don't wander through the city at night. Stick to the main streets only during the day, and after sundown, please take a taxi. Taxis can be organised from reception of your hotel. Also, take the address of the hotel with you.
-Beware of people approaching you on the street with an apparent interest of where you are from, and want to sit down and have a chat with you. These people are con men and will ask you for money.
-People on the street who ask you if you want a safari and have a brochure are often con men, best to avoid these folk. Besides, you're already on safari!
Please refrain from taking photos of police stations, airports, bus stations, immigration are border crossings, army barracks and personnel, or any government building. It is against the law and will result in the minimum of your film and camera being confiscated.
- A Couple of Rules:Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for our travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our CEOs have the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they use prostitutes.
- Travel Insurance:Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your CEO, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy please bear in mind that all clients must have medical coverage and that we require a minimum coverage of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
- Planeterra-The G Adventures Foundation:The Planeterra Foundation planeterra.org is a Canadian non-profit organization that helps empower local people to develop their communities, conserve their cultures, and create humane and supportive systems for their endeavours. Planeterra provides capacity building and catalyst grants to get community social enterprises off the ground. These businesses address local challenges by providing benefits for indigenous people, empowering marginalized women, and granting disadvantaged youth access to education, employment, and brighter futures. Planeterra also works to ensure these businesses have a thriving customer base by integrating programs into G Adventures' itineraries globally.
G Adventures is Planeterra's largest corporate donor, covering all operating costs so 100% of your donation will bring opportunity to people in need.
Dollar-a-Day Program
G Adventures' Dollar-a-Day Program provides travellers with the opportunity to give back to the people and places visited on our tours by donating one dollar for every day you are on trip. 100% of these donations go directly to support community development projects worldwide that are implemented by Planeterra.
- Feedback:After your travels, we want to hear from you! Your feedback information is so important to us that we'll give you 5% off the price of your next G Adventures trip if your feedback is completed on-line within 30 days of finishing your trip. Your tour evaluation will be e-mailed to you 24 hours after the conclusion of your trip. If you do not receive the tour evaluation link in the days after your tour has finished, please drop us a line at firstname.lastname@example.com and we will send it on to you.
- Newsletter:Our adventure travel e-newsletter is full of travel news, trip information, interesting stories and contests. To avoid missing out on special offers and updates from G Adventures, subscribe at www.gadventures.com/newsletters/
Stay current on how our company invests in our global community through our foundation – Planeterra. Sign up for Planeterra's monthly news to learn more about how to give back and support the people and places we love to visit.
- Minimum Age:You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a G Adventures tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.
- International Flights:Check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.
- Max Pax:6
Itinerary (6 days)
- 1
Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer is included.
- 2
Arusha/Ruaha NP
Catch a flight to Ruaha National Park—one of Tanzania's largest parks, boasting diverse landscapes and an abundance of wildlife. Transfer to our safari lodge, located on the banks of the Great Ruaha River, and set out on a safari drive amid the grassy plains and scrub woodlands of this remote reserve. Spot herds of elephant and buffalo; keep an eye out for the park's resident predators; and learn about local conservation efforts from our guides. Relax this evening by a bonfire at your lodge.
- 3
Ruaha National Park
Spend a full day on safari in the wilds of Ruaha with our expert guides. Track lions, leopards, cheetahs, wild dogs, and hyenas; and drive past graceful giraffes and herds of gentle impala. Or, opt to explore the park in a hot-air balloon at sunrise. Back at the lodge, unwind on the deck with a cool drink, listening to the sounds of the bush and taking in the starry sky.
- 4
Enjoy one last safari drive in Ruaha before catching a flight to Selous Game Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Crisscrossed by rivers and covered in dense woodland, this pristine reserve is home to large concentrations of big-tusked elephants and majestic lions. After settling into our camp, hop on a boat for a river safari down the Rufiji—one of Tanzania's longest rivers—and observe the plethora of creatures that frequent its shores.
- 5
Selous Game Reserve
Rise early and head out on a daylong game drive in Selous with our knowledgeable local guide. Keep a lookout for the reserve's fascinating inhabitants, from endangered African wild dogs to baboons, zebras, wildebeest, antelope, and hundreds of species of birds. After a busy day, enjoy sunset by the river and dinner in a traditional boma.
- 6
Selous/Dar es Salaam
Embark on a thrilling bush walk early this morning with our expert guide, keeping your eyes peeled for lounging leopards, elephants, and buffalo. Later, fly to Dar es Salaam, where our trip ends.


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InfoQ Homepage Virtualization Content on InfoQ
Defining Clouds and When to Use Them
Paul Weiss introduces cloud computing and its various models, comparing them with virtualization, then overviews Eucalyptus and compares it with AWS.
What Are Clouds Made Of?
John Garbutt discusses the components used for building a cloud, comparing different cloud offerings existing on the market.
Caching, NoSQL & Grids - What the Banks Can Teach Us
John Davies shares insight into SQL, NoSQL, grid, virtualization and caching technologies from his personal experience using them in financial institutions.
Progressive Architectures at the Royal Bank of Scotland
Ben Stopford, Farzad Pezeshkpour and Mark Atwell discuss: the Manhattan processor – avoiding GC pauses-, beyond messaging with ODC, Risk, data virtualization and collaboration in banking.
Cloud ... So Much More than a Tools Fest
Patrick Debois discusses replacing PaaS with an enterprise private solution built with virtualization tools, cloud abstraction libraries, and configuration management systems.
Quantum, Virtual Networks for OpenStack
Salvatore Orlando introduces OpenStack and Quantum, a project intended to provide network connectivity as a service, covering the current state and expected developments in the future.
Cloud Foundry Boot Camp
Dave McCrory explains how Cloud Foundry works, demoing setting up and running an application on it and Micro Cloud Foundry, and using the services available in VMware's cloud.
Tuning Java for Virtual with EM4J
Ben Corrie explains how Elastic Memory for Java (EM4J) helps managing memory for Java installations in virtual settings.
Java without the GC Pauses: Keeping Up with Moore's Law and Living in a Virtualized World
Gil Tene presents current trends in application memory, the problems with garbage collectors along with some related metrics, and how can Java prosper in a virtual world.
The Private Cloud: Amazon, Google, ... and You!
Jon Brisbin tells how his company created a private cloud based on vSphere, tcServer, RabbitMQ, and REST, underlining the advantages brought by virtualization, parallelism, and asynchronicity.
Open Source VI (vSphere) Java API for Managing VMware Platforms
This talk gives an overview of the VMWare management API, how to configure vSphere/VMware Server, provisioning new VMs and managing their lifecycles, monitoring performance, and automating management.
SpringSource and VMWare: Making Sense Of It All
Adrian Colyer and Karl Rumelhart discuss the VMWare acquisition of SpringSource, Cloud Foundry, public vs private cloud, virtualization, vSphere, Infrastructure as a Service and vSphere performance.


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Crème brûlée
Is there anything better than a creamy, scrumptious dessert that mixes all the best ingredients to make something to savor? :-) Crème brûlée is my favorite French dessert, which also happens to be one of the easiest ones to make, in a way. It's a perfect solution for leftover yolks (after making Swiss meringue or Italian meringue buttercream)—one batch of the buttercream allows making 4-6 mini bowls of the dessert!
To prepare the crusty shell on top, you will need a blowtorch—you can get a small one at some convenience stores, and however some recipes out there suggest using a broiler instead, this method is faster, easier, and allows you to control the amount of browned caramel on top.
Whole-grain bread rolls
There are not many things that can beat the whole grain bread, unless it's 8 delicious little whole grain breadrolls ;-) These are perfect for breakfast, and you can easily prepare and bake them in one evening, for e.g. Sunday breakfast! :-)
My fool-proof recipe will be a great fun, and a good addition to your baking arsenal.
Coffee cake
My first real cake, made with delicious coffee-flavored buttercream. It was really good, and simple! Because this cake doesn't require leveling, you can simply bake two layers separately, then stack them — a perfect recipe for beginners! :-)
I made my cake with normal instant coffee, but you can also use decaf coffee for same taste, but caffeine-free cake! :-)
When you make your own pasta, you will always end up with some scraps, even more if you make ravioli. You can easily recycle this leftover pasta to make maltagliati, meaning "poorly cut" in Italian, which was traditionally meant as food for the poor. We are way past that, and today you can enjoy rich texture and amazing flavor of your pasta without the social stigma ;-)
Meringue hearts
Let this special someone know you've got your eye on them with a cute, delicious, sweet meringue heart. You only need a couple of eggs, and some sugar, and of course red coloring. These are irresistible and will make an everlasting impression (because everyone loves the person that brings sweets, right?).