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Editor's note: Tahitian Princess sailed its final French Polynesia cruises in December 2008 and was renamed Ocean Princess in November 2009.
A solid wall of humidity slammed into me as soon as I exited the plane at Tahiti's Faaa Airport -- but so did the scent of fresh flowers as dark, voluptuous women with glistening skin beamed at the new crop of tourists and ringed our necks with leis. People throw the word "paradise" around -- a lot -- but in this case, as I walked toward an open-air terminal to collect luggage, clear customs and ultimately board a 10-night cruise on Tahitian Princess, I knew I was "there."
Tahiti may be in the same time zone as Hawaii, but it is still a nine-hour flight from Los Angeles -- and that's after the multi-hour trek folks from the Midwest and East Coast have to make! I traveled from the New York area's Newark Airport; with a layover, a few delays and a bus transfer from Tahiti's Faaa airport to the cruise terminal, my door-to-ship travel time was about 24 hours. But here's the thing: It's absolutely worth sacrificing a day to get to the isles of the South Pacific.
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What also intrigued me about the South Pacific is its image as a fictional paradise. I knew of the islands' beauty through Pulitzer-prize winner James Michener's "Tales of the South Pacific," and of course the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical "South Pacific" based on two short stories from that novel. You remember the tunes: "Some Enchanted Evening," "Younger Than Springtime," "Bali Hai" ... you'll be singing "here am I your special island, come to me, come to me" under your breath before you even leave the airport. I imagined Tahiti and her islands, a phrase that generally encompasses much of French Polynesia, to be true paradises on earth, as romantic and idyllic as Bali Hai was in the story.
Like the Hawaiian Islands, French Polynesian ports all have different personalities, though you will have to dig a little deeper to find each island's own character. We overheard one beach bum say, "If you've seen one island, you've seen them all." And, to be sure, in every port you'll see gorgeous blue lagoons and towering mountainous interiors. A lot of activities are similar too, including snorkeling, shopping for black pearls and visiting vanilla plantations.
But beyond that there are historical and cultural distinctions. Raiatea is known as the "sacred isle" because it was the place for Polynesians to congregate for ceremonies, such as fire-walks, human sacrifices and funerals. Huahine's tiny fishing villages are sleepy and authentic while Bora Bora, dependent on tourism, is a little bit slicker with over a dozen luxury resorts gleaming on the lagoon and more gathering places for tourist hordes, such as the bar at the famous Bloody Mary's restaurant.
If you have never been to the region before -- and a lot of visitors are first-timers -- how do you know for sure which island is just right for you, not too slow, not too fast? For that reason, this is a perfect place to cruise. Lush Tahiti, the capital of French Polynesia, is just the tip of the iceberg, with nearby islands promising exploration by 4WD safari vehicles and water sports in the crystal clear turquoise waters. A cruise is also a much cheaper option than staying on land. Those luscious over-the-water bungalows you see in glossy travel magazines average just shy of $1,000 a night. Yes, a night! Compare that to a deal we saw for our 10-night cruise, just a few weeks before the sail date, of $999 per person.
We also liked the fact that our cruise would allow us to venture outside the region as well; Tahitian Princess also sails to New Zealand's Cook Islands (we stopped at Rarotonga). Most of the French Polynesian ports are within a few hours of each other by cruise ship and so offer minimal sea days. Heading to Rarotonga, however, which is far enough away to warrant a sea day, there and back, adds time for onboard relaxation.
Choosing the ship was easy as there are only two mainstream vessels that sail here year-round: Princess' Tahitian Princess, one of that line's smallest ships inherited from the now-defunct Renaissance Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises' Paul Gauguin. (Star Clippers will enter the market for the first time when it deploys Star Flyer to Tahiti year-round in December 2007.) We've sailed with Princess before -- on newer, larger ships like Sapphire and Crown Princess -- and were really intrigued by the chance to experience Princess in a different way.
Editor's Note: Princess Cruises has announced that as of 2008, Tahitian Princess will no longer be stationed year-round in the South Pacific. The ship will still sail French Polynesian itineraries throughout winter, spring and fall -- but will spend the summer in Alaska.
The Logistics of Paradise
The islands of the South Pacific are so paradisiacal and laid-back it almost seems counterintuitive to stress over planning one's trip. Yet that's my nature -- anything that can go wrong will, I say. The night before our flight I woke my fiance and travel companion Mike every 10 minutes with another burning question: "What if my luggage doesn't make it?" "What if we don't make it?" And, "Did you pack enough sunscreen?"
My anxiety aside, it really is important to think through all of the logistics when preparing for a cruise so far from home. In this case, it isn't exactly a breeze to get to Tahiti -- there are only a few carriers that operate flights from Los Angeles (Air Tahiti Nui, Air New Zealand and Air France are the major players), and departures are limited to one or two daily. So if you show up late or miss a connection somewhere along the way, you might be stuck until the next day.
I was pleasantly surprised to learn in planning my trip that passengers board Tahitian Princess on, say, a Sunday (actual embarkation days vary) -- but the ship doesn't actually depart until Monday evening. Between embarkation and sail away, passengers can come and go as they please as if staying at an on-land resort. Having the extra day at the start of the cruise is particularly beneficial on this itinerary because if you hit an air travel snag, at least you know your ship will still be there when you finally do arrive.
Well, not always. There was a huge snowstorm in the Midwest the week of our cruise, and so many passengers faced canceled or delayed flights. Yes, some arrived on the day we set sail, technically the second day of the 10-night cruise. But because the departures to Tahiti are so limited, we saw others finally reaching the ship a few days in, rolling their suitcases to the tender dock in Huahine or up the gangway in Raiatea.
Luckily, our flights were unaffected and we arrived as planned. But as a general rule of thumb, when you are cruising a region that's distant and not easily accessible by plane, it is best to plan to arrive in the city of embarkation a day or two early. This way, you allow yourself more time to explore; if you are flying all the way to Tahiti, you might as well see Tahiti! And if weather or another uncontrollable force delays you, you're less likely to miss the boat (so to speak).
Starting in Papeete
Papeete, the capital of Tahiti and the typical turnaround point for cruises, accounts for well over half of the island's overall population of 180,000. Papeete is also the most urban of the ports (it was here we encountered the region's only real city bus system), and numerous shops, attractions and cafes are within easy walking distance from the cruise ship dock.
We spent our afternoon on embarkation day covering the waterfront on foot, ducking into small shops and enjoying a seafood lunch at Jack Lobster atop the Vaima Center, a four-level shopping and dining complex. It was so close to our dock that we could see many of our shipmates returning from the Marche du Papeete, a fabulous market with a French feel, with flower arrangements for their cabins -- one of the more affordable items to pick up in this most expensive region.
Princess: "Boutique" Style
I think what surprised me most about the 680-passenger Tahitian Princess was that it didn't feel as different as I expected it to. Sure, you can explore the whole ship in the same amount of time it might take you to pop into just the restaurants on one of today's mega-ships, but the line has found space for its trademark activities, such as art auctions, bingo tournaments and, yes, the men's sexy legs competition -- similar to bigger vessels like the 2,670-passenger Sapphire Princess.
But the big difference is that because the spaces are so intimate in size there's a lot going on at once. While I painted a trinket box at Ceramics@Sea, in a covered part of the Lido deck, a couple played Ping-Pong just a few feet away (I didn't mind handing over stray balls every once in awhile); meanwhile, I could also participate in pool volleyball because a game was being announced nearby over the microphone by a very enthusiastic activities director.
I also didn't expect there to be such a separation between life ashore and life onboard. There are a few Polynesian influences onboard -- local fruit (pineapples, bananas and papaya) is brought in from ashore for use in the galley, and a Polynesian buffet is offered for lunch one day during the cruise. A special screening of the original "South Pacific" film was shown in the Cabaret Lounge, the main entertainment venue, and local performers boarded at sail away and in certain ports to put on poolside and evening shows. For the most part, though, the shipboard experience is distinctively Princess right down to the dining room menus that mirror what's available fleetwide.
Also, it is clear that this ship wasn't built for cruising in this destination. The decor, while classy and elegant, is dark and rich -- not exactly tropical. The flooring on the pool deck retains heat; walk barefoot at your own risk. Hallways were often humid, and the temperature in the stateroom was hard to maintain even though we had the A/C cranked as high as the dial could turn (and I'm usually freezing!). We would have loved to see some Polynesian-themed spa treatments and more special drinks and dishes.
Tahitian Princess really was our floating hotel. After re-boarding in each port, I'd climb the grand staircase all the while admiring the delicate molding along the walls, or collapse into one of the antique-y blue couches in the lobby to chat with new friends or write postcards. It felt more like staying at an English country house than on a modern pieced-together cruise ship -- except that in the mornings, I'd draw the curtains to see a new tropical paradise on the horizon.
Kick Back, Relax and Enjoy Huahine
If French Polynesia is regaled as a relaxed place, Huahine is the inspiration. When we stepped off of our tender boat and onto terra firma in Huahine, I felt at odds with myself. The impulse to "go, go, go" was squelched by an overwhelming sense of calm and a somewhat deafening silence. There were no cars or taxis zipping along the one slim road fronting the tender pier; just my fellow cruise passengers and I in awe of the lush jungle-like foliage creeping up the steep mountains.
This is how small Huahine, population 5,000, really is, at least according to ship lore: A passenger chatted with a local longing for something from the states -- beef jerky. The passenger offered to send some and was instructed to address the package this simply: her name, Huahine, French Polynesia. The jerky got there, no address required! It was this port in particular that gave us a sense of "old" Polynesia, not something fabricated for tourists.
Around the island, you'll see 400-year-old stone fish traps that the locals still use today (mahi mahi, marlin and tuna are abundant here). Some of Polynesia's coolest archeological sites -- stone and coral temples -- are on Huahine; the town of Maeva was once a seat of ancient Polynesian government. There's a lookout point called Belevedere, where panoramic views of Maroe Bay took my breath away; from here there's a clear view of the ship at anchor, looking for the entire world like a tiny tub toy in the vast aqua water, but fog prevented a great photo.
After a ship-sponsored tour, which included a stop at a museum in a hut over the water, Mike and I grabbed Princess' $5 shuttle into Fare, Huahine's main town (it's too far to walk, and public transportation is extremely limited). There are a few shops here selling colorful pareos (silk wraps) and vanilla beans, a pretty beach within walking distance, and an oceanfront restaurant where we had grilled mahi mahi sandwiches and Tahiti-brewed Hinano beer -- the first of many seafood lunches and cold brews we'd enjoy ashore.
Bringing Something New to the Table
If you have sailed with Princess before you know what to expect in onboard dining: lobster night, beef Wellington night and plenty of al dente pasta. Our loveliest onboard dining experience was our Ultimate Balcony Dinner; we were tired from a busy day onshore in Raiatea, and also ready for a change from the formal dinners that were such a stark contrast to the casualness in port. We had many impromptu hot dogs at the grill, and took advantage of the fact that the buffet's pizzeria is open during dinnertime as a casual alternative to the main dining room.
But I wanted to dine on something sumptuous amid tropical breezes, and -- if the mood struck -- with my shoes kicked off under the table.
The Ultimate Balcony Dinner offers a special meal that is served course by course on your verandah. Though it rained the night of our dinner, we braved the elements (our waiter told us passengers having balcony dinners that evening on the starboard side of the ship had to move their meals indoors because the wind was blowing the rain toward them). On the port side, the wind was fortunately blowing the rain away from the ship; whenever my bread plate would start to get wet we'd scoot our table a little further from the railing.
The meal consists of four courses: a crab cake appetizer, a crisp salad with creamy goat cheese, the main entree of lobster (or steak, or both), and four mousses for dessert (chocolate, vanilla, pistachio and more chocolate). All are served by a waiter -- as is Champagne and a cocktail or glass of wine of your choice. As part of the package, the ship sends a photographer to the room to take an 8x10 photograph.
We were still docked that evening, so between courses we spied on the folks sitting under umbrellas at the waterside restaurants. Some local musicians scheduled to perform on the ship that evening played drums on the dock first, so we even had dinner entertainment. Thankfully the downpour stopped before our main course.
Balcony dining is available to any passenger with a balcony cabin and costs an extra $100 per couple. It was worth every penny -- leisurely (read: several hours of eating and don't expect to go dancing afterward) and very conducive to whispered conversations and hand-holding over the bread basket....
The Pursuit of Romance in Paradise
Speaking of romance, when Mike and I announced to our friends and family that we were taking a cruise to the South Pacific, we saw a lot of raised eyebrows and heard this more than once: "Why don't you save that kind of trip for your honeymoon?"
It was a valid question. We are getting married next year, and these islands are famed as a honeymoon destination for good reason. Gorgeous landscapes and sultry weather make for a most romantic atmosphere; it's secluded and steamy, and if you need a true aphrodisiac, noni -- a bitter local juice (I didn't taste it but the smell was pungent) -- is believed to stroke the libido. And let's not forget the French food with its decadent, though hip-widening, sauces. What most people didn't know, though, was that we did actually consider getting married while we were there. However, our bright idea came a little too late and we learned pretty quickly that advance planning is once again imperative.
Princess would be a perfect choice for a shipboard wedding. It's the only North American cruise company that offers at-sea ceremonies, and its captains are legally able to marry passengers. But because the ships are registered in Bermuda, couples need to apply there for their license at least a few weeks before, and an announcement must run in the local paper there -- so eloping is just not an option. If you are tying the knot, you might also consider arriving in Tahiti a few days early to swap vows ashore (then use the cruise as a true honeymoon, no guests allowed!) -- but again, you'll need to set these wheels in motion ahead of time.
Which Island Fits Your Personality?
Each island is different, with its own history, scenery and characteristics -- and excursions. Rarotonga is all about nature; because the island is so green and lush, and because there are no natural predators, hiking through local plantations and low-lying forest is a must-do (fellow cruisers raved about a local tour guide named Pa, who points out local herbal medicines along the way). There's a bird sanctuary that can be explored as well.
History buffs, meanwhile, can visit multiple maraes -- outdoor ancient worship temples used in old Polynesia for ceremonial purposes. Many were destroyed or abandoned with the arrival of Christianity in the 19th century, but there are still high concentrations on Huahine and Raiatea.
Raiatea is the only island from which you can take a tour of another island. We loved our excursion from Raiatea to Tahaa, a smaller, quieter island that shares the same lagoon. After our boat transfer we saw a woman fishing for lunch while her two skinny dogs, cat and kids ran around playing in the dirt (one of the kids was completely naked, to the delight of the camera-toting tourists -- the kids didn't seem to mind the attention, either). On Tahaa, most people don't work; they simply live off the land, fishing for their daily meals much like this mother was.
One of the main reasons I wanted to get to Tahaa is because I am an avid baker -- and Tahaa is known as the vanilla island. Three-quarters of all Tahitian vanilla is produced there, and we visited a family-run plantation where you can see where and how the beans are grown, and then purchase some to take home. I expected to see the leathery brown ribbons I see chefs slicing down the middle on the Food Network to procure sweet vanilla seeds. But when vanilla is on the vine, the beans are bright green and plump like string beans (vanilla is part of the orchard family; the vines wrap around a "host" plant -- anything tall and leafy).
I sniffed around the plants and couldn't smell the vanilla; turns out the beans don't really become fragrant until they are dried in the sun. As soon as we walked into the barn-like open-air shopping area, however, the perfume of vanilla was thick and warm like cake just out of the oven.
Now I know why that tiny bottle of McCormick's extract in my local supermarket is nearly $7. From start to finish, the vanilla takes a lengthy year and half to be cultivated and prepared for the marketplace -- and it needs to be pollinated by hand. (It is the second most expensive spice in the world, next to saffron.) Thankfully, we learned how to make our own extract at the farm: buy a cheap bottle of rum and soak 10 Tahitian vanilla beans in there for three months. Back home, I'm not-so-patiently watching my "tub" of homemade vanilla extract develop its dark brown and delicious finish.
Passenger Demographics
Our off-the-beaten-path travel style has proven interesting for us on trips that aren't necessarily geared to our demographic. We were definitely the youngest couple onboard a South America voyage last year. Tahitian Princess appeals to a sizeable number of honeymooners because of the romantic locale, but for the most part it attracts somewhat more mature travelers -- folks who are retired and now have the time to see world at their leisure.
Still, this itinerary struck me at first as being a bit unfriendly for, say, seniors with limited mobility. There are no jet ways at the airport in Papeete; passengers must be able to walk up and down stairs to exit and board the aircraft, or make special arrangements. Also, almost all of the ports require anchoring and tendering except Papeete and Raiatea. Rarotonga is notorious for rough seas and calls are often canceled because ships cannot safely anchor; the day we arrived, the tender was bopping up and down like a rubber duckie. Its platform never did quite line up with the gangway leaving a scary step at least a foot or so in either direction -- but admittedly, no one in this well-traveled crowd seemed fazed by this!
Old or moderately young, athletic or not, fellow passengers told me that this was their once-in-a-lifetime trip -- so distant and such a splurge -- and that they wouldn't even consider staying behind. Who knew we'd meet the same people on active excursions like helmet diving and safari drives?
Bora Bora: Living Up to the Hype?
I have to confess: We were prepared not to like Bora Bora. I know that sounds insane, but I chalk it up to too much of a good thing -- I read too many travel articles online by jaded writers who condemned it the most tourist-y of the Polynesian ports due to crowded bars and restaurants, and overpriced bungalows. And quite frankly I couldn't care less where Nicole Kidman spent her honeymoon. But I couldn't have been more wrong....
Besides a day in Papeete at the beginning and end of the voyage, the ship only overnights in two ports -- Raiatea and Bora Bora -- but it leaves Raiatea early on the second morning, whereas it doesn't depart Bora Bora until late in the afternoon on the second day. So, because we essentially had two full days, we booked a pair of ship-sponsored excursions.
The first day, we took a 4WD island tour; we were fortunate to be the last of our group off the tender, and ended up having a safari vehicle all to ourselves (they usually hold about 10). The ride is bumpy -- we were warned of that ahead of time -- but the fact that there were no bodies cushioning us on either side of the wooden benches also meant that for each sharp turn or dirt pile, my behind would slide to and fro, or bounce clear off the seat. It was great fun, even though my arms were sore the next day from holding on for dear life!
On day two, we did a helmet dive, which has piqued my interest in learning to scuba. You don't even need to know how to swim to participate in this tour; the idea is to give you a scuba experience -- definitely up close and personal, as they say, with the underwater world -- without having to become certified or learn any new techniques. Each helmet supplies oxygen so you can breathe normally, and best of all, your hair doesn't even get wet.
After a short ride on a motorboat, one by one we walked down a ladder into the water. Once the water is about chest-high, the weighted helmet is lowered onto your shoulders; then you descend the ladder (about 15 ft.) until reaching the sea floor at which point all you have to do was walk around and enjoy the view of the fish and coral! The helmet is heavy -- about 70 pounds -- but once you are beneath the surface you don't feel it.
Mike and I, in awe of a particularly plump yellow and blue fish, kept passing our underwater camera back and forth to snap shots. However, the glass of the mask distorted distance a bit (things that looked dangerously close, like sharp coral rocks, were still quite a ways away), and I missed the strap on one pass and accidentally let go of the camera. In a flash, it floated up to the surface and started bobbing away from where our boat was anchored. Our guide Jean Paul, in his dive gear, rescued it for us -- and took a snapshot of us together in our outfits.
In addition to saving our camera, Jean Paul was incredibly professional and a lot of fun. Each person gets a chunk of a French baguette to feed the fish; he took my soggy bread and rubbed it all over the front viewing panel of my helmet. I'll never forget seeing what had to be a hundred bright striped fish dive-bombing my head for a snack. Thankfully, nobody could hear me laughing and shrieking inside of my helmet but me.
Whether you choose to venture into the water as we did or relax on Bora Bora's beaches, don't miss a visit to Bloody Mary's bar and restaurant, named after a character in James Michener's novel and the subsequent "South Pacific" musical. The institution is famous in part as a hangout for the elite. When you pull up (you'll need to take a $5 per-person taxi or shuttle, as it is not within walking distance) there are two huge wooden boards printed up with the names of celebrities who've been there, from Rod Stewart to Jimmy Buffett.
But beyond that, it's truly earned its bragging rights for being a really fun place. The sand floor is tropical and casual, and you can check your shoes at the front door if you want to feel it between your toes. Even the bathrooms are an attraction. They are al fresco, though you go in private thanks to "walls" of bamboo and foliage; in the women's room, there's a gorgeous waterfall sink and in the men's, a funny phallic toilet flusher (yes, I peeked in!).
I'm glad we went to Bloody Mary's for lunch as opposed to dinner -- I saw a lobster entree on the menu for 6,500 francs, about $65! I was continuously reminded, and shocked, by how expensive everything on these islands really can be. Aside from fish and some local produce like bananas and coconuts, everything (beef, grain) is imported, mostly from France and Australia, both some distance away.
But hitting up fancier eateries for lunch instead of dinner is a great way to experience local favorites without blowing your food and souvenir budget in one fell swoop. My cheeseburger with the restaurant's "special sauce" was much more reasonable and hit the spot after eating nothing but fish, fish and more fish ashore. All tastes best washed down with a super spicy Bloody Mary, the apropos house drink.
Magical Moorea
Harking back to "South Pacific," it is often said that the fictional island in the musical -- Bali Hai -- was based on Moorea, and the island is as idyllic as any set designer could dream up: soft sand beaches, clear azure water and jagged mountains that appear to pierce right through cottony clouds. I was amazed by how pristine the landscape is -- even the power cables are buried underground so as not to mar Moorea's natural beauty.
You can swim or snorkel right from the shore, but we decided to take in the atmosphere on the ship's secluded motu (small island) "beach break" excursion because it all but promised a stingray encounter without the crowds and hype of, say, Stingray City in Grand Cayman. Indeed, a very friendly stingray swam right up to Mike and me while we were floating in the bathtub-warm water off the motu. I thought I'd be scared; as gentle as they seem who can forget what happened to Steve Irwin, the gutsy host of the wildlife documentary series "The Crocodile Hunter" who died after a stingray attack in Australia while filming a show. But Irwin's case was rare and with a different type of creature.
This stingray tickled my leg as he passed by -- which made me giggle and squirm -- but I have to say I never was certain if it was actually his body that touched me or simply a current of water conducted by his motion. I was impressed by how graceful they are underwater, gliding around the docked boats and human visitors, getting so close without ever bumping into anything. It's like they are equipped with mini GPS systems!
Our swim was topped off by a barbecue lunch: a feast of chicken, fish, sausages and fresh fruit. It was one of the most relaxing days -- and tours -- of the trip. In hindsight, this was the one port where we wished we'd had time to do even more, such as hiking through the island's unspoiled rainforest or parasailing above its craggy peaks and duo of picturesque bays.
Looking Back
After 10 days on this ship and in this region of the world, we returned tan, relaxed -- and with changed perceptions. The small-ship experience wasn't as different as we expected. I never felt confined and got to participate in all of my favorite activities. Mike often couldn't find me because I was peeking in on dance classes and pearl shopping seminars, or brushing another coat of paint on my teal and yellow ceramic box, now proudly displayed on my dresser. We were also thrilled to relive familiar meals from past trips on modern Princess ships at Sabatini's (eating more seafood cioppino, cannelloni and fried cheese than we thought humanly possible).
There was one difference, though, and it was positive: With fewer people onboard, we really got to know staff members. The lido deck bartender knew us, and when we'd sit down for our afternoon snack at the grill, he'd hook us up immediately with diet Cokes (and even kicked back a few on the house); that personal interaction more than anything else sets this ship apart from its fleet mates.
And the destination? Well, after reading a book about a place, or seeing a play, it never turns out to be exactly how you pictured it in your head. But in this case, reality was pretty close to fiction: breathtaking, idyllic and relaxing. I'd never seen water so blue; the Caribbean is greenish and the ocean off the Jersey shore where I live is (sadly) gray. The bays and lagoons surrounding the islands of the South Pacific are colors I've only seen in the Crayola 64 box of crayons: cerulean, turquoise, aquamarine. But beyond the typically stunning landscape, we bounced up a hill in Bora Bora in a 4WD vehicle to see giant World War II cannons, walked on the bottom of the ocean with just a helmet and a loaf of bread -- and, in today's busy world, found time to really talk to each other over mahi mahi burgers and beer on Huahine.
Who knows? ... maybe we'll be back as newlyweds.
--Images of ship in Papeete, Hinano beer, balcony dinner, Tahaa, 4WD tour and Bloody Mary's bar and restaurant appear courtesy of Michael Paloti.


text:
Are these Australia-China circles of influence built on hot air?
The tycoon, the money and the politicians. How China-Australia relations really work.
John Garnaut is Fairfax Media's Asia Pacific editor. Most recently he was China correspondent. John graduated in law and arts from Monash University and worked for three years as a commercial lawyer at Melbourne firm Hall & Wilcox before joining the Sydney Morning Herald as a cadet in 2002. He became the Economics Correspondent in the Canberra press gallery and in 2007 was posted to Beijing.
The tycoon, the money and the politicians. How China-Australia relations really work.
Obama and Xi face off in Washington
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China's President has used a massive military parade to manipulate people into feeling united – all in pursuit of political objectives.
China has won the first round of its contest for control in the South China Sea by completing construction of an archipelago of artificial islands which will enable it to further project its military power.
Australia needs to guard against growing economic and strategic risks emanating from policy instability in China, says Australia's top diplomat.
Australia's nearest neighbour could be on the brink of a Greek-style fiscal crisis following one of the most spectacular budget blow-outs in regional history.
It is the old agenda of dairy, sugar and cars that has all-but-killed a trade deal that was billed as the biggest the world has seen in 20 years.
China is defying international opinion and filling in the holes in its string of fake islands
The problem for China's President Xi Jinping is that the harder he pushes at his borders, and the more muscle he devotes to the cause, the more the world pushes back.
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subset: commoncrawl


text:
Story: Dorothy, an impressionable and idealistic girl growing up with her Aunt Em and Uncle Henry on a farm in Kansas, finds her life turned upside down, literally, when she is swept away by a tornado. She ends up in a magical kingdom where her house has landed on and killed the Wicked Witch of the East.
Determined to find her way back to Kansas, she takes the advice of Addaperle, the Good Witch of the North, and puts on the silver shoes of the Wicked Witch of the East on her way to the Emerald City, where Addaperle says the mystical Wizard will be able to get her back home.
Along her journey on the Yellow Brick Road, she encounters a scarecrow in need of a brain, a tin man yearning for a heart and a cowardly lion desperately seeking courage. Together this quartet of lost souls makes its pilgrimage in the hopes of having their dreams realized.
Highlights: With a book by William F. Brown and music and lyrics by Charlie Smalls, The Wiz is a fanciful retelling of L. Frank Baum's beloved children's book from an African-American perspective. The 1975 Broadway debut was nominated for eight Tony Awards and garnered seven, including Best Musical and Best Choreography (by Geoffrey Holder). It ran four years and 1,672 performances.
If memory serves, The Black Rep produced a fine version of The Wiz several years ago. Certainly, this curtain-closer on its 2013 season is a lively, enjoyable, consistently entertaining frolic through the fanciful Land of Oz to the Emerald City, awash in fine performances, lively dancing and an energetic pace courtesy of director and Black Rep founder and producing director Ron Himes.
Other Info: Himes has dialed up the talent meter for this free-wheeling interpretation, including the Black Rep debut of Broadway star Cedric Neal in the title role. Neal, bathed in lighting designer Sean Savoie's mysterious green lighting and omnipresent vocally through sound designer Chad Finnan's impressive echo machine, is a sure-footed and velvet-tongued Wizard who can instill fear in his dutiful charges, yet also charm the patrons with the moving ballad, Believe in Yourself, and the up-tempo piece, Y'All Got It!
Not to be outdone, charismatic Sarah Stephens as Dorothy shows her expertise with comedy in her banter with the Scarecrow, Tin Man and Lion, as well as joining the ensemble for plenty of smooth moves to Cecil Slaughter's enchanting choreography and belting out an inspiring version of the powerful ballad, Home.
Her sister, Sophia Stephens, is no slouch herself, showcasing her own beautiful voice as Glinda, the Good Witch of the South, near the show's finale on the soulful ballad, A Rested Body Is a Rested Mind.
Black Rep artistic associate Linda Kennedy is a hoot as the upbeat and slightly addlebrained Addaperle, while Daniel Hodges is amusing to watch as The Wiz's officious Gatekeeper and as the oxymoronic Lord High Underling, leader of deference to the imperious Wicked Witch of the West, Evillene.
The latter is portrayed in grand, snarling style by Raphaelle Darden, who struts and sasses the comic number, No Bad News, from her perch overlooking her menials at the start of Act II. Nakischa Joseph gets the show started with a noble turn as Aunt Em extolling the virtues of farm life on the ballad, The Feeling We Once Had.
Of course, what would any version of The Wizard of Oz be without Dorothy's faithful comrades? Ian Coulter-Buford's lithe and limber body makes for a fluid Scarecrow and he complements that physicality with a genial outlook and wise-cracking humor.
Keith Tyrone displays his own dancing prowess and easy way with a glib line as the hopeful Tin Man, while Herman Gordon makes the most of his opportunities as the cowardly Lion, King of the False Bravado Jungle on the amusing number Mean Ole Lion but a timid kitty cat in the heat of battle.
Familiar tunes such as Ease on Down the Road are given high-stepping, spirited renditions by Himes and Slaughter, ably elevated by music director Charles Creath and his smooth combo consisting of William Ranier on bass, guitarist Dennis Brock and drummer Chris Boyd, with Creath at the keyboard.
The band is hidden behind scenic designer Dunsi Dai's fanciful set, awash in a rainbow of resplendent colors to bring home that 'Oz' feeling, which is accentuated throughout by a festive array of costumes designed by Sarita Fellows.
Although it drags noticeably a couple of times in Act I, most of this excursion along the Yellow Brick Road is fun-filled, family entertainment. Ease on down the road to the Grandel Theatre and check it out yourself.
Musical: The Wiz
Company: The Black Rep
Venue: Grandel Theatre, 3610 Grandel Square
Dates: June 6, 7, 8, 9, 13, 14, 15, 16, 20, 21, 22, 23, 27, 28, 29, 30
Tickets: $20-$47, student rush tickets $10; contact 534-3810, metrotix.com or theblackrep.org
Rating: A 4.5 on a scale of 1-to-5.
Photos courtesy of Stewart Goldstein


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Classic Core Training DVD
Old School Master's
Midsection Strength Training
All the old time strongmen of the past did SERIOUS core training. Core training is a new name for a very OLD concept. If you think the Swiss beach ball thing is tough, then you haven't seen Nuthin' yet!
Everything is done around the "core" muscle concept on this DVD. It also requires very minimal equipment, which is one of the great things about training like the old time strongmen. I doubt there is much that you have seen before. This is not just a DVD about doing sit-ups and crunches 500 different ways. You will be surprised at the how much of a full body concept is involved in this work.
Of course, you can also take individual exercises and adapt them to your own training. If you just picked up the new Garage Gym Guide, then you will also want to get the Classic Core Training DVD. Some of the workouts I put together for that guide are built around exercises you will see here.
Get These Classic Exercises Now!
-4 "New" Iron Boot Exercises;
-Bent Pressing vs. Side Presses;
-Combining midsection work with GRIP work;
-Make a Roman Chair;
-Full body rope work with a standard chinning bar;
-Much, much more...
If you have been ignoring your midsection, then this is the education you need.
If crunches are just not doing the job, then this is the education you need.
If you want your squats, benches, deadlifts, cleans, snatches... heck just about any lift, to go up, then this is the DVD you need.
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Hi and thanK you in advance for your help.
I have created a 3 level menu in wordpress and wp_nav_menu
so in my theme i get something like this

Sub item A

sub sub item a

sub sub item b

sub sub item c

Sub item b

sub sub item e

sub sub item f

sub sub item g

And I use this jquery to make it behave like an accordion
$(".sub-menu").hide();$(".current_page_item .sub-menu").show(); $('#menu li a').click( function() { var checkElement = $(this).next(); if((checkElement.is('ul')) && (checkElement.is(':visible'))) { return false; } if((checkElement.is('ul')) && (!checkElement.is(':visible'))) { $('#menu ul:visible').slideUp('normal'); checkElement.slideDown('normal'); return false; } } ); } $(document).ready(function() {initMenu();});
.current_page_item is the class that wordpress automatically assigns to the current menu item, and I use the above jquery code to make the First level submenu to appear a selected and open when the user navigates in the current page
But when user is selecting a second level menu although the second level list is expanded the first level hides again....
This is a newbie javascript question, please some advice will be hellpfull
Thank you in advance
Can you help me understand your problem better? The first thing I did was correct your .sub-menu class (notice the hyphen in your JavaScript versus no-hypen in your HTML).
Doing so, I get the following:http://jsfiddle.net/mgSf3/3/
As far as I can tell, it seems to work, what exactly is it that you need help with?
Well it works for the second level but not for the third level menu
the third level expands but the second level hides again!
Okay, problem fixed. In short, your #menu ul:visible was targeting ALL menus that were visible (including the parent of a sub-item). I added .not(checkElement.parent().parent()). Now this works for 3 levels, may not work for 4 levels.
It works!!!!
Thank you so much!
One more thing if you can help when i click the let say thesub sub sub item c
how can i keep the accordion open?
probably using css i suppose
Okay, I just figured out about parentsUntil() which will let it work for infinite number of levels http://jsfiddle.net/4JusM/4/
So it redirects to another page, and you want it to automatically open up all the way to sub sub sub item c right?
Yes thats it
Does the URL match the HREF value of sub sub sub item c?
yes it also gets a css class li class=current-menu-item
and the parent li the class=current-page-ancestor
See the following:http://jsfiddle.net/4JusM/6/
I added the following line:
yes!!! it works !!!!!!
thank you so much
Your welcome.
Very nice work cpradio.
For educational purposes, what needs to be added so that you can retain the functionality of the menu, but you can toggle the slideup/down functionality?
Currently, if an element is active you can't click it to toggle the slide function, you have to click a different element to get it to slide up.
if ((checkElement.is('ul')) && (checkElement.is(':visible'))) {
return false;
To be:
if ((checkElement.is('ul')) && (checkElement.is(':visible'))) {
return false;
As seen here: http://jsfiddle.net/4JusM/44/
Guess I was over-thinking it.
Great job!


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A MOTHER is warning parents and young girls in Gloucestershire to be vigilant after her 15-year-old daughter was approached and inappropriately propositioned by an older man.
Dana Wyatt had been walking home from her part-time job at a nearby pub when a man, who she had spoken to previously at the pub and knew her age, stopped her and suggested she could work with him in the porn industry, according to her mother Kerry Volante, 43.
After the exchange on the corner of Spouthouse Lane, the Rednock School pupil went home and told her mother what had happened, who called the police straight away.
Ms Volante said she was not happy with the police's reaction to the incident, which she believes was attempted "grooming".
"I think they should be doing more. They should make it more aware to girls that these people are out there," she said.
"How is that not a crime when he approached a young girl knowing she is under age? It's not good enough. I think it's a poor job that the police can't do more.
"What's to say he isn't going to do this again?"
The single mother-of-three and lifelong Cam resident from Woodfield said it has had a big impact on Dana, who she described before the incident as "out-going" and a "good achiever".
"She won't walk home from school on her own now, I have had to get my grandparents to pick her up because she is too worried to walk on her own," she said.
"It has shaken her confidence completely. She has gone right back into herself. It's not easy to forget about for her.
"You always think it will never happen to you so when it does it is quite a shock."
The housewife has since contacted Victim Support to see whether they can help her child and is also considering counselling via the school.
A spokesman for Gloucestershire Police said they had been made aware of the incident.
"Although no criminal offence was committed, officers have issued the man with a Police Information Notice warning the man to not to speak to the girl," he said.
"If he does and the victim makes a complaint he could be arrested. Our advice to anyone who may be subject to this type of behaviour and you believe that it is inappropriate is to call police immediately."


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Korean Air Adds More Atlanta Flights
ATLANTA, Georgia (August 3) -- Flying to Asia just got better for Southeastern U.S. travelers because Korean Air is adding more flights to its Atlanta service.
America's largest Asian airline, Korean Air, has added three non-stop night flights a week from Atlanta-Hartsfield to complement its daily afternoon non-stop service to Asia, for a combined total of 10 flights each week.
"Our Atlanta flights connect to more than 20 cities in China and over 15 in Japan," says Korean Air's John Jackson, director of marketing and sales. "We have a great schedule and have seen dynamic growth in the southeast…strong enough to sustain more service. We've been improving our schedules and service for the past decade and customers are responding."
Korean Air Flight 35 departs Hartsfield at 1 p.m. each day and arrives in Seoul/Incheon the following afternoon. The new Korean Air night Flight 33 departs just after midnight on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays and arrives in Seoul/Incheon in the morning, in plenty of time to make easy connections to all points in Asia.
Korean Air flies to Seoul and beyond from 13 North American gateways, and Atlanta is one of its busiest. Other gateways are Calgary; Chicago; Dallas/Fort Worth; Honolulu; Las Vegas; Los Angeles; New York; San Francisco; Seattle; Toronto; Vancouver and Washington, DC.
About Korean Air
In 2009, Business Traveler magazine honored Korean Air for the fourth consecutive year as having the "Best Transpacific Business Class" and ranked it "The Best Airline in Asia" for three consecutive years; TTG Asia rated it as the Best North Asian Airline; the carrier was named the 2009 winner of the Global Travel Catering Distinction Award by Pax International magazine; World Traveler magazine rated it has having the world's best inflight service; readers of Travel & Leisure magazine said it is one of the world's top 10 international airlines, and readers of Conde Nast Traveler magazine voted it has having one of the world's top five business classes.
Korean Air, with a fleet of 129 aircraft, is one of the world's top 20 airlines, and operates almost 400 passenger flights per day to 116 cities in 39 countries. It is a founding member of the SkyTeam alliance that, together with it its the thirteen members, offers its 395 million annual passengers a worldwide system of more than 13,000 daily flights covering 898 destinations in 169 countries. More on Korean Air's programs, routes, frequency and partners is available at www.koreanair.com.
Penny Pfaelzer
PfaelzerDean & Partners, Inc.
1020 E. Northern Ave.
Phoenix, AZ 85020 USA
Phone: 602-315-1149
Fax: 602-371-8187


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Open House @ VS 6/8/13
Video Symphony
Saturday, June 8, 2013 at 9:30 AM (PDT)
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Evolution Hoax
A9 TV; 1 February 2012
Opposition permits strengthening because if we and I had no opposition it would be almost impossible for me and my web sites to be known. Very difficult. It is impossible to become known through praise; but becoming known through opposition imparts a wonderful force. For example, if there is a headline saying, "Adnan Hodja's terrible gaffe," you wonder what it was. But if it says, "Adnan Hodja describes things very well," that will not have the same impact. One will not be curious. But if you talk about a "terrible mistake," that sets one wondering. Then both friends and enemies will visit and have a look at it as well as people who are completely uninvolved.
(In response to a viewer's question, "Will the Mahdi receive revelation?")
Revelation also comes to bees. It comes to people, but they will not be aware of it. Revelation comes to all Muslims. Conscience is in any case revelation from Allah, but one does not realize that it is revelation. Allah also sends revelation to bees. He will send revelation to the Mahdi, but the Mahdi will be unaware of it. He will send revelation to his heart, but he will not know it is revelation. This is revelation as with the prophets, but not through literally seeing Gabriel. It will come through working on the conscience, insha'Allah. An angel directs and assists. Gabriel and Michael assist to the right and left. But is one aware of that? One is not, insha'Allah.
My brothers should have a check-up at least once. Young or old, that is essential. They must have a general check-up. One never knows what may happen, so they must not eat whatever they find. They should have a cholesterol check and keep their cholesterol down. They must scrupulously do whatever the doctor tells them, insha'Allah.2012-03-04 16:09:45


text:
Bryan Wilson
Bryan Wilson serves as the director of the Auto Burglary and Theft Prevention Authority (ABTPA). He works with the authority to reduce the incidence or automobile burglary and thefts by providing grants to local law enforcement agencies.
Wilson has more than 25 years of experience serving the courts and state since 1988. Prior to joining TxDMV, Wilson served as grants administrator for the Texas Indigent Defense Commission which distributes approximately $30 million in grants per year to all Texas Counties. He also established the grant program and administration that supported the Texas Supreme Court Permanent Judicial Commission on Children Youth and Families. He has also worked for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) as a probation officer, grants administrator for the Treatment Alternative to Incarceration program, and program director for the Office of General Counsel.
Wilson holds a Masters of Public Administration from Texas Tech University.
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BEIJING — The potential exists for feed and/or feed ingredients to serve as a vector for porcine epidemic diarrhea (PED) virus, though more research is urgently needed. Some feeds contain spray-dried porcine plasma, and experts are taking a closer look at this product.
Researchers have found the PED virus in swine feed but to date, they have not been able to transmit it to pigs from feed.
"The industry is going to have to look hard at the use of any animal protein in feed," says Dr. Walter Tibbits, a nutritionist with Cape Fear Consulting Company. "We do know we're seeing it in feed but we don't know which ingredient it's coming from," he told an audience in Beijing, China today.
It is known that other diseases can be identified in feed. The June 2011 Journal of Animal Science carried a research study by H.G. Shen, S. Schalk, P.G. Halbur, J.M. Campbell, L.E. Russell and T. Opriessnig called "commercially produced spray-dried porcine plasma contains increased concentrations of porcine circovirus type 2 DNA but does not transmit porcine circovirus type 2 when fed to naïve pigs."
"The magnitude of risk that swine feed can be a potential vector for porcine epidemic diarrhea (PED) virus transmission is currently unknown," posted Dr. Steve Dritz from Kansas State University on the KSU website this month. "We believe that further investigation is urgently needed to define the relative risk of feed or feed ingredients for transmission of PED virus."
Some companies aren't taking any chances, however. Grand Valley Fortifiers based in Cambridge, Ontario, Canada, is asking its customers to stop feeding products that contain porcine origin blood plasma. It is recalling all the feed products in question and will credit farmers if they've bought the feed products.
Dr. Harpreet Kochhar, Chief Veterinary Officer for Canada says they are investigating reports that feed could be the means by which porcine epidemic diarrhea is spreading. PEDv has been confirmed on at least 16 farms in Ontario, one in Manitoba and one in Prince Edward Island.
During a town hall teleconference hosted by Ontario Pork recently, Dr. Kochhar says they are conducting an experiment using susceptible piglets at the National Centre for Foreign Animal Disease in Winnipeg. The study involves feeding piglets either feed or only the plasma sprayed on the feed. He notes, however, that plasma is sprayed a high temperature that should kill the virus.


text:
As an alternative to «dissident», «nonconformist», «dissenter», «activist», etc, why not try the above word, a participial form of Latin «recusare» («to refuse/object» ? Not, of course, that we know anybody like that....
Use this forum to suggest Good Words for Professor Beard.
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- Grand Panjandrum
- Posts: 1142
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WordNet Dictionary says:
Webster's 1913 dictionary says:
I had only heard this word in the context of "the judge recused himself from the case", and so thought it was legalese for "excused". So, refusal is immoral in the case of recusant, but moral in the case of recused?
1. [n] someone who refuses to conform to established standards of conduct
2. [adj] refusing to submit to authority; "the recusant electors...cooperated in electing a new Senate"- Mary W.Williams
3. [adj] (of Catholics formerly) refusing to attend services of the Church of England
Synonyms: disobedient, dissentient, nonconformist, unorthodox
Antonyms: conformist
Webster's 1913 dictionary says:
1. \Re*cu"sant\ (-zat; 277), a.[L. recusans, -antis, p. pr. of recure to refuse, to oject to; pref. re- re + causa a cause, pretext: cf. F. r['e]cusant. See {Cause}, and cf. {Ruse}.]
Obstinate in refusal; specifically, in English history, refusing to acknowledge the supremacy of the king in the church, or to conform to the established rites of the church; as, a recusant lord.
It stated him to have placed his son in the household of the Countess of Derby, a recusant papist. --Sir W. Scott.
2. \Re*cu"sant\, n.
1. One who is obstinate in refusal; one standing out stubbornly against general practice or opinion.
The last rebellious recusants among the European family of nations. --De Quincey.
2. (Eng. Hist.) A person who refuses to acknowledge the supremacy of the king in matters of religion; as, a Roman Catholic recusant, who acknowledges the supremacy of the pope. --Brande & C.
3. One who refuses communion with the Church of England; a nonconformist.
All that are recusants of holy rites. --Holyday.
I had only heard this word in the context of "the judge recused himself from the case", and so thought it was legalese for "excused". So, refusal is immoral in the case of recusant, but moral in the case of recused?
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Eddie Borgo's Take on Street Jewelry
Ocelot-print coat on wallaby with leather trim, price upon request, mohair-and-silk top, $775, techno fabric skirt, $695, all, Gucci, at select Gucci stores nationwide. Leopard choker, from Beladora, Beverly Hills, $1,250. Tights, Wolford, $42. Leather boots, Céline, $1,290.
Viscose jersey bodysuit, $465, wool crepe skirt, $1,150, brass buckle belt, $890, leather boots, $1,290, all, Céline, at select Barneys New York stores nationwide. Pink gold rings, Repossi, prices upon request. Tights, Wolford, $42. For details, see Shopping Guide.
Trend Report: '60s Mod


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Reach out to Evernote support on Twitter @EvernoteHelps 09/20/2016We've been leveling up our support across all channels. If you're active on Twitter, try your hand with our @evernotehelps feed. It's helmed by a crack team out of Austin, TX who are here to answer your questions. They're generally active from 7am-4pm CST. https://twitter.com/evernotehelps
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The most important ideal of the unbelievers is 'to be able to benefit from the life of this world to the best.' When they are able to attain something even if just a bit, they make do with it and be happy. Then they get used to what they have attained and try to use these means, which they have acquired in their monotone and colorless life. But they never have an ideal high enough to bring meaning to their lives or to make them feel a never-ending energy, liveliness and enthusiasm.
The condition of Muslims sharply differs from that of the unbelievers. A believer experiences the high enthusiasm of having faith in Allah, witnessing the signs of faith in every moment of his life, the desire of living and having others live the morality of the Qur'an, racing for good deeds, putting up an intellectual struggle against unbelievers and hypocrites and the effort to avoid Hell and deserve the Garden.
They know that living the morality of the Qur'an and encouraging all people to live this morality throughout the world cannot be achieved with dullness or with a constant, monotone and slow style. They are aware that showing such a conduct disorder is a big negligence for a sincere believer. If a believer takes such a dullness and laziness for granted, he should think about this fact briefly: "If all Muslims in the world develop a slow, dull and introvert character by getting deeply occupied with their own matters, how can preaching of the morality of the Qur'an to people, struggling against and destroying the traps set by hypocrites and unbelievers against Muslims be realized? Who will take the responsibility for commanding the right and prohibiting the wrong? Who will lift Muslims' spirit, train and educate them and encourage them for a better morality?" A believer, who really fears Allah, takes all of these responsibilities encumbered on him by Allah through the Qur'an and shows a live and enthusiast character for this to the upmost.
The lives of our Prophet (saas) and of his companions are full of examples of this morality. The companions of the Prophet (saas) had got up early and spent their lives in active struggle by thinking none of their lives or goods. They went on to battle with our Prophet (saas) when required and performed prayers when their weapons are next to them, as revealed in the verse. This liveliness and enthusiasm was dominant at every aspect of their lives. They were cautious and on guard at all times. While some were praying, the others keep guard against the traps and attacks of the unbelievers. It is very clear that the companions could not have been dull in such an environment.
As it is revealed in the Qur'an, our Prophet (saas) woke up at nights for prayer. He is very live and enthusiast during those moments as well. Likewise, the life of our Prophet (saas) during the day was also like that. Allah reveals in the Qur'an for our Prophet Mohammad (saas), "In the daytime much of your time is taken up by business matters." Our Prophet (saas) was live and enthusiast during those hours as well.
As it was with our Prophet (saas), all of these struggles that occupy Muslims' lives are not work that can be done with dullness. Therefore, Muslims are extremely live and enthusiast at every moment of their lives, in their speeches, looks and behaviors.
Muslims will be enthusiast in the Garden. In the same way, they will feel enthusiasm when they see the Hell.
Therefore, for a Muslim who act with this point of view, being live and enthusiast is one of the most urgent aspects to labor for in this world. In the same way, it is one of the most important prayers for a believer who is struggling to win Allah's approval.


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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 28/9/2012 (1789 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
Publicly, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers are saying exactly what you'd expect them to say. And really, with a regular-season record of 3-9, what else are the players going to say except things exactly like this:
"For us, every game is a playoff game. If you lose you go home -- that's how we're approaching it. This is Week 2 of our playoff run and we need this just as much as we need the last one."
That little gem came Friday from cornerback Jovon Johnson, who nailed down three straight clichés in three straight sentences in summing up the daunting task facing this squad if they're going to avoid missing the playoffs for the third time in the last four years.
Which is not to pick on Johnson. Linebacker Henoc Muamba dropped an "every game is a must-win" into his interview, while Buck Pierce went with the always reliable, "We're taking it one week at a time."
But really, is winning all six remaining games the only path Winnipeg can travel to make the playoffs?
Not necessarily. There appear to be two distinct scenarios in which Winnipeg can still make the playoffs this season and neither would necessarily require them to finish 9-9:
Scenario One is the more unlikely of the two, calling for the Bombers to catch the Toronto Argonauts for second place in the East Division. That's a tall order, given that the Argos are 6-6 and the Bombers are 3-9 heading into tonight's clash at Canad Inns Stadium.
But it's also not impossible. After tonight's game, the Bombers and Argos also face each other in Toronto on Oct. 19. If the Bombers were to win both those games, they would move within just one win of Toronto -- all other things being equal -- and would also own the tiebreaker between the two teams.
The problem is the Argos have the easier schedule for the final five regular-season games after tonight, with four of their five games at home and Montreal the only remaining opponent with a record above .500.
The Bombers, on the other hand, must play three of their final five games after tonight on the road, where they remain winless at 0-6 this season. And their remaining opposition is also tougher. In addition to a home-and-home series against Montreal, the Bombers also have to host Calgary, in addition to their remaining game with Toronto and an Oct. 27 date at Ivor Wynne against the Ticats.
Which brings us to Scenario Two, wherein the Bombers don't catch Toronto for second place but do finish ahead of Hamilton for third place in the East and also hold off a challenge from the West Division for a crossover spot.
Finishing ahead of Hamilton appears right now to be very doable. The Ticats won Friday night for just the second time in their last seven games, beating Montreal 41-28 . That's two wins better than the Bombers, but Winnipeg could cut that margin back in half with a win over Toronto tonight. And the Bombers also hold the tiebreaker advantage between the two teams because Winnipeg has beaten Hamilton twice this season.
As for the crossover situation, the Eskimos were last in the West at 5-7 heading into Friday night's late game in Calgary against the Stampeders. That was also two wins better than Winnipeg but it could fall to just one win, however, if the Eskimos lost in Calgary Friday night and the Bombers win tonight. And it bears reminding that Winnipeg wouldn't have to finish ahead of the last-place West team -- they would just have to tie them to prevent the crossover.
What's more, Edmonton still has a difficult schedule, with road games still to play in Montreal against the Als and in B.C. against the Lions, as well as home games against Calgary, Saskatchewan and Hamilton.
Saskatchewan, meanwhile, is 6-6 but probably has the toughest remaining schedule of all, with a home game tonight against B.C. as well as a road game against B.C. remaining, as well as road dates in Toronto and Edmonton and home games against Montreal and Toronto.
And so it is less than accurate to say that the Bombers absolutely must win every game the rest of the season. But what no one can dispute is that they do have to start stringing wins together and there would be nothing quite like making it two in a row tonight against Toronto to create the sound of footsteps for their opponents.
"I think we can make the whole league nervous," said linebacker Marcellus Bowman. "Because if we get clicking with our talent, we're one of the most dangerous teams in the league."


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(Excerpt from Mr. Adnan Oktar's Live Interview dated December 9, 2010)
But the Messenger and those who believe along with him have struggled with their wealth and with themselves. They are the people who will have the good things. They are the ones who are successful. (Surat at-Tawba, 88)
The leader of the Muslims at that time was our Prophet (saas), and the leader of Muslims in the End Times is Hazrat Mahdi (as). Who was it who was with our Prophet (saas) in that time? The Companions, the People of Badr. How many People of Badr were there? 313. How many followers will Hazrat Mahdi (as) have? 313. Muslims will devote all their assets to Allah. They will say their life and death are for the Lord Allah. They buy books and hand them out, research and preach.


text:
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JuraLaw Retains Joseph Scott for Strategic Growth
JuraLaw Unveils Complete Solution at NDA Conference 2014
JuraLaw National Case, Calendar and Docket Management SaaS Announces Integration with NetDocuments Cloud-based Document Management System
Today at LegalTech New York, Law Bulletin Publishing Company Announces JuraLaw® Now Includes New York Court and Docket Information
About JuraLaw®
JuraLaw, a Law Bulletin Media product, allows law firms to efficiently and cost-effectively manage cases and the calendars and dockets associated with them in a single legal software product. The web-based SaaS product offers a law practice management solution that not only manages cases, but also integrates critical law firm data with calendar events, court dockets, court calendars and court rules. This legal case management software protects against "dismissals for want of prosecution" and legal malpractice claims by keeping a firm's lawyers on track for important deadlines and on time for court appearances. JuraLaw offers the most experienced and extensive support and the most comprehensive and secure technology available.


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You exercise your body to stay physically in shape, so why shouldn't you exercise your brain to stay mentally fit? With these daily exercises you will learn how to flex your mind, improve your creativity and boost your memory. As with any exercise, repetition is necessary for you to see improvement, so pick your favorite exercises from our daily suggestions and repeat them as desired. Try to do some mentalrobics every single day!
adjective :: Feeling pain or sorrow on account of sins or offenses.
noun :: One who repents of sin; one sorrowful on account of his transgressions.
"I shall relate my wrongs, the persecutions that I endure--I, a helpless mortal, a penitent, an unoffending poet." --Bierce, Ambrose
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Word of the Day : Loquacious
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Word of the Day : Deliquesce
Word of the Day : Prolix


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- 1 of 2 Photos | View More Photos
BURLINGTON, Vt. (AP) -- A Vermont prison inmate who makes stationery and license plates has gotten the best of the state police by adding the image of a pig to the state decal on their cruisers.
One of the spots on the cow in the state crest has been changed to the shape of a pig, a derogatory term for police.
The 16-inch car door decals are made by prisoners in St. Albans.
Middlesex station commander Lt. Paul White tells The Burlington Free Press newspaper (http://bfpne.ws/wesdey) at least three of the altered decals are on cruisers at his barracks.
Vermont Public Safety Commissioner Keith Flynn says he learned of the altered decals Thursday and asked Corrections Commissioner Andrew Pallito to explain how it happened.
Flynn says about three dozen of the decals are on state vehicles. The state is going to remove them.
Information from: The Burlington Free Press, http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com


text: IBM has just introduced the world's first integrated circuit, that is made of carbon allotrope graphene. CAG is a semiconductor that could push clock speeds much further than the traditional silicon-based wafers. Graphene has a microscopic crystal structure that allows processors to use smaller processes than silicon technology, allowing extremely large advances in processor clock speeds.


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T-Kamna/Cup & Saucer
This cup and saucer set is gorgeous! It's probably my favorite mug I've seen so far. AND I've been complaining to my bf lately about how I need a nice sized mug for my coffee and tea. You will be mine!
Wow, I've never seen a cup like this. Pretty cool design.Tags: home, style, glass, home decor, metal, living, stainless steel, handles, drinksAdded 9 Years Ago from Rakuten


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BakAndImgCD is a small Linux-based operating system which has been designed to perform the two tasks: data backup (with support for btrfs, ext2, ext3, ext4, FAT, HFS, HFS+, jfs, Minix, NTFS, ReiserFS, and XFS) and disk imaging (using Partimage, Partclone, and GNU ddrescue). The output files (archives and images) can be optionally compressed and sent to a remote FTP sever via Ethernet, WiFi, or dial-up. It is fully compatible with UNetbootin, which can be used to create an easy-to-use live USB.
Clonezilla is a partition or disk cloning tool similar to Symantec Ghost. It saves and restores only blocks in use on the hard drive if the file system is supported. For unsupported file systems, dd is used instead. It has been used to clone a 5 GB system to 40 clients in about 10 minutes.
Cerb is a fast and flexible Web-based platform for business collaboration and automation. It helps you remember anything about anyone, collaborate from anywhere, deftly reply to a flood of email, automate, stay informed, capture feedback, track time, flag opportunities, manage tasks, share expert knowledge, and otherwise execute efficiently.
Freeverb3 is a signal processing library. It includes many types of audio processing effects and signal generators including a linear feedback shift register (LFSR) maximum length sequence (MLS) generator, multiple types of high quality mono+stereo reverb effects, a multi slot impulse response processor, multiband hardknee+softknee compressor and limiter, a stereo enhancer, a limiter, and many types of infinite impulse respose (IIR) and finite impulse response (FIR) filters. Also available is Freeverb3VST, a VST effects plugins package based on the Freeverb3 library.
Talend Open Studio for Data Quality helps you to profile your data. The ergonomic interface allows you to define metrics (indicators) and collect statistics on your data in a few clicks. It comes with a set of regular expressions that helps you to identify bad data. You can create your own regular expressions and use them in data profiling analyses. A lot of options exist for each indicator, which change the behavior of the indicator so that it gives you more pertinent information. Data quality options on indicators alert you when your data quality is not what you expected.
Talend Open Studio for ESB is an innovative, Eclipse-based tooling environment for modeling, configuring, and deploying integration solutions using the Apache-based open source enterprise service bus (ESB), Talend ESB. Talend ESB is a versatile and flexible ESB that allows organizations to address integration challenges, from simple departmental projects to complex, heterogeneous IT environments. Powered by the Apache CXF, Apache Camel, and Apache ActiveMQ Open Source integration projects, it makes enterprise-class integration accessible by delivering a cost-effective and easy-to-use way to integrate and expand systems and applications.
ZXTune is a set of portable cross-platform applications (GUI/CLI) intended to play chiptunes. It features advanced ripping possibilities that let you search for music in big data sets. Supported ZX Spectrum chiptunes formats include AY, AS0/ASC, FTC, GTR, PSC, PSG, PSM, PT1, PT2, PT3, SQT, ST1, ST3, STC, STP, TXT, TurboSound, VTX, YM, CHI, DMM, DST, PDT, SQD, STR, TF0/TFE, TFC, TFD, and COP. The Commodore64 SID format is supported. Supported PC chiptunes formats include 669, AMF, DMF, FAR, FNK, GDM, IMF, IT, LIQ, PSM, MDL, MTM, PTM, RTM, S3M, STIM, STM, STX, ULT, XM. Supported Amiga chiptune formats include DBM, EMOD, MOD, MTN, IMS, MED, OKT, PT36, SFX. Supported Atari chiptune formats include DTM, GTK, TCB. The Acorn chiptune format DTT is supported. Supported compressed formats include CHARPRES, CC3, CC4, CC4PLUS, DSQ, ESV, GAM, GAMPLUS, HRUM, HRUST1, HRUST2, LZH1, LZH2, LZS, MSP, PACK2, PCD61, PCD62, TLZ, TLZP, TRUSH. Supported archived/container formats include FDI, HOBETA, HRIP, LHA, RAW, SCL, TD0, TRD, ZXZIP, ZIP, RAR, SNA128, and Z80.
RemoteBox is a graphical tool which lets you administer guests or virtual machines running under VirtualBox on a remote server or even your local machine if desired. You may, for example, have a root server on the Internet, a server at home, or a server at work running VirtualBox but want to have the convenience of managing the guests easily from your local machine. The virtual machines run in headless mode, which means you don't need an active graphical display on the server but you can still connect and view the displays of the guests. The goal of RemoteBox is to provide a GUI that should be familiar to VirtualBox users while allowing them to administer a remote installation of VirtualBox. It does this via the VirtualBox API and SOAP interface, which are exposed when running the VirtualBox Web service. You can also use RemoteBox simply as an alternative interface for managing VirtualBox on your local machine.
A fast and secure PHP template engine.
A simple build system for creating a Tclkit.


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Right-Wing Media That Previously Questioned Obama's Christian Faith Tout Poll Showing Many Americans Don't Know He's Christian
Research ››› ››› KEVIN ZIEBER
Right-wing media are highlighting a new Gallup poll that found only 34 percent of Americans correctly identified President Obama's religion as Christianity. These same right-wing media outlets have previously questioned the president's religious faith.
Gallup Poll: Only One-Third Of Americans Correctly Identified President Obama's Christian Faith
Gallup: "Just 34 Percent Of Americans Correctly Say U.S. President Barack Obama Is A Christian." A new Gallup poll found that only 34 percent of Americans could correctly identify President Obama as a Christian:
Just 34% of Americans correctly say U.S. President Barack Obama is a Christian, while 44% say they don't know Obama's religion and 11% say he is a Muslim.
Obama is a Christian and has labeled himself as such as in his writings and interviews, and while living in Chicago he attended the Trinity United Church of Christ. Since moving into the White House, Obama has attended several different Christian churches.
[Gallup, 6/22/12]
Right-Wing Media Highlight Poll Showing Americans Cannot Correctly Identify Obama's Christian Faith
Limbaugh Touts Gallup Poll With 44 Percent Of Respondents Unable To Identify President Obama's Christian Faith. Rush Limbaugh said it's "unprecedented" that "most Americans cannot identify" Obama's religion:
LIMBAUGH: Gallup. I don't know why this strikes - just 34 percent of Americans correctly identify Obama as a Christian. Most Americans cannot name his religion. Now, most Americans know where he went with Michelle on their first date. But most Americans can't identify - folks, this is the President of the United States that we are talking about here, and most Americans cannot identify his religion. Uh, that's new. That's unprecedented. Isn't it? Can't identify his religion? Most Americans can't identify where he was born. I don't know the answer to that question. [Premiere Radio Networks, The Rush Limbaugh Show, 6/25/12]
Fox Nation Illustrates Gallup Poll With A Question Mark. Fox Nation promoted the poll, using a question mark to illustrate the story:
[Fox Nation, 6/25/12]
Drudge Report: "44 Percent Can't Name Obama's Religion?" The Drudge Report promoted the poll near the top of his website with the headline:
[Drudge Report, 6/24/12]
Jim Hoft: "Do You Really Blame" Respondents Who Doubt President's Faith? Right-wing blogger Jim Hoft promoted the poll on his blog asking if readers could really blame those who were unsure of the president's faith:
Only 34% of Americans Believe Obama Is Christian ...(66% Must Be Racist)
Do you really blame them? ...Considering Obama sat and listened to this nuttiness for 20 years? [Gateway Pundit, 6/23/12]
That Same Right-Wing Media Repeatedly Questioned Obama's Christian Faith
Limbaugh: "Obama Says He's A Christian, But Where's The Evidence?" While attacking a NASA outreach program, Limbaugh cast aspersions on the president's faith:
LIMBAUGH: Go poll the people that work at NASA and ask them if they think Obama's a Muslim, because he turned NASA over to a Muslim outreach program. The guy holds an Easter egg roll, the White House website promoting the Easter egg roll does not mention Jesus or Christ. It talks about environmentalism. Obama says he's a Christian, but where's the evidence? [Premiere Radio Networks, The Rush Limbaugh Show, 8/19/10 via Media Matters]
Limbaugh Calls The President "Imam Obama" And "Ayatollah Obama." After being criticized for calling President Obama "Imam Obama," Limbaugh decided he would instead call the president "Ayatollah Obama":
LIMBAUGH: If it was OK and laudatory to call Bill Clinton America's first black president, then why can't we call Imam Obama America's first Muslim president? Clinton wasn't black. He wasn't black then; he's not black now. Yet he was the first black president. And Obama says he's not a Muslim; he's a Christian.
LIMBAUGH: Obama says he's not Muslim, so couldn't we say he's the first Muslim president? I'm just extending the Democrat logic here. And if they don't like Imam Obama, I can understand that. So, we'll just call him - we'll call him Ayatollah Obama. [Premiere Radio Networks, The Rush Limbaugh Show, 9/29/10 via Media Matters]
Limbaugh: "You Can't Say That Somebody Is A Committed Christian When 30 Percent Of The Country Wonders Whether Or Not He Is A Muslim." Limbaugh mocked an AOL religion story that described President Obama as a committed Christian by pointing to a poll showing some incorrectly believe the president is a Muslim:
LIMBAUGH: Didn't we just have a poll, 30 some odd percent of the people think [President Obama]'s a Muslim? And the religion writer at AOL claims that he is religiously fluent and a committed Christian? This is a spoof. Obama a committed Christian? I'm sorry. You can't say that somebody is a committed Christian when 30 percent of the country wonders whether or not he is a Muslim. [Premiere Radio Networks, The Rush Limbaugh Show, 11/9/10 via Media Matters]
Fox Nation Promoted Trump's Claim That Obama May Be A Muslim. Fox Nation promoted frequent Fox guest Donald Trump's claims that Obama may be a Muslim, writing: "Trump On Obama: 'Maybe He's a Muslim'":
[Fox Nation, 3/30/11]
Fox Nation Questioned Obama's Faith By Highlighting Infrequent Church Attendence. On February 1, 2010, Fox Nation linked to an article that stated: "If church attendance is one measure of a man's faith, then President Obama may appear to have lost some of his." Fox Nation used the following headline:
[Fox Nation, 2/1/10]
Drudge Hyped Suggestion That The Only Reason Obama Attended Church Was Because Of Republican Attack Ad. The Drudge Report hyped a Washington Examiner post that suggested President Obama attended a church service with his family only in response to an attack ad from former Republican presidential candidate Rick Perry:
[Drudge Report, 12/12/11]
Jim Hoft: "That's Weird?... Obama's Nuclear Summit Logo Is An Islamic Crest." In an April 14 post on his Gateway Pundit blog titled, "That's Weird?... Obama's Nuclear Summit Logo Is an Islamic Crest," right-wing blogger Jim Hoft repeatedly asserted that it's "weird" that "Obama's nuclear summit logo is an Islamic crest." [Gateway Pundit, 4/14/10]
Click here to see more examples of Fox News casting doubt on the president's faith
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- Government, The Presidency & White House
- Network/Outlet
- The Drudge Report, Premiere Radio Networks, Fox Nation, Gateway Pundit
- Person
- Rush Limbaugh, Matt Drudge, Jim Hoft
- Show/Publication
- The Rush Limbaugh Show
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NEW research published reveals that the ring-tailed lemur could be at risk of extinction in the wild within ten years.
The research was published in an article on conservation website Mongabay.com which quoted research teams in Madagascar and Canada.
Dr Lisa Gould from the University of British Columbia in Canada has been studying lemurs since 1987.
She has observed that where the habitat becomes fragmented, the lemur groups don't do so well and eventually die out.
Professor Jacky Youssuff from the University of Toilara in Madagascar said deforestation adds to the population decrease.
Sadly, the lemurs are also eaten as bushmeat.
Here in Somerset, Tropiquaria has two groups of ring-tail lemurs.
Chris Moiser, director of Tropiquaria said: "This is one of those strange situations where the animal does remarkably well in captivity, and virtually every European zoo that wishes to have them has a group.
"Many of us actually have contraceptive measures in force to stop the groups from producing too many surplus offspring.
"However we usually use reversible measures so that the population is managed and we can start to increase numbers again if we need to.
"At present clearly there is no possibility of putting them back into the wild, as the wild continues to reduce and to be exploited.
"It is frustrating that the situation in the wild is continuing to deteriorate and that there is very little that we can do.
"This must be a bit of a conundrum for extreme animal right believers who want to see all zoos closed.
"Here we have a species that is popular, does well in captivity and yet may well be extinct in the wild by 2024 without zoos."


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Sleek MakeUP comprehensively cater for all skin tones, with fashion-forward and innovative products at truly affordable prices. Sleek has the ultimate tools and make up for the perfect look every day of the week. There wide selection of all make up and accessories to go with every type of weather all year round. Each Product can be applied alone for a dramatic effect or mix them up to create a personalised look.
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Please Note: We're afraid Hair Dyes & Aerosols cannot be dispatched by Air to European or International Countries due to new EU Regulations which took effect in January 2013.
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We want your new purchase to be absolutely perfect for you! It it's not right and you need a refund or you would like an exchange just follow our simple returns or exchange process by clicking here.


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Crystal Palace manager Tony Pulis issued a warning to fans and players alike in the wake of their 1-0 win over Hull City.
When Palace won 1-0 at Hull in November, they were bottom of the Premier League, but Jason Puncheon's first half goal on Tuesday night lifted the Eagles to 14th in the table – five points clear of the dropzone.
The match was not without controversy with Hull boss Steve Bruce slamming the referee for not giving two penalties, and then sending off his keeper, Allan McGregor, in the dying moments – a decision he says the club will appeal.
But Pulis was full of praise for his side ahead of this weekend's tough assignment at Arsenal, although he insists he needs to strengthen.
"We're delighted, it is a massive three points for us," he said.
"Every game is massive, so to win and keep a clean sheet at the same time is very pleasing.
"But there are 15 games to go and we still need a point per game. In the Premier League that is tough.
Off: Hull City keeped Allan McGregor is about to see red after clashing with Stuart O'Keefe in the dying moments on Tuesday night SP82429
"We may be 14th, we may be off the bottom of the table, but we won't get carried away, we cannot afford to. In the Premier League you cannot take your foot off the pedal.
"We have come a long way since we last plated Hull, but the battle is nowhere near over. It is so, so tight in the league."
He added: "We're hoping and praying that we will be able to bring in some new faces to help us out and we're working very hard behind the scenes to make it happen.
"But I cannot criticise the players after that performance. Yes, we hung on a bit, but they were wonderful."
Differing views: Tony Pulis and Steve Bruce in the Selhurst Park dug-outs
The two managers had a difference of opinion over a penalty appeal that referee East waved away when Shane Long appeared to be felled by Danny Gabbidon.
Bruce said: "It is about time the referees came up to answer your questions because how he has not given the penalty against Gabbidon is beyond me."
Pulis said: "I've seen the replay and it looks like Shane [Long] has run across Gabbidon and not the other way round.
"From where I was standing, it looked like a penalty, so it was a good decision by the ref."


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Volunteer Background Check Form
One of the contingencies of this volunteer position is to successfully pass a back ground study. Your privacy rights are outlined in the Background Study Privacy notice, below.
Background Study Privacy Notice
Because the Minnesota Department of Human Services is requesting that you provide private information about yourself, the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act requires that you be informed of the following:
- Purpose and intended use of the information; Minnesota Statutes, section 144.057, requires the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) to conduct background studies on individuals who have direct contact with patients and resident in hospital, boarding care homes, outpatient surgical centers, nursing homes, home care agencies, residential care homes, board and lodging establishment registered to provide supportive or health supervision services, individuals employed by supplemental nursing services agencies, and controlling persons of a supplemental nursing services agency; and all other employees in nursing homes. The back ground studies are to be completed according to the requirements in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 245C. The information requested will be used to perform a background study of you that will include at least a review of criminal conviction records held by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension and records of substantiated maltreatment of vulnerable adults and children. DHS may also later require you to submit additional information and/or your fingerprints if necessary to complete your background study. For all individuals who are subject to background studies by DHS, the corrections system will report new criminal convictions for disqualifying crimes to DHS. County agencies and the Minnesota Department of Health report substantiated findings of maltreatment of minors and vulnerable adults to DHS.
- Whether you may refuse or are legally required to provide the information: Minnesota Statutes, chapter 245C, states that the individual who is the subject of a study must provide sufficient information to ensure an accurate background study.
- Known consequences that may arise from supplying the information: Individuals who have histories with the characteristics identified in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 245C, will be disqualified from positions allowing direct contact with (and, where applicable, access to) persons receiving services. Health-related licensing boards will make a determination whether to impose disciplinary or corrective action on individuals regulated by health-related licensing boards who have been determined to be responsible for substantiated maltreatment. Individuals who do not have disqualifying characteristics will not be disqualified.
- Known consequences that will arise from refusing to supply the requested information: Only items identified as "optional" may be left blank. Refusal to provide the information necessary to ensure an accurate and complete background study will result in your disqualification and an order to the agency or facility to remove you from any position allowing direct contact with (and, where applicable, access to) persons receiving services.
- Identification of other agencies or entities authorized to receive this information: The information you provide will be shared with the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. If DHS has reasonable cause to believe that other agencies may have information pertinent to a disqualification, the information may also be shared with county attorneys, county sheriffs, courts, county agencies, local police, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Office of the Attorney General, agencies with criminal record information systems in other states, and juvenile courts. Background study results may be shared with the Minnesota Department of Health, the Minnesota Department of Corrections, the Office of the Attorney General, non-licensed personal care provider organizations, and health-related licensing boards. If you have a disqualifying characteristic, the facility will be told only that you are disqualified and will not be told what caused your disqualification, unless you were disqualified for refusing to cooperate with the back ground study or for serious and/or recurring maltreatment of a minor or vulnerable adult. The information about you received as part of a background study is classified as private data and, except for the agencies noted, cannot be shared without your consent.
Hennepin County Medical Center #00211. Results of this study are mailed Hennepin County Medical Center Human Resources and the subject.


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CFL Light Bulbs Save Money, Energy and Time
Install CFL light bulbs in your office light fixtures, and you're on your way to saving energy. CFL bulbs burn longer than their incandescent counterparts, for money savings and less time spent changing light bulbs.
Have a Bright Idea
With all the time you spend in the office, you know the importance of sufficient lighting -- both ambient and task. Compact fluorescent light bulbs kick out plenty of light, just like incandescent bulbs. The new light bulbs give your employees the light they need to complete intricate job tasks or read without squinting. Place CFL bulbs in desk lamps, overhead lights and exterior light fixtures for an energy-efficient glow.
Keep Your Maintenance Crew off the Ladder
The longer life of a CFL bulb means your maintenance staff can wait a lot longer before changing it. Not only do you keep the staff firmly on the ground instead of up a ladder, they also spend more time on other maintenance tasks to keep the office clean and well-maintained. Fewer light bulb changes cut the number of bulbs you have to buy to keep the office lit and result in financial savings in your maintenance budget.
Slash Energy Bills
CFL bulbs use a lot less energy than incandescent bulbs reducing your overall energy consumption. Not only is that good news for Mother Nature, it's also good news for the company's utility bills. The bulbs burn cooler, so they don't generate the type of heat that incandescent bulbs do, keeping your office cooler and safer.


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>Running 101>Long run question
I'll be running a 1/2 marathon this weekend. I don't want to race it, because I don't want to to take time off of training to recover. I am training for a 5k. However, the half offers an opportunity to do a long run someplace more scenic then usual. My question is how should I pace it? I am thinking 8 miles at easy, 2 miles at marathon pace, 1 mile half, 1 mile ar 10k, and 1 mile 5k. Is that too much for a training run? Any suggestions? I paid for the race, so I want to work hard, but I don't want more recovery time then a normal long run.
2017 Goals: Qualify for Boston 2018 at Boston in 2017 & sub 1:39:00 at the Revel Canyon Half in November 2017.
Over 45 PR's:
Half - 1:39:49
Full - 3:33.47
I would run the first 10 miles not easy but not all out either...maybe marathon pace? And then run the last 5k all out like it's a race.
Runners run.
So run it like your normal long run ?
Your goal for your first half marathon should be to finish.
I try to stay at close to the same pace for an entire half marathon.
Maybe at a pace that is a little over your goal pace in case you get fatigued at the end and have to slow down.
Since you don't want to race it, don't.
Run the first 8-10 miles "easy-ish" but not a walk-in-the-park.
Run the last 3.1 at 5k "effort" not pace. Remember, you'll have 10 miles down before hand, so running the 5k at 5k "pace" will be much harder on your body. Make sense?
HTFU? Why not!
USATF Coach
I agree with running about the first 10 at moderate pace, then pushing close to max effort the last 3.1.(Perhaps 80-90% of Max effort, not 100% max since you had already done the 10 miles before)..
---My question to you is: Can you maintain moderate pace for 10 miles as folks pass you? Personally I have set out to 'take it easy' in a race such as you are doing because I had another race coming up, but then I quickly find myself running a much faster pace because I don't like folks passing me.
The Plan '15 → /// "Run Hard, Live Easy." ∞
But if you line up with people running that same pace wouldn't you just be jogging along as of the pack until you decide it's time to unleash your relentless 5K fury like a scalded hound at mile 10?
You've said you want to have it be a long run, so why not just run it as a LSD run and enjoy the expierence. Sometimes doing this in a race every once in a while is enjoyable. Not to mention, this is the best way to avoid having to deal with any type of unexpected recovery time.
+1. I prefer this recommendation, but if you have concerns around beating yourself up too much, just run normal long run pace and then pick up the pace the last 3 miles to marathon pace or so and then crank it up the last 400m to the finish. This work out will still provide a great work out and conditioning effect.
Those who try, fail! Those who do what it takes to succeed, succeed!!
I have to admit that I have not successful run in a racing setting without actually racing. I've gone in thinking that I was going to take it easy, but ultimately I did not. I'm confident that I can do it this time, because, I have to. I am really serious about my 5K, and I have trained to hard to blow it now. I can't afford to take a week or two off of speedwork to recover. Just starting at the back of the 8 mile group and doing a LSR, is probably my safest bet, but...I am confident that I can be disiplined.
I'm going to do some kind of progressive run. You all have given me good ideas. I think running an all out 5K, after 10 miles, will be too much for me--maybe mile intervals at 5K pace. I'll let you all know how it goes.