text:
Edge of Tomorrow: Dow 17,000 Here We Come?
- Order Reprints
- Print Article
If it were a stock, The Fault in Our Stars would be something Warren Buffet--a value stock, that is. How else to describe a move that cost just $12 million to make and is expected to pull in something close to $45 million during its first weekend, according toBoxOfficeMojo. It certainly helps that the movie is based on an uber-popular young adult novel about a girl with cancer raging against the dying of the light, and that reviewers are calling it "a sweet, romantic film full of sudden warmth and humor." Now compare it to Edge of Tomorrow, the $178 million film that is most noteworthy for the fact that you get to see Tom Cruise get killed over and over again in a flick that one critic calls "Full Metal Jacket taking two War of the Worlds and waking up inside a version of Groundhog Day that's been held hostage by Private Benjamin." Edge of Tomorrow is getting pretty great reviews, but that it'll be lucky to top $32 million this weekend. Ouch.
Investors are buying the stock market, but whether it turns out to be a good investment is another question. The S&P 500 gained 1.3% to 1,949.44 this week, a record high, and the largest one-week gain since April 17. The Dow Jones Industrial Averagerose 1.2% to 16,924.28, also a record high and one that could leave us discussing Dow 17,000 next week.
Not to be outdone, the Nasdaq Composite advanced 1.9% to 4,321.40, its fourth consecutive week of gains, while the small-company Russell 2000 jumped 2.7% to 1,165.21, its largest one-week gained since February and the highest close since April 3.
Goldman Sachs (GS) was the biggest point contributor to the Dow Jones Industrial Average after gaining 4% to $166.19 this week.
Broadcom (BRCM)gained, making it the biggest gainer in both the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq 100. Broadcom announced this week that it would get out of the baseband chip business.
Keurig Green Mountain (GMCR) gained for no real reason, instead continuing the momentum that has come since Coca-Cola (KO) announced hat it had taken a stake in the company. Keurig Green Mountain was the second biggest gainer in the Nasdaq 100 and the sixth biggest in the S&P 500.
Uni-Pixel (UNXL) surged 41% to $7.38 this week, making it the biggest winner in the Russell 2000. Uni-Pixel benefited from the wearable electronics boom.
Much of the credit for the market's big gain this week should go to European Central Bank, which announced a series of measures designed to boost Europe's economy. Westpac's Graeme Jarvis doesn't think the ECB will be happy with what it accomplished because the euro didn't weaken. He explains why:
In everything that The Draghi and pals have hinted at over the last few weeks the consistent theme was not that they wanted to see credit spreads tighter and equity markets higher. They wanted to increase the competitive advantage of Europe and that is easiestly done via currency depreciation. That is the real failure of last night and that is why I can't see how they are going to be happy with what they have wrought. A bug on a windscreen knows that HY spreads are overly compressed to IG spreads. It also knows that equity market valuations are getting a touch exuberant. That does not mean they have to stop and reverse, it is just that it is not those markets that needed a helping hand...
The ECB has helped inflate global asset prices even further while making things increasingly difficult for their export base. Regardless of the G20 directive every central bank around the world has concerns with the perceived elevated nature of their domestic currency... It will be interesting to see how the ECB manages this one.
After this week's gain, the folks at Bespoke Investment Group call the S&P 500 "overheated." They explain why:
Markets here in the US are as overbought as any around the world after the move higher seen this week. The S&P 500 is nearly 2.5 standard deviations above its 50-day moving average, which is the most extended it has been since May 2013. The 10-day advance/decline line for the S&P is also well into overbought territory, and 86.9% of the stocks in the index are above their 50-day moving averages. The last time this many stocks were above their 50-days was back in October 2013. Pretty much any way you look at it, this market is overheated in the near term.
Wells Capital's Jim Paulsen thinks a correction is "likely" this year:
Even though the stock market is reaching the 2000 level, there are still not many cautionary signs of an imminent correction. But, this could change quickly. For the first time in this rally since the start of 2013, the S&P 500 index may be breaking out above its "self-sustaining" channel. Investor sentiment is perhaps already calmer than at any time in this recovery. Should the market continue to run toward 2000, could investor sentiment soon become too optimistic? Bond pressures are currently absent but we expect better growth and rising inflation evidence to eventually hit the bond market. Inflation evidence is already broadening but few are yet too worried. Finally, the doves still rule the Fed but will inflationary evidence, continued better than expected economic growth and ultimately the bond vigilante eventually force the Fed towards a more hawkish stance?
When that day comes, watch out.


text:
Burke Mountainall reviews | post a review
Get a chance to WIN ski lift tickets when you Post Public Snow Reports OR Post a Review
About Burke Mountain
|With every inch of its 2011' of vertical, Burke Mountain believes in all that made Vermont skiing famous. So we've foregone wider, flatter trails, and the wider, flatter skiers they cater to, for trails and glades that respect the mountain's natural contours. And we don't rate tough blues as blacks or anything close to a green as a blue. Up North, you earn it. Not everybody gets a trophy, a mentality we observed watching more than 50 Olympians learn to be great at the world-renowned Burke Mountain Academy. But we want to exclude no one. So if you can't ski or ride any of our 50 trails or 100+ acres of glades, we'll teach you. After all, we believe everyone should, at least once, experience what Vermont skiing and riding–the True North experience–was all about. And, in one place, at least, still is.
Skiing and Snowboarding at Burke Mountain
|Get more information about skiing and snowboarding at Burke Mountain, including lifts, trails, and terrain
Recent Reviews for Burke Mountain
|All Reviews | Post a Review
Love this mountain!
I first skied Burke in December 2013, the first time I had been on skis in 30 years. It was a great experience, the instructor was awsome and the conditions were permo, I only skied half mountain that day. This past Sunday,...More
Wonderful Day!
I loved this place. Uncrowded, good terrain that you can really get some speed up on a few trails, pretty friendly beginner area. Great glades, too....More
Love the Terrain and no Crowds
I went here on a Saturday peak Season with every trail open and it was nto crowded at all they run some propmo that you won't wait in a line for more then 10 mins or somethign and if you do you get a free ticket for a nother ...More
Burke Mountain Contact Information
Burke Mountain Website
Burke Mountain Address223 Sherburne Lodge Rd.
(Located off Mountain Road)
East Burke, VT US
Burke Mountain Phone Numbers(802) 626-7300

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Conservative "newspaper" reacts to gay marriage
On May 18, the day after Massachusetts became the first state to allow gay marriage, The Washington Times put single quotation marks around the words "marriage" and "marry" in its headlines of articles reporting on the legal weddings. The newspaper also put double quotation marks around the words "wed" and "weddings" -- as well as "marriage" and "marry" -- throughout the articles' references to gay marriage. Other news organizations throughout the United States did not put quotation marks around these words.
The headlines of The Washington Times' May 18 articles on Massachusetts gay marriages:
The Washington Times: Homosexuals 'marry' in Massachusetts
The Washington Times: Same-sex 'marriage' likely to prove costly
The headlines of some other newspapers' and news organizations' articles on the same subject:
Associated Press: Gay couples celebrate marriages in Mass.
Chicago Tribune: Mass. same-sex marriage sparks local protests
The New York Times: Despite Uncertainties, Out-of-Staters Line Up to Marry
Newsday: Same-sex couples marry in Mass.
Philadelphia Inquirer: Same-sex weddings make history in Mass.
USA Today: Nation's first same-sex marriages fuel debate
The Washington Post: Gay Couples Marry in Massachusetts


text:
Rakaia, salmon river - Roadside Stories
A Manatū Taonga audio guide to Rakaia
Check out the Ministry for Culture and Heritage's audio guide to Rakaia in the Video tab.
New Zealand's longest bridge – almost 1.8 kilometres – spans the Rakaia River. A typical South Island braided river, the Rakaia was once a route for Māori heading to the West Coast in search of prized greenstone. Chinook salmon were released in the river in the early 1900s. New Zealand is the only place in the world where they have become established outside their native habitat.
Related web links:
Mid-Canterbury plains
The Rakaia River
Chinook salmon
Roadside Stories is a series of audio guides that follow major road trips in New Zealand. The stories cover the places you'll pass along the way – their people, their history, their cultural and natural significance. For more information about Roadside Stories visit http://www.mch.govt.nz/roadside/


text:
Lists of Sites Specifically for Students
- Student Research Center . Search thousands of magazine articles. (Library card required if not using a library computer.)
- The Awesome Library for Teens . Keep clicking until you get the info you need. It will be worth it.
- High School Ace makes it easy to find everything, including reference tools.
- BJ Pinchbeck's Homework Helper blog is visited by thousands of kids and parents every day.
- Kid Info is organized by homework topics and is easy to use.
- Multnomah County Library in Oregon also organizes its links by homework topic.
- The Calgary Public Library has recommended links by topic for all ages.
- Brain Pop has movies for the visual learner. Join Tim and Moby.


text:
Teacher Appreciation Week
Early Learning
Presidential Scholars
Completing the FAFSA
Tracking POTUS
Odds and Ends
Quote to Note
Upcoming Events
Teacher Appreciation Week
The Department celebrated Teacher Appreciation Week (April 6-10) with a variety of events and outreach.
Secretary Duncan actually started early by honoring the five experienced teachers who were inducted into the National Teacher Hall of Fame on May 4.
The Secretary officially kicked-off the week on May 6 with a statement and blog post. "During this week, the people who value teachers often take time to send them a note of thanks or a token of appreciation. This is appropriate. The least we can do once a year is to push 'pause' on our lives and thank them," he said. However, what our teachers really needand deserveis our ongoing commitment to work with them to transform America's schools. They need us to acknowledge them, as professionals who are doing our nation's most important work. We can begin this work by making it a priority to listen to and to celebrate teachers."
Also that day, the Department hosted a Google+ Hangout at Howard University in Washington, D.C., moderated by Tamron Hall of NBC News. The panel, comprised of African-American educators from across the U.S., discussed the rewards of the teaching profession, the critical role of good teachers, and the challenges educators face in preparing students for college and careers. Nationwide, more than 35% of public school students are African-American or Hispanic, but less than 15% of teachers are black or Hispanic, and less than 2% of teachers are African-American males.
On May 7, in the vein of the new Recognizing Educational Success, Professional Excellence, and Collaborative Teaching (RESPECT) Blueprint, the Secretary released an op-ed calling on education stakeholders to go beyond a week of celebration to create ongoing supports for teachers.
On May 8, the Secretary made a surprise visit to Kramer Middle School in Washington, D.C., thanking teachers and staff during their Teacher Appreciation Week breakfast celebration, and hosted a reception at the Department for the over 400 current and former teachers who work at the agency.
On May 9, the Department's Teaching Ambassador Fellows organized the second annual "ED Goes Back to School Day," in which more than 65 Department officials (political appointees and career staff) spent the day shadowing a teacher. That evening, both the teachers and the staff who shadowed them met with the Secretary to share stories and implications for their work.
Throughout the week, Secretary Duncan encouraged the public to #ThankATeacher via Twitter and made surprise phone calls to educators, and the Fellows held roundtable discussions with teachers, including those teaching students with exceptionalities and English language learners.
Early Learning
The Administration is continuing to promote the President's early learning initiative.
First, Secretary Duncan and Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius participated in a panel discussion at the National Institute for Early Education Research's (NIEER) release of "The State of Preschool Yearbook 2012" at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. According to NIEER's latest study, state funding for pre-kindergarten decreased by over $548 million in 2011-12, the largest one-year drop since tracking began in 2002. Also, after a decade of growth, enrollment in state pre-K has stalled, and state pre-K funding per child fell to $3,841, well below the $5,020 (inflation-adjusted) national average in 2001-02. "That's no way to create a world-class education system. And, it's no way to put our students on a path for college- and career-readiness in a knowledge-based, competitive global economy," Secretary Duncan stressed during his opening statement. "To close achievement and opportunity gaps, states, with federal support, must do much more to level the playing field. They have to do much more to provide equal opportunities for childrenparticularly disadvantaged kidsto begin kindergarten at the same starting line. If ever there was a report that makes the case for the need for President Obama's new Preschool for All proposal, this is it."
Second, the Secretaries delivered remarks at the National Head Start Association's annual conference, focusing on the role of Head Start and the continued partnership between the Departments to expand high-quality early childhood programs. "The standards for high-quality early learning in state programs that the President has laid out in his Preschool for All plan are informed by what we have learned from Head Start and adopted, in part, from Head Start's Designation Renewal System (DRS) competition," Secretary Duncan stated in his keynote address. "Some say we shouldn't set the bar too high on quality in early learning. I absolutely disagree. I have great faith in the commitment and the capacity of the Head Start community to rise to the challenge." The standards for high-quality early learning include a bachelor's degree for teachers; low staff-to-child ratios and small class sizes; a full-day program; employee salaries comparable to those for K-12 teaching staff; and developmentally appropriate, evidence-based curricula and learning environments.
Third, the Secretary released a poignant op-ed on early learning, emphasizing, "We cannot let this opportunity pass, to fulfill that promise of providing equal educational opportunity."
Notably, the Department also just sent to states non-regulatory guidance on the use of Title I funds for high-quality preschool programs.
Presidential Scholars
This week, Secretary Duncan announced the 2013 class of U.S. Presidential Scholars. This program was established by Executive Order in 1964 to honor academic achievement by graduating high school seniors. It was expanded in 1979 to honor students who demonstrate exceptional talent in the arts. Each year, 141 students are named, including at least one young man and woman from every state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and American families living abroad. Another 15 students are chosen at-large, and 20 students are scholars in the arts. Over 3,300 candidates qualified on the basis of outstanding ACT or SAT scores and through nominations by Chief State School Officers or the National YoungArts Foundation's nationwide YoungArts competition. The Commission on Presidential Scholarsappointed by President Obamaselects the finalists. Scholars will be recognized at a ceremony in Washington, D.C., on June 16.
Completing the FAFSA
Beginning with the 2014-15 federal student aid form, the Department willfor the first timecollect income and other information from a dependent student's legal parents, regardless of the parents' marital status or gender, if those parents live together. More specifically, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) will provide a new option for dependent applicants to describe their parents' marital status as "unmarried and both parents living together." Also, where appropriate, the new form will use terms like "Parent 1" and "Parent 2" instead of gender-specific terms like "Mother" and "Father." These changes will allow the agency to more precisely calculate federal student aid eligibility based on what a student's whole family is able to contribute and ensure taxpayer dollars are better targeted toward those students who have the most need, as well as provide an inclusive form that reflects the diversity of American families.
Tracking POTUS
"As citizens, we understand that it's not about what America can do for us. It's about what can be done by us, together, through the hard and frustrating but absolutely necessary work of self-government. And, Class of 2013, you have to be involved in that process," President Obama told Ohio State University's latest graduating class. The President pitched for civic connectionfor participation in public life, for engagement in national debates, for community service. He also pointed to those who stand up in moments of crisis as examples. "We've seen courage and compassion, a sense of civic duty, and a recognition we are not a collection of strangers. We are bound to one another by a set of ideals and laws and commitments, and a deep devotion to this country that we love," he said. "And that's what citizenship is." Above all, he urged graduates to break through the cynicism that too often cripples progress in this nation. "Only you can ensure the democracy you inherit is as good as we know it can be," he noted. "But, it requires your dedicated, and informed, and engaged citizenship. That citizenship is a harder, higher road to take, but it leads to a better place."
Also, yesterday, the President traveled to Austin, Texas, for the first in a series of Middle Class Jobs and Opportunity Tours. He visited Manor New Tech High School, where students are learning critical skills for today's jobs, and meet technology entrepreneurs who are creating the tools and products that will drive America's long-term economic growth.
Odds and Ends
Following the launch of the 2013 Investing in Innovation (i3) "Development" competitionwhich resulted in nearly 600 pre-applicationsthe Department announced the start of i3's "Validation" and "Scale-up" competitions. While the agency continues to focus on broad priorities, this year's competition includes subparts under each priority to target specific areas of need and builds a portfolio of solutions to address specific challenges. Complementing the Administration's proposals to increase access to high-quality early learning opportunities, the Department has included an invitational priority in both categories of grants for applicants working on delivering high-quality early learning programs.
The Department's Office of Safe and Healthy Students awarded Windham Central Supervisory Union in southern Vermont a Project School Emergency Response to Violence (SERV) grant totaling over $48,000 to help with ongoing recovery efforts following the suicide of a 16-year-old student.
Updated state budget tables detail Fiscal Year 2013 appropriations, including the effect of the sequester and an across-the-board cut in the final appropriations bill.
Secretary Duncan's recent speech to American Educational Research Association (AERA), "Choosing the Right Battles: Remarks and a Conversation," examined the major issues facing students, educators, policymakers, and other key stakeholders in today's education environment.
A letter from Acting Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Seth Galanter concerns the prohibition against retaliation under federal civil rights laws.
U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Regina Benjamin experienced how the Healthy School Campaign has helped build innovative partnerships and strong parental support during a visit to Chicago's Nathanael Greene Elementary School.
The Department proudly hosted the opening of the "Flint Arts on the Road" student art exhibit.
A Notice of Proposed Priority and Requirements for the Education Facilities Clearinghouse was published in the Federal Register on May 9, with comments due on June 10.
Quote to Note
"The teachers I talk to don't question the need for broad change. They are enthusiastic about instruction that emphasizes depth rather than coverage, worthy literature to read, and real world problems to solve. They passionately want to be part of helping more students get prepared for college and career. But, many have told me that the pace of change is causing real anxiety. I've heard that, given the newness of the college- and career-ready standards, teachers really want to see what they're aiming for. They want models of excellence that they can study. And, it feels like the change is happening all at once.... There's no question in my mind that raising the bar for our students is necessary and that America's educators are up to it. But, I want to call on the other adults in the system to redouble their efforts to support our teachers through this change."
|Secretary of Education Arne Duncan (5/7/13), in an op-ed on supporting teachers
Upcoming Events
Members of the public are invited to participate in a facilitated online dialogue examining the impact of existing federal regulations and legislation on the successful transition from school to work of youth and young adults with disabilities. The Departments of Education, Health and Human Services, and Labor, as well as the Social Security Administration, will co-host the dialogue May 13-27. Input received during the dialogue will help these agencies improve policies, practices, and interagency strategic planning.
The Institute of Education Sciences (IES) will host a series of funding opportunities webinars in May and June.
Credits, Subscribe & Unsubscribe
Please feel free to contact the Office of Communications and Outreach with any questions:
Deputy Assistant Secretary, Intergovernmental AffairsStacey Jordan, (202) 401-0026, firstname.lastname@example.com
Program AnalystAdam Honeysett, (202) 401-3003, firstname.lastname@example.com
To be added or removed from distribution, or submit comments (we welcome your feedback!), please contact Adam Honeysett. Or, visit http://www2.ed.gov/news/newsletters/edreview/index.html.
This newsletter contains hypertext links to information created and maintained by other public and private organizations. These links are provided for the user's convenience. The U.S. Department of Education does not control or guarantee the accuracy, relevance, timeliness, or completeness of this outside information. Furthermore, the inclusion of links is not intended to reflect their importance, nor is it intended to endorse any views expressed, or products or services offered, on these sites, or the organizations sponsoring the sites.


text:
Back at E3, Sony was only willing to say that the PlayStation 4 would be released this holiday season. Today, the company locked down a North American date of November 15, 2013 for the new system with a European date of November 29. The system will be available for $399/€399/£349 in 32 countries by the end of the year, the company said.
The date comes just days before the Black Friday post-Thanksgiving sales, but given the strong pre-order interest for the system already, the PS4 might be hard to find on store shelves in the days after it drops. Sony revealed that one million PS4 systems have already been pre-ordered worldwide.
The company notably did not mention a release date or price point for the system's launch in its native Japan. Back at E3, Sony said it was gauging whether a 2013 release would be possible in the country.
Microsoft has not specified a date for the release of its $499/€499/£429 Xbox One past "November" for the first wave of 13 markets. Other countries, including Japan and eight European markets, won't receive the system until 2014.


text:
In addition to the various books that you read with your child or children, the Youth Department also has a collection of parenting books. The titles in this collection address a variety of topics including parenting issues/ resources for teachers/ child care providers. The staff would be happy to direct you to this collection where you might find helpful resources.
In order to meet the needs of our patrons, the Youth staff has designed bibliographies on "life issue" topics. We hope that the list of books on the subjects of toilet training, new sibling, divorce and death/grieving will be useful. Please know that each list features only a few titles on that particular topic. If you wish we are happy to help you locate additional titles.
Summer Fun
Are you looking for something to do with your children at home this summer? The youth staff can help you find books and other materials with craft ideas, games, and other activities to engage your children during the summer months. In addition to the materials available in the library, here are a few of our favorite craft web sites:
>Artists Helping Children: Arts and Crafts
>Making Friends Programs and Crafts
>Active For Life
This is a nonprofit organization with a mission to "help parents give their children the right start in life through the development of physical literacy".
>Know Your Kids' Rights
A great information guide to intellectual freedom and the right to read.


text: 03 فبراير 2013 13:30 Etihad Airways has strengthened its relationship with Air France-KLM, with the announcement that the UAE flag carrier will wet-lease an Air France Airbus A340-300 for use on the Paris-Abu Dhabi route from May 15 to November 30. Air France will operate the 272 seat aircraft as one of Etihad Airways' two daily Paris-Abu Dhabi return services – EY37 and EY38 respectively. Last October, Etihad Airways and Air France-KLM forged a strategic partnership which saw the two airline groups work together to create value for each airline. The agreement expanded the UAE flag carrier's European network with codeshare services beyond Paris to Bordeaux, Copenhagen, Madrid, Nice and Toulouse, and saw Air France place its AF flight code on Etihad Airways operated flights between Paris Charles de Gaulle and Abu Dhabi, and to cities beyond. It also played a key role in Etihad Airways announcing direct Amsterdam-Abu Dhabi services effective May 15, in addition to KLM increasing its direct Amsterdam-Abu Dhabi services to daily from summer 2013. Kevin Knight, Chief Strategy and Planning Officer at Etihad Airways, said: "This agreement to wet-lease an Air France A340-300 aircraft demonstrates the mutual benefits generated by our close relationship with Air France-KLM. On the back of recent announcements, this latest cooperation deal is good for both carriers in terms of better optimising our fleets for the rest of 2013."The temporary wet-leased EY37 and EY38 return service will also see Etihad Airways cabin crew on board, working alongside Air France attendants to provide our guests with an inspired travelling experience that the world's leading airline is best known for." Etihad Airways premium customers travelling from or to Paris Charles de Gaulle will continue to receive the priority service they have become accustomed to, including: Etihad Chauffeur service to CDG airport, priority check-in at the Etihad Airways counter, access to the new 620 square metre Etihad Airways signature premium lounge, and subsequent priority boarding of the aircraft. Double-daily Paris-Abu Dhabi flight schedule EY 032 Paris (CDG) to Abu Dhabi (AUH) 1100 – 2040 EY 038 Paris (CDG) to Abu Dhabi (AUH) 2140 – 0720 + 1day (wet-lease) EY 031 Abu Dhabi (AUH) to Paris (CDG) 02:15 – 06:55 EY 037 Abu Dhabi (AUH) to Paris (CDG) 08:45 – 13.25 (wet-lease) آراؤكم إذا أردتم أن توجهوا لنا أي تعليق أو شكوى أو إطراء أو سؤال، اضغطوا هنا اتصلوا بنا تفاصيل الاتصال انضموا إلينا انضموا لصفحتنا في فيسبوك شاهدونا زوروا قناة الاتحاد للطيران في يوتيوب تابعونا الاتحاد للطيران (العربي)


text:
After a dramatic weekend of action on the gaelic football fields, 13 counties are represented on our football team of the week…
1. Paddy Collum (Longford)
Longford's trip to Croke Park panned out as expected but their margin of defeat would have been greater had Collum not pulled off three fantastic second half saves.
2. Brian Darby (Offaly)
Justified his decision to come out of inter-county retirement with a fine showing in the morale boosting eight point success over Antrim.
3. Emmet Carolan (Louth)
The Wee County secured their first win of 2018 at the expense of London in Ruislip and are now looking forward to a round 2 qualifier date with Leitrim.
4. Eric Lowndes (Dublin)
Dublin's dominance of the Leinster landscape shows no sign of abating and Lowndes has emerged as a key defender for the Sky Blues.
5. James McEntee (Meath)
Meath pushed Tyrone all the way on Saturday evening and McEntee - who kicked two points - was a standout performer for the home side.
6. Ciaran Brady (Cavan)
A return of 1-3 from Brady helped to ease the Breffni County to a 14-point victory over Wicklow in Aughrim.
7. Frank McGlynn (Donegal)
The experienced McGlynn and Donegal made light work of Down to set up an Anglo Celt Cup final date with surprise packets Fermanagh.
8. Tom Prendergast (Waterford)
Prendergast's work-rate was a key ingredient in the Deise's surprise win over hosts Wexford on Saturday.
9. Charlie Vernon (Armagh)
After the disappointment of their Ulster SFC quarter-final defeat to Fermanagh, Vernon and the Orchard County returned to winning ways against Westmeath.
10. Fergal Conway (Kildare)
The hard-working half-forward sent over four points as the Lilywhites secured a long overdue win.
11. Niall Donoher (Laois)
It may not have been pretty but Donoher and Laois got the job done against neighbours Carlow.
12. Paul Mannion (Dublin)
The Kilmacud Crokes clubman continued his rich vein of form with a return of 1-2 against Longford.
13. Connor McAliskey (Tyrone)
McAliskey's contribution of 1-8 (1-2 from play) was crucial as the Red Hands scraped over Meath in Pairc Tailteann.
14. Cillian O'Connor (Mayo)
A personal tally of 3-9 against Limerick saw the Ballintubber ace become Mayo's all-time top scorer.
15. Jamie Brennan (Donegal)
The Bundoran forward shared the scoring honours with Patrick McBrearty when hitting 1-3 against the Mourne County.


text:
Be warned, that's something non Oracle APEX related. 🙂
Some weeks ago I read a posting about a project called PostSecret: A Lifetime of Secrets on the Blogspot – Blogger Buzz blog.
Since then I have subscribed to it in my RSS reader. I catch myself looking forward to Sunday, because that's the day when they release a new posting. Some of the postings make you really think.
Have a look by yourself!
Probably everybody has a little bit of a voyeur of someone else secrets… 🙂


text:
The Rockler Woodworking and Hardware free catalog features over 140 pages
of our best products mailed directly to your door. You should receive
your catalog in 1 to 2 weeks, depending on your location.
In the meantime, you'll find all of the products in our catalogs here on our website.
Just choose one of the department links on your left, or enter a keyword search.
Request a FREE Catalog below:
I'd like to receive Rockler E-mail Exclusives.
Check this box if you would like to receive Rockler's free e-mail newsletter. You'll be notified of new product launches, discounts, promotional events, contests, woodworking tips and special pricing.


text:
Get Zeallsoft.com Coupons
SoftwareCoupons.com furnishes the top Zeallsoft.com Coupon Codes and Offers. If you're seeking a great deal on Zeallsoft.com products, check out SoftwareCoupons.com for the very best Zeallsoft.com Discount coupons. Zeallsoft.com presents us with the very best discounts & vouchers so we can offer significant special discounts exclusively to you.
Active Zeallsoft.com Discounts & Coupons
August 20, 2019
Never miss coupons for Zeallsoft.com
Enter your email below and we will send you the latest and greatest Zeallsoft.com discounts.
Sort Zeallsoft.com Coupons by Product
About Zeallsoft.com Coupon Codes
Step 1: Pick out the Zeallsoft.com discount offer you desire to use and click the coupon code button listed above.
Step 2:Two windows will pop-up. One will be a second SoftwareCoupons.com page and this window will advise you whether or not the promotional code has become activated. It will also provide the Zeallsoft.com promo code in the center of the page. This is the discount code you will need when checking out the item from the Zeallsoft.com web site.
Step 3: The second page that appeared is going to be the cart on the Zeallsoft.com web site. Click the box that reads, "I have a Coupon"!
Step 4: Type in the Zeallsoft.com discount coupon which was supplied from the first pop up window.
Step 5: The discount will be deducted from the total. Carry on as usual with the check-out.
Step 6: If your promotion worked properly, please make sure to provide feedback so we understand that all of our discounts are up-to-date.
Step 7: If you want to receive software news and deals on more SoftwareCoupons.com software products, submit your email to sign-up for our Free Software newsletters, continue shopping or merely exit and benefit from your cost savings.
(Several of the Discount Codes really need to be precisely inputted on the check out web page we give you in order to work correctly and provide you the discount your looking for.)
Distributing illegally reproduced copies of software is unlawful. SoftwareCoupons.com won't offer Zeallsoft.com key code, Zeallsoft.com cracks, serial number generators, hacked versions or Zeallsoft.com cracked versions. Our site only will deliver Zeallsoft.com coupons which are genuine and authorized by Zeallsoft.com.
Softwarecoupons.com is definitely the top provider of software discounts, online codes and special offers.
Related Software Coupons
Easy iPod & iphone Transfer Coupon. Simply click the Coupon Button to locate your own personal promotion!...
Click on the deal button to gain access to our favorite DriverHive - Keeping Your Drivers Up to Date Deal....
Easy iPod Transfer Coupon Code. Definitely click on the Coupon Button to uncover your own personal promotion!...
This is a Extra Special 25% DriverHive - Keeping Your Drivers Up to Date Promo Code. Simply click the Coupon Button to locate your amazing promotion!...
That is certainly our Best VideoWizard Coupon - All-in-One DVD & Video Converter Discount Code. Click on the ACTIVATE Button....


text:
America, if you're scared by all the talk you've been hearing about the fiscal cliff, take heart: There are reasons for people across the political spectrum to love the cliff.
There's a lot for liberals to like in the fiscal cliff, says Matthew Yglesias, who writes wonky articles about economics for Slate.
Take the spending cuts. Entitlement programs like Social Security and Medicaid that liberals generally support are left unaffected, while a large share of the cuts fall on the military, which many liberals would be happy to reduce anyway.
The combination of tax hikes and spending cuts could eventually send the country into recession. But that probably won't happen, Yglesias says, because at some point in the next few weeks Congress will probably agree on a compromise.
That's partly because going off the cliff will let Congress sell a tax increase as a tax cut. Simon Johnson, an economist at MIT, walked me through how that works.
A big part of the fiscal cliff is the expiration of temporary tax cuts. So, for example, the 33 percent tax bracket will rise to 36 percent on Jan. 1.
Say you think the ideal rate for income in this bracket should be higher than 33 percent. Say you think it should be 34 percent. On Monday, Dec. 31, 34 percent is a tax increase. On Tuesday, Jan. 1, it's a tax cut.
Conservatives who worry that the government is borrowing too much money should love the cliff for a simple reason: It will cut the deficit.
The federal government spends over $3.5 trillion every year — on health care for the elderly, drones for the military, bridges, etc. But the government only brings $2.5 trillion in tax revenue. We borrow the remaining $1 trillion, and we're going to have to pay it back eventually.
Going over the cliff — paying more taxes and getting fewer government services — means we borrow less. By the same token, it forces the country to pay up front for a bigger share of the government services we're consuming.
"It forces taxpayers to realize what they're paying, and I think that's a good thing," Russ Roberts, a libertarian economist at Stanford's Hoover Institution, told me.
OK. So we've been told to worry a lot about the consequences of failure.
Alex Blumberg of our Planet Money team explains why some experts aren't worried.
ALEX BLUMBERG, BYLINE: America, if you are scared by all the talk you've been hearing about the fiscal cliff, take heart: There are some who welcome the plunge.
MATTHEW YGLESIAS: You know, I think it's going to be good for America.
BLUMBERG: You think it's going to be good for America to go over the cliff?
YGLESIAS: I do.
BLUMBERG: Matthew Yglesias writes detailed, wonky articles about economics for Slate magazine. He's on the liberal side of the political spectrum, and he says, for liberals, there's a lot to like at the bottom of this cliff. Take those spending cuts that are going to take effect. Entitlement programs like Social Security and Medicaid, programs that most liberals support, are left unaffected. The lion's share of the cuts fall on the military, which many liberals would be happy to reduce, anyway. And as for the fear that this tax-hike-spending-cut combo could send us back into recession...
YGLESIAS: I mean, you know, I think it could push us back into recession if we fully implement all of this.
BLUMBERG: But, says Yglesias, odds are we won't. In other words, in January, Congress will suddenly be able to do the thing it's been unable to do for the last year: come to a bipartisan compromise of targeted spending cuts and tax increases. How, you may ask? Well, remember, partly of the fiscal cliff is the automatic expiration of temporary tax cuts, which means tax rates, that on December 31st are 33 percent, on January 1st, one day later, they will reset to their original level of 36 percent. Now, let's say hypothetically, you're a congressman who thinks the ideal rate should be in the middle, 34 percent. On Monday, December 31st, that's a tax increase. On Tuesday, the first of January, it's a tax cut. Simon Johnson is an economist at MIT.
SIMON JOHNSON: The expiration of these tax cuts is actually a very good thing. Once they go up, then you can negotiate to bring them back down. And you could have a deal which people on the right will go for, in which they say I never voted to raise your taxes. I only lowered them. Well, that will be true on Tuesday morning.
BLUMBERG: Russ Roberts, a research fellow at Stanford's Hoover Institution, agrees. Even if the math makes no sense, the politics do.
RUSS ROBERTS: If on January 1st, your taxes go up dramatically, but on January 2nd, Congress decides to lower them a little bit, it's a tax cut.
BLUMBERG: Now, Roberts stands with Matthew Yglesias and Simon Johnson in his preference for the plunge, even though ideologically, he's far to the right of both of them. He thinks the post-plunge world is a more honest one. He says think of it this way: The federal government spends over three-and-a-half trillion dollars a year on stuff - on health care for the elderly, drones for the military, bridges, etc. But it only brings two-and-a-half trillion in tax revenue. We borrow that remaining a trillion, and we're going to have to pay it back. And so for Roberts, when we go over the cliff and all start paying more taxes and getting fewer government services, that just brings us closer to reality.
ROBERTS: We're going to actually bear the price of our consumption of government services and goods now instead of tomorrow. That's what the cliff does. I kind of like that. I kind of like the idea that instead of pretending that this is free, this extra trillion dollars the government's spending that we're not covering with taxes, it forces taxpayers to realize what they're actually paying. And I think that's a good thing.
BLUMBERG: Roberts would like to see even more honesty: bigger spending cuts and, yes, bigger tax increases. Simon Johnson, the economist from MIT, he wouldn't go that far. But he agrees with the fundamental point: We're consuming more government services than we pay for, and the sooner we start fixing that, the better off we'll be in the long-run.
JOHNSON: Actually having people in the middle class realize there are limits on the extent to which you can get free stuff from the government, that's healthy.
BLUMBERG: Johnson would have preferred a more rational, thought-through compromise, one that raises some taxes, cuts some spending, a compromise that puts the country in a better fiscal position for the future without threatening a recession today. But he says if the choices between inaction on these long-term fiscal problems or inefficient and potentially damaging action, he'll still take the action. For NPR News, I'm Alex Blumberg.
INSKEEP: It's MORNING EDITION, from NPR News. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.


text:
Last visited February 2012
Party types and comfort-travellers will hate this place - there are no specialist bars, clubs or restaurants, no roads, few tracks, no villages, no shops, no ATMs, - just 5 resorts, one a relatively recent and isolated midrange joint, the other 4 budget oriented, the flashest of which struggles to get above flash-packer. Some recent visitors have complained about the influx of daytrippers from Chang and the mainland each day, but these are easy to avoid and can in fact offer good variety.
Ko Wai in the far eastern Gulf to the south of Ko Chang and north-west of Ko Mak. Trat is the nearest mainland regional city (modified Google Earth image).
Pakarang had a new image when I returned in 2012. Map nerds will hate how they have reversed things so that north is now straight down, but I guess it makes sense in orientating yourself when standing in front of the map - Ko Wai Paradise Resort is indeed to the right etc.
Note how the amount of sand has diminished markedly - maybe a full moon high tide after some wet season storm erosion.
With the exception of the new Ko Wai Beach Resort, all the beaches on Wai extend along the North Coast and are easy to access. You can walk from Paradise#3 to Gran Ma Hut#3 along a pretty good coastal track in under 45 minutes (modifies from Google Earth).
Might be clearer if you click image to expand.
Starting from the western end of the north coast:
Ko Wai Paradise's 3rd "unknown" beach. This is a good 250m from the resort's restaurant behind the main beach, but bungalows actually extend all the way to here. None of the daytrippers seem to find this gem - hell even some Paradise guests never make it here. Nice sand, some okay snorkelling off the beach.
Bungalows behind Paradise's 3rd beach. A German girl we talked to in the ferry got one of these for 300baht - okay, outside bathroom and breakfast non-inclusive but similar would cost you double in the Andaman high season 2012. If you want to get away from it all in an idyllic spot this would be hard to beat. Um, apart from Wai's Good Feeling and Gran Ma Huts.
Ko Wai Paradis'es 2nd beach is a little closer the restaurant which is behind the main beach in background. Notice proximity of bungalow to sand far right of pic.
Ko Wai Paradise's main beach. This is a fine beach, first off the arrival pier in background. Sand continues some distance into the sea, water is crystal clear and not too shallow at lowest tide. Snorkelling is pretty good here by Thai standards - and attracts a crowd of daytrippers from nearby Ko Chang. However this mid-afternoon 2012 shot shows relatively few people, perhaps they have moved on to Pakarang's beach because my 1998 stay at Paradise saw busy afternoons. German girl said there were lots of daytrippers from about 1000 to 1300. Interestingly there is a sign and chain on the main beach just behind camera saying PRIVATE GUESTS ONLY BEYOND THIS POINT. In English script which might miss the mark considering the bulk of daytrippers are Russian. However the far end of the main beach seemed to have few people in busy 1998 and no daytrippers seemed to find even the 2nd beach.
Paradise's bungalows start behind the sand just this side of the jetty. Good Feeling's restaurant (which is a good place for a quiet and inexpensive meal when Paradise's is busy) is immediately on the landward end of the pier with around 3 of their bungalows on the hillside behind. The rest are some distance along the north coast behind the jetty.
I stayed at Paradise my first 2 visits to the island - more details down page.
Good Feeling's beach. This is maybe 250m further east-south-east of the arrivals pier along a track that is pretty rough with stones and tree-roots underfoot but well lit at night. There is maybe double the beach behind the camera with only half a dozen backpacker style bungalows - the type which tend to attract those long-term travellers. I remember walking down here in 2008 at full high tide and some of the bungalow piers were in the water. Bungalows all have bathrooms - 300 baht without breakfast high season 2012 makes them a third the price of similar places on say Phi Phi.
Snorkelling is okay off the beach and continues to be pretty good for a good 400m further on to Pakarang Resort's pier.
The south-east corner of Ko Chang from Good Feeling's beach - I reckon this was shot with a wide-angle lens (which deepens distance) because the mountains are more dramatic live (image Panoramio-Hammarat)
Pakarang Resort's 2nd beach is next east. I shot this off the top of the National Park pavillion on Pakarang's pier - there is actually double the beach seen - behind the near rocks/palms. A pretty nice beach and only Pakarang guests find this one - the daytrippers who pile in from around 1400 to 1600 seem to miss it, the nearer main beach being so much more obvious from pier level.
Snorkelling is not too bad off this beach - best close to the pier, better IMHO than off the main beach.
Pakarang Resort's main beach from the pier. Nice sand kept well groomed. Crystal clear water which gets a bit shallow low tide but swimmable before the fringing reef (starts about 40m out) except at those lowest tides around full moon and no moon and then for only an hour or so around lowest tide (which could be at night depending on when you visit).
Coral and fishies so so on the reef (the former pretty mono- coloured), best close to the pier (actually just on the seaward side of the National Park pavilion).
I stayed at Pakarang latest 2012 trip - more details down page.
Coral on the fringing reef shot from Pakarang's pier, lowest tide. A good fish show along here at times.
Ao Yai Ma - Gran Ma Hut's main beach - is 10/15 minutes walk along the coastal track east of Pakarang. Pretty easy going these days - there is a small steep headland to cross but I noticed some steps had been cast to make this not the problem it was in earlier visit.
Once again a nice beach, one which doesn't get visited by too many other people. Water tends to be a bit shallow at lowest tides but no worse than Pakarang. There is a similar fringing reef and I think the snorkelling must be okay because one of the daytrip snorkelling boats out of Ko Chang moored off this and the two smaller neighbouring beaches each day.
Gran Ma Hut is maybe the most laid back resort on the island. Most bungalows are in the trees behind the beach. Restaurant is up on a small hill overlooking the pier through thick tree crowns. Fish pens at pier's end guarantee fresh seafood. I noticed both the speedboats and the Bang Bao slow boat were dropping passengers whereas in 2008 the bigger slow boat (Bang Bao slow boat was not running) avoided the pier at lower tides - a dude on my trip had to lug his quite big pack from the Pakarang pier.
Oops! Falling tree did a good demolition job on this bungalow. I wouldn't freak - falling trees tend to be a wet season thing when high winds, wet soggy soils, rotting wood and weight of water on foliage combine to bring them down. I'd be surprised if Gran Ma Hut stays open wet season - certainly Pakarang and Paradise close between mid-August and the start of October.
A little further east over a short section of rocks is Gran Ma's second beach - not too much sand here but when I came by in 2008 a daytrip speedboat had called in to take advantage of a much nicer beach. Maybe we can call this Ao Noi Ma (Noi means small).
Gran Ma's third beach is a little further on again - the most easterly beach on the north coast. I shot this from the end of the pier at the far western end of the first beach - I couldn't be bothered rock-hopping over there. Then I noticed a couple of Gran Ma guests walking around on a track behind the headland trees. Duh.
Ko Wai Beach Resort's (the new mid-range place) beach is around the eastern corner of the island on the south-east coast. Pakarang Resort didn't want to give me any hiking instructions because they thought I'd get lost (Lady Tezza was hoping I'd get lost) so I grabbed a kayak and checked it out. But because I knew the strongish easterly sea breeze would make for choppy conditions once around the island corner for this inexperienced kayaker I didn't take my camera in case it got a dunking. The beach is small (one guy told me it is artificial but Pakarang's early aerial phot0 which predates the new place shows a patch of sand there) but it looked okay - although I didn't see any guests in fairly busy mid February. Note this place catches the wind in dry season whereas the north coast beaches are fairly sheltered.
I couldn't find a pic of the beach I could pinch on the web - the resort's website has an anti-copying thingy. So you'll have to google it up for yourself. The place seems expensive compared to its appearance.
Staying at Ko Wai Paradise
I wrote this after my second stay in 2008. The first was in 1998.
I like to stay at a different place when I revisit an island and I usually jump off the ferry un-booked, but this trip coincided with the leadup to Chinese New Year and mindful of how popular Wai was with weekending Thais on my 1998 visit, I chickened out. I was real keen on staying at Ao Yai Ma - Gran Ma Hut in the south of the island but the only phone # I could access was Paradise Resort, my accommodation first trip.
No problem really because Paradise is a pretty good place, on the nicest stretch of beach with fairly good snorkelling along the fringing reef, great views of Chang's mountainous southern coast and other islands and value bungalows at 250 and 300. (UPDATE - some of the smaller bungalows were still 250 in 2012. Hell, I paid that in 1998 and was happy).
All the bungalows are outside bathroom jobs - split roughly equal between small 250baht jobs and bigger 300s. They start just west of the jetty, built on piers against the steep hillside right along the path heading west almost to that 3rd beach mentioned before. It must be the best part of 500m from bungalow #1 to bungalow #37. (UPDATE - more in 2012). No bungalow is more than 25m from the water. In the far western section the forest tends to overshadow the bungalows - the guys at reception referred to this part as "In the Jungle". Looked pretty neat to me - the one catch - a fair walk back to the restaurant in the middle of the first beach.
Note there are 3 bathroom blocks along the way, and they were in fair condition and kept reasonably clean. Squat toilets. Good mirrors and basins.
Most bungalows are largely unchanged since my first trip except the timber has weathered into a greyish hue - and there are now more of them. In '98 they only stretched to the second beach, and now (2008) they go almost to the third. (UPDATE 2012 - they do extend to immediately behind the most distant beach). A lot of the newer ones are 300 jobs and showed a variety of designs - some with very extensive balconies. The 250s seemed to be cloned off each other.
Typical 250b bungalow. This is actually my '98 hut (this trip, my camera's backup batteries failed on Wai) - the only difference in 2008 is the wood had weathered to grey.
The 250 bungalows are basically a box with a double bed and verandah. Just enough room for 2 and their gear. No shelves, few hooks. The mattress was very firm, the pillows fluffy and the mosquito net was in good condition. No fan, no towel, no toilet paper or soap. (Update - this could have changed since 2008 - many LOS budget bungalows are providing soap and towels now). Light just bright enough for reading. Nice spacious veranda with those great beach, bay and southern Chang views. No hammock. Big outside trash bin only. Quiet at night - no long tails and the generator which is over near the restaurant cuts out around 2300.
Value at 250? Well yeah - you don't get too many bungalows below 300 these days, particularly so close to the beach/water. Just about all of these have nice views, which made hanging on the raised veranda after a day of sun, snorkelling and swimming a pretty sweet way to spend some time.
This is a 2012 shot of my 2008 250 baht bungalow (dates can confuse but remember my camera was out of action in 2008). The interesting thing is it looks as if it has been refurbished - the timber is much less a weathered gray. Not sure if hammocks are now supplied - a lot of travellers bring their own.
Some of the more recently built bungalows west of the restaurant are bigger and a few share common verandahs and look to be suitable for big-family accommodation when combined.
The grounds were kept pretty clean - I noticed that 20 minutes after the last daytripper had left the main beach was spotless.
Good Feeling's restaurant is actually immediately behind the pier on the eastern end of Paradise's beach. The restaurant is a good place to eat because food was appreciably less expensive than Paradise's. It was also one of the top people-watching places on the island - some daytrippers come for the full day but more arrive in shuttles as the snorkel/island trip boats do their round of locations - so there was always a line of colourful people shuffling past and boats putting in and casting off from the pier.
But if you want peace and quiet, no problems. For a start, there is a double sign about two thirds along the beach saying PRIVATE BEACH PAST HERE - RESORT GUESTS ONLY, and I was surprised at how many of the daytrippers were respecting this. Not all, but if you keep heading west at Paradise past the main 300m long beach there is about 50m of rock and then a second beach say 60m long. Then comes another longer section of rock and finally on the immediate far side of the low western rocky point is another tiny but very nice stretch of sand with quite good swimming and snorkelling off the beach. Paradise's path with bungalows adjacent goes right along here, and no daytrippers seem to make the third beach.
The restaurant serves good food. I noticed the prices were maybe 20-30% higher than nearby Good Feeling and more distant Pakarang in both 2008 and 2012 trips.
Thorntree regular Callippo gave me this info about Pakarang: "Pakarang's restaraunt is now better value, the food being much better than Paradise (it always had a better menu). It must be the daytrippers - too tempting for Paradise not to up the prices with a captive daytime market". When I called in at lunchtime latest trip to check prices there must have been 130 daytrippers getting stuck into their set meal. Maybe a good time to head for one of the other restaurants for prompt service.
Ko Wai Paradise's restaurant in 1998
Paradise's restaurant 2012 - not greatly changed.
Staying at Pakarang Resort
For my latest trip I decided to stay at Pakarang - mainly on account it has a website and can be booked online (when I travel with The Bride I rarely have the courage to jump off the ferry unbooked). Lady Tezza hauling bags around in search of a vacancy aint a happy camper.
The southern half of Pakarang Resort from the top of the National Park rotunda on the pier.
Pakarang is a surprisingly big place with a wide range of rooms and bungalows (about 50) which range from flashpacker to budget. It has a big pier with a very fancy 2 storey rotunda type thingo - part of the adjacent National Park Oceanic Research outfit, which par for the course for Thai government instrumentalities, has the flashest buildings on the island and the usual bunch of guys sitting around doing nothing. Oh yeah, and big concrete tanks full of seawater and turtle hatchlings.
Chez Tezza at Pakarang
This is what they call a big wooden bungalow. Plenty of room for an extra single mattress alongside the existing king sized bed. This mattress thin but reasonaby comfy. Fan, cold water. Clean and in good condition. Insect screens seemed to work, so we didn't set up the net. Nice big verandah for checking the beach and distant Chang view (most of Pakarang's bungalows are front row - the few second rowers are staggered and higher up slope so they also have a view).
At 1000 baht (2012 high season) not great value compared to smaller fan bungalows at the other resorts, but overall this was one nice place - our second favourite of the 7 resorts stayed at on our Feb/March Thailand trip (first was Boutique Raft Resort at Sai Yok north of Kanchanaburi). Budget travellers will find better value in Pakarang's 600b small bungalows.
Aircon bungalows are also available.
This motel-like block and a similar one further south seemed popular. It has some interconnecting rooms (fan and aircon) good for big families. I think they also may have been used by overnighting Russian island-trippers out of Pattaya - both were running 100% our first night.
The Russsians are coming! Each afternoon around 1400 four or five daytrip boats would dock and a bunch of Farangs (mostly Russian) would descend on Pakarang's restaurant and main beach. Interestingly a good 2 dozen or so would walk south on the coastal path under our bungalow verandah from which this is taken - I'm not sure if they were heading for the turtle tanks 2 minutes on or Gran Ma Hut's nice beach 10 minutes on.
I'm not against daytrippers - they certainly add colour and ensure a good turnover of food etc in the restaurant so it stays fresh and cheap.
But 1630 they were gone.
Part of Pakarang's big restaurant. Good views, service and food. Prices seemed typical of budget bungalow restaurants although the 65 baht club sangas with chips and 40/70 baht small/big Changs are lower than average. There was a computer for guests' use (not free) and wi-fi for those with their own laptops in the restaurant.
This is one small island with very limited tracks. You can walk from Paradise's third beach in the NW along the coastal track past Good Feeling and Pakarang to Granma Hut's third beach in the NE in 45 minutes no sweat (track 1 on map).
When down at Gran Ma's bay, there is a rough track which climbs up over the hill to a small rocky cove on the south-east coast (track 2).
Back at Pakarang you can walk up past the garbage dump benind the bungalows and go over the hill to a bigger but nondescript southern coast bay (no real beach) and return on another track which follows a fence-line to end up at Good Feeling's seaside bungalows. Some nice rainforest and rubber tree vegetation along here, not much else (track 3).
There is a sign around about Paradise's #20 bungalow to Sunset Viewpoint - this goes steeply across to a narrow rocky inlet on the south-west coast which indeed is nice for sunset viewing and not bad for swimming if you are experienced in entering and leaving water in sometimes choppy conditions off rocks. Don't leave your return too late - thick vegetation and a steep sometimes tricky track makes for no fun when it gets dark (track 4).
In 2008 there was a sign+map on the back wall of Paradise's restaurant showing the location of these tracks. Hopefully it is still there, but I forgot to look latest visit.
As I said, there is supposed to be a track from Pakarang to the new Ko Wai Beach Resort, but Pakarang were not too keen to tell me where it started. I had a look but nothing seemed obvious unless it goes off track 3 above which I last did in 2008 before the new resort opened.
Pakarang Resort's slow boat, a small ferry, delivered to all 3 piers on Wai in 1998 and 2008. It left Laem Ngop around 1500 and returned around 0800. I went back to the mainland on this boat - it is reasonably comfortable (much more so than the best seat on a speedboat) and the views of the south and east coast of Chang and the smaller nearby islands are very nice. I think the trip was a bit under 2 hours.
However it stayed tied to the pier the full length of my 2012 stay which suggests the speedboats from the mainland are the go these days. Maybe Parkarang's ferry is used to haul food and other supplies these days.
You can get a speedboat from Laem Ngop and I think from the Leam Sok pier which is further to the south-east from Trat (but closer to Wai).
Mr Ball's KO MAK.com speedboat information is good for speedboat times as is his info on getting to Trat/Laem Ngop from Bangkok and Leam Sok from Trat.
Speedboats and slowboats come from Bang Bao on Ko Chang - the slowboat goes on to Ko Mak and the speedboats also connect Mak and the more distant Ko Kut. Bang Bao boat is one outfit and Google will find others like Kae Bea Hut speedboat. Once again Mr Ball's website has good info on times etc.
The Bang Bao slow boat ("wooden boat") out of Bang Bao on big Chang. A pretty relaxed way to get to Wai compared to a sometimes bumpy, wet speedboat. Less than half the passengers left the boat at Wai - the rest continued to Ko Mak. Like virtually all boats out of Chang, this one does a free shuttle connection from accommodation to the pier at Bang Bao on Chang's south-west tip..
If you are visiting Wai you might consider nearby:
If you see mistakes or have extra info, please post below. If you have questions, please put them on the Forum, accessed via the Index - I don't get to check each island page each day but I try to check the Forum when not travelling.


text:
We asked readers, Was the Supreme Court decision to lift limits on citizens' campaign donations correct?
Donation limits needed to keep pols from selling out
I believe if we are ever to see a revival of our moribund democracy, we must insist there be rigid donation limits in our politics.
For years, many of our elected officials have been bought by corporations and oligarchs. And it's high time we the people rear our heads in protest against the corrupting effects of money. Only then will politicians know they can no longer sell themselves, like courtesans, to their rich clients, and that they must devote their efforts to the needs of their constituents.
It's imperative that politicians open their ears to hear the voice of the people loud and clear. And as for us common folks, it's important that we speak up and stay vigilant; otherwise, they'll just continue to ignore us.
— David Quintero, Monrovia
Stop legal bribery
Our pro-corporate Supreme Court pretty much made campaign donation limits a moot point. But while they said we cannot limit the amount of money we give to politicians, they did not say we cannot limit the amount of money our politicians take.
We need to pass an initiative banning any government employee (city, county, state and federal) from taking anything from anyone seeking to obtain support for legislation or other favors over which the government worker has any influence.
To expect our representatives to do that voluntarily is naïve. Would you vote to reduce your own income?
This initiative would also eliminate low-level government employees from taking bribes in their daily work and ultimately give us a government we can afford. They can call it anything they want, but it is a bribe.
Even Charles Keating Jr., the former head of Lincoln Savings and Loan said he certainly expected favors in return for his donations, and he got it — even from Mother Teresa!
— Shirley Conley, Gardena
Outlaw advertising lies
The danger of money in politics is not the money, but what it's spent on.
If the ads funded by this money required advertisers to meet standards that do not allow factual distortion, outright lies and propaganda, a lot of wind would go out of the market.
People should know the facts and ignore the ads, but in today's world, a lot of people don't have the time, energy or interest to become fully informed, and instead become captive to the histrionics of the political ads and commentary.
Of course, the Supreme Court members would never allow it. I would assume they would strike down any law requiring truth in advertising.
— Susan Matrau, Torrance
Rulings help the wealthy
This problem isn't meaningful if you only include the state of California. California is only one spoke in the bike wheel. Consider instead Congress and the Supreme Court who have recently put forth two decisions that will probably end the United States as a viable nation for at least 100 years.
These two decisions now make it possible for any citizen or corporation to give as much money as they want to candidates and political partys.
They say that the United States Congress cannot make laws that strip away a person's rights. But what about my rights? I don't have enough money to buy one vote, and yet my rights have been taken away. How can one person have more rights than another?
This is how it works. What the Supreme Court says is true makes it true. Now, if the majority of justices happen to be members of one political party, and they want the Republican, conservative ideology to prevail, then they come up with verdicts that present that philosophy with a political advantage.
This is not fair or good for our country; it's about winning and removing blockages to their desire for less government.
Just because you're wealthy — and there's nothing to stop those with the most money — you can point the direction of our country any which way you want by buying Congress in states that give the Republicans majorities in both the House of Representatives and the Senate.
— Earl Ranney, Upland
Court adds to corruption
It is not the money that is evil, it is the person who has the money who wants to control elections and politicians. The Supreme Court is the other culprit.
These people want to dictate the goings-on in the government to satisfy their greed and egos. They also want to buy elections and politicians, obliterating our democracy.
Corruption is the name of the game in America, and the high rollers know how to manipulate it. Buying candidates is unpatriotic, dishonest and disruptive.
Democracy will never be the same with all this money floating around. Corruption is rampant in this country. To add to it with unlimited campaign funds is shameful.
Money talks, as will the campaign donations that benefit the rich while the poor and the middle class go by the wayside.
— Lois Eisenberg, Valencia


text:
Notecard - Autumn Leaves 2
per item
This autumn design is in high resolution .png format and sized to fit Avery and other commercial note card products for top-fold note cards, fitting two cards per letter-sized sheet. If you need it in a different size or format, when purchasing send us a "Note to Seller" stating the format needed and giving us your email address. For more information, see these Instructions.
All content of ShanasPaw.com and products of Shana's Paw Graphics are for personal and individual church, congregation, or organization use only. You may not use our content, services, or products for resale or commercial purposes. Please read our additional Terms of Use.


text:
K1S1 Extreme Knitting Yarn in Blue - 1.5kg Bump
K1S1 Extreme Knitting Yarn in Blue - 1.5kg Bump
Price is in Australian dollars (ex. GST).
GST will be added to Australian orders at checkout.
K1S1 is Little Dandelion's DIY extreme knitting yarn. Made in New Zealand by a specialist Mill to my specifications from fine grade merino wool, K1S1 replicates the same scale I create using unspun wool without requiring the same time consuming processes. K1S1 is not a rug yarn. It is a high grade luxurious fully felted technical knitting yarn specifically designed for textile use.
The 1.5kg bump is a perfect size for scarves, beanies and smaller projects like a lap rug.
Before purchasing a bump, please read my Hot Tips on the K1S1 page. Knitting on such a large scale is not for the faint hearted so you need to be sure you are up for the physical challenge.
100% felted fine merino wool tops- approx 55 metres of yarn per bump
Made in New Zealand
Approximately 1.5 kgs.
Before knitting, I recommend unwinding lengths of yarn at a time and allowing it to recover its shape before knitting. This process will naturally continue over time.
Infrequent Dry Clean Delicate recommended. A gentle hand wash in lukewarm water using wool wash is possible although the size of the made up throw makes this a big and wet project. If you are up for it, remove as much as the excess water as you can before drying. A gentle spin cycle in your washing machine is effective if you think the throw will fit. Lay flat to dry. Drying in the shade is recommended as exposure to direct sunlight may cause the wool to fade.
Handle and store with care. Any contact with rough surfaces and sharp objects may result in damage.
K1S1 has been specially designed to have a low pilling quotient. However, pilling may also occur as it is a natural result of friction. It can be easily removed by snipping off any "balls" of wool. Pilling does not constitute a defect.


text:
nnCron 1.91 (build 1083) is available for download.
There are many new exciting features in new nnCron release. Here are the most important:
- intercepting the computer shutdown process;
- user interaction (displaying a dialog window with a propmpt to enter something in an input field);
- working with mail using POP3 protocol;
- specifying the affinity for a given process;
- overall nnCron stability was greately inmproved;
- many bugfixes;
(see history.txt for more detailed development history)


text:
Peggy McKelvey '88
A four year performer on both the cross country and track and field teams, Peggy became MWC's first ever cross country All-American, in 1986. A four-time cross country All-Region finisher, she was also a two-time All-ECAC runner on the track. Peggy was successful in the 3000, 5000, and 10,000 meters, earning All-Mason-Dixon honors in all three events while at MWC.
Inducted October 20, 2000


text:
Forestview�s golf team this past week puts its name in the N.C. High School Athletic Association state record book for a low-scoring round last month.
The Jaguars shot a four-player 270 on March 18 at Crowders Mountain Golf Club for the state�s lowest reported 18-hole team score outside a state championship. That�s an average of 4.5 strokes under par for each player.
Seniors Will Long and Alex Taylor each shot 6-under 66 to lead Forestview that day. Freshman Drew Jurs fired a 67 and junior Will Blalock also finished under par with a 71 on the 6,035-yard layout.
�The guys are really focused on playing together as a team and playing well,� Forestview coach Ken Beaty said. �I guess that�s just icing on the cake to be able to do that. It�s showing how the hard work is paying off.�
The 270 beat the previous lowest reported non-state championship state record of 277 by Cary Green Hope, although Beaty can remember his team shooting two totals under 277, including a 276 this past week and a 274 in a previous year.
Forestview played its record-setting round at a Big South 3A Conference match. South Point placed a distant second with a team score of 300, followed by Kings Mountain at 330.
The Big South season concludes with an 18-hole match Monday at River Bend in Shelby starting at 1:30 p.m. With a cumulative season score of 1,692, Forestview holds a 126-stroke lead over second-place South Point. The Jaguars have won eight consecutive conference titles and 12 in the school�s 14-year history. Forestview has never finished lower than second in its league.
Long leads the individual standings with a 339 over his best five rounds, or a 67.8 average. The Auburn signee, though, will miss Monday�s final match to play in a qualifying tournament for the Wells Fargo Championship at Quail Hollow. Each golfer�s best six of seven conference rounds count toward his season total, so Long will still be in the running for conference player of the year.
Forestview occupies four of the top five spots in the individual standings. Blalock, an N.C. State signee, is five strokes behind Long for second place, Taylor is third at 355 and Jurs is fifth at 365.
The only non-Forestview golfer in the top five is South Point�s Nick Stafford at 360 for fourth.
Blalock is the defending Big South individual champion, having defeated Long by a stroke last year. Long won the title in 2011.
Phillip Gardner: 704-869-1843; twitter.com/gazettephil


text:
Originally posted by hmouta: are these overlays like the indiglos? r u doing all the gauges available in black or white then in the different lighting? is that just like changing the stock bulbs to different color bulbs/leds?
Originally posted by rkneeshaw3.0: GPGauges + HVAC + Headlight Switch22.214.171.124.5.GPGauges + HVAC126.96.36.199.5.GPHVAC+ Headlight Switch188.8.131.52.5.GP HVAC1. rkneeshaw3.0 - Black face, blue lighting2. Goonz SVT - White Face, Blue Lighting3.4.5.
UBB.threads™ 6.2.3
Generated in 0.018 seconds in which 0.009 seconds were spent on a total of 13 queries. Zlib compression enabled.


text:
Courts & Crime
Judge demands answers on Guantanamo force-feeding
A federal judge has directed Guantanamo Bay authorities to answer some highly specific questions about the force-feeding of detainee Mohammed Abu Wa'el Dhiab.
In a five-page order dated Aug. 12, U.S. District Judge Gladys Kessler made public the questions she wants answered by Army Col. John Bogdan, the Gitmo commander, and by the facility's previous and current medical directors.
Bogdan, for instance, must "explain why, in 2014, (he) forbade (Dhiab) from using a wheelchair for transport to his enteral feedings," according to Kessler's order.
The medical professionals must answer questions such as "whether you consider the insertion of
a nasogastric feeding tube to be a painful procedure" and whether they "consider it generally safe to keep a patient's nasogastric feeding tube in place for three days at a time."
Dhiab is challenging the force-feeding program. According to Dhiab's attorneys, with the human rights organization Reprieve, he's been forcibly removed from his cell an average of three times a week over the past year in order to receive the force-feeding. Guantanamo authorities deploy what's called a "Forcible Cell Extraction" team to detainees who appear resistant.
"This proceeding (is) an effort to lift the veil of secrecy from gratuitously abusive force-feeding practices and put a stop to them," Dhiab's attorneys wrote Aug. 6
During the feeding, guards restrain the detainees in chairs and medical technicians snake tubes through their nostrils and into their stomachs so that liquid nutrients may be forced in. The U.S. government refers to the practice as "enteral feedings."
Dhiab says he turned to hunger striking because he had no other recourse. Imprisoned since 2002, Dhiab has long since been cleared for release once the United States finds another country to take him.
At its high point last year, more than 100 of Guantanamo's detainees were participating in a hunger strike. The U.S. military officials who oversee the detention facility no longer publicly disclose how many force-feedings take place.


text:
This premier event will bring together testing labs, equipment providers and operators, retailers, and industry experts to educate attendees on how to navigate through various regulatory, compliance, legal, business, and technical challenges and avoid the pitfalls that have befallen other states that have previously legalized marijuana. More information.
American Botanical Council, 6200 Manor Rd, Austin, TX 78723 Phone: 512-926-4900 | Fax: 512-926-2345 | Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
The information on this site is intended for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for the advice of a qualified healthcare professional. The American Botanical Council does not endorse or test products, nor does it verify the content or claims made, either implicit or explicit. ABC does not accept responsibility for the consequences of the use of this information or its most up-to-date accuracy. ABC is an independent, nonprofit, tax-exempt research and education organization under IRS section 501(c)(3). All text, images and content Copyright © 2016 American Botanical Council, unless otherwise noted.


text:
Penrose tile coaster, clear acrylic, 2 of 4 Buy now › USD $ 9.00 - 18.00
Price excludes shipping costs
A thick, transparent acrylic coaster, laser cut and engraved into the shapes of Penrose tiles. (Penrose tiles form an infinitely non-repeating pattern out of 2 basic shapes.) This is one of a series of 4 distinct patterns (see my showroom) that can be joined together in a variety of ways. Sharp, clean lines and precision fitting. Photo shows 0.354" thick acrylic. Roughly 5.4x4.2".
Please note, the patterns in this series aren't designed to tile into an expandable, solid surface of Penrose tiles. Rather, the tiles are configured to lock together into interesting compositions that emphasize a dynamic, asymmetrical aesthetic.
Material options and prices (All prices are in US$ and exclude shipping costs):This item is available in the following options:
0.354" thick clear acrylic
|Buy this option
0.177" thick clear acrylic
|Buy this option
Additional info: Listed on May 11, 2013 Viewed 3205 times Report this item to Ponoko


text:
H2O Seafood and Grill opens
The new H2O Seafood and Grill restaurant at 7675 Memorial Blvd. in Port Arthur quietly opened in December and is already making a splash on the local restaurant scene. The location is in front of the Medical Center of Southeast Texas, sharing a strip center with Sertino's and the King Buffet, but the space created where the old bookstore once operated is a cut above. A dining room that seats 195 is dominated by a curving glass wall that separates the bar area with an elegant waterfall and complements a décor that manages to be simultaneously futuristic and inviting.
Owner Sam You is a restaurant industry veteran who spent more than 20 years running the family-owned China Inn in nearby Groves. With pain-staking attention to detail, You worked for more than a year to make his new restaurant a reality, sparing no expense to create an upscale dining experience he can deliver at affordable prices.
Despite the high style of the H2O interior, You knew he would ultimately be judged by what comes out of the kitchen – and early reports are very good indeed.
Executive chef Wayne Kung, most recently with Ruth Chris Steak House in San Antonio, is delivering on the promise of freshness, quality and expert preparation with highlights including blackened red snapper, crab cakes and jumbo shrimp.
Fresh Gulf seafood sets the tone for the menu, but it's clear H2O's philosophy is to do whatever needs to be done to meet exacting standards.
Business Journal editor James Shannon offers a weekly column of business news for readers of The Examiner. For more details, see the editions of the Business journal published monthly in Beaumont, Port Arthur and Greater Orange. Check out the blog at setxbiz.blogspot.com or e-mail james [at] beaumontbusinessjournal [dot] com.


text:
Some 'Scream 4' newcomers felt daunted about stepping into the franchise
After 11 long years, the "Scream" franchise will finally be back on the big screen this weekend. Because it's been so long since moviegoers have seen the iconic ghost-faced killer, director Wes Craven wanted to reinvigorate "Scream 4," which opens Friday, with some fresh blood.
But some of the new players who ended up in the film admitted that acting alongside franchise veterans Courteney Cox, David Arquette and Neve Campbell was daunting.
"You do have to have a respect for the fact that it's something that's so established, that it's a family that's been created over the past 15 years," said Hayden Panetierre on the red carpet at the movie's Hollywood premiere Monday. "But [the old cast] were so nice and so welcoming and so cool about it that you didn't really feel that 'Oh my God, don't mess up, you gotta come in with your stuff together.'"
Anna Paquin, the actress now best known for her role on HBO's "True Blood," said she didn't have any trepidation about joining the ensemble. When asked if she was nervous about taking on a cameo role in the thriller, she responded directly: "I don't mean to sound disrespectful, but no. I mean, it's nice coming into a franchise that's already been around for a long time and is really loved and it just feels like an easy choice. ... It's like your work's already been done for you in a sense because they established everything years ago."
To watch video interviews with both actresses, as well as co-star Emma Roberts, click beyond the jump.


text:
All Measuring & Scales
Pyrex Glass Measuring Cups
Since 1915, experienced cooks and beginners alike have reached for Pyrex glassware products. It all started with glass bakeware—loved for generations because it's affordable, durable, odor and stain proof, and great for cooking, serving and storing. Today, approximately 80% of U.S. homes have Pyrex...
$7.50 - $11.50


text:
Cops are going door-to-door in an American city again, only this time at least they are knocking on doors instead of knocking them down.
The most recent example of a police-state presence is developing even now in Sanford, Fla., where neighborhood-watch participant George Zimmerman is on trial for murder for the death of teenager Trayvon Martin.
While the media has portrayed Zimmerman as white, he actually has a Hispanic heritage, and Martin was black.
Police say they fear the backlash from the community which could develop at the point the jury verdict is delivered. Los Angeles had days of rioting when the Rodney King verdict came down.
So Sanford Police Chief Cecile Smith confirmed officers are going door-to-door talking to people.
"Our worst fear is that we'd have people from outside the community coming in and stirring up … violence," he said.
Authorities are seeking help from local pastors in their campaign, too.
Police did a lot more than knock in the aftermath of the Boston Marathon Islamic terror attack.
There, they burst into homes with guns drawn, ordering residents out while they searched.
Commentators said while homeowners there technically had the right to refuse a request for a search if officers didn't have a warrant, "it seems unlikely that many residents of Watertown felt like exploring that particular legal nuance by refusing the policy entry."
Probably the most impactful example of police invading homes was in New Orleans during hurricane Katrina. There, officers simply went into homes and confiscated weapons they uncovered.
Thousands of weapons – legally obtained and owned – were simply grabbed from citizens after New Orleans Police Superintendent P. Edwin Compass III announced, "Only law enforcement are allowed to have weapons."
Just to make sure the message was loud and clear, the city's Deputy Police Chief Warren Riley told ABC News: "No one will be able to be armed. We are going to take all the weapons."
Then they did exactly that.
One man at a post-Katrina meeting assembled in conjunction with the National Rifle Association said, "The bottom line is this. Once they did it, they set a precedent. And what we've got to be sure [of] is that the precedent stops here."
In a series of videos, the National Rifle Association has documented the stunning weapons grab by police in New Orleans, assembling videos that show them physically taking weapons from individuals, including one woman who was stunned when officers threw her against her kitchen wall because she had a small handgun for self-defense.
The not-to-be-forgotten images, Part 1:
Part 2:
Herb Titus, a nationally known constitutional attorney and law professor, told WND government's claim always is that such draconian powers will only be used "in an emergency situation."
But there are so many "emergencies," he said, that "all of our rights are in jeopardy."
"It's typical of the government to do this, typical of this age. You see the government believes it can make the decision for you better than you can make it for yourself. There's a lot of this from the Obama administration," he said.
The result? Government "as our master, rather than servant," he said.
Jack Cashill's book on this case, "If I Had A Son," will be available soon after the Zimmerman trial is over. His investigative-reporting skills shine in his many books – see them now in WND's Superstore


text:
"Use it or lose it" is one of those time-worn phrases that has many meanings.
From my perspective, I think there is more to it.
This phrase often gets used in a physical fitness sense. If you don't exercise regularly, you will lose the gains you've made. I think it goes a step beyond this.
If you don't exercise, you will always have a level of base fitness. Most people seem to live at this level. If that level had a label, it would read "bare minimum".
Consider this in a business context. If you are not working out, not using your talents and the tools available to communicate those talents to the market, you are putting in the "bare minimum" amount of effort to stay in business. I don't think any of us intentionally do this, but it's what will inevitably happen when you fail to apply focus to your activities.
It is in your best interest to always be working out in your business. That means putting in more than the bare minimum amount of effort in all areas of your business. Whether it's marketing or bookkeeping or keeping up with technical developments, nobody can afford to rest on their past accomplishments or existing knowledge. This is not an era that rewards inaction.
You can choose to start working out today. In the same way that you would work out physically, work up to a higher level of activity you can handle. Once you're comfortable there, keep working and improving. Soon your business will be more fit and you'll be sleeping better at night. Enjoy the day!


text:
Everyone Needs a Superhero, Even Your Transactional Email ProgramKate Schmeisser
Sometimes heroes come in unexpected shapes and sizes. Take Clark Kent…or Peter Parker…or your transactional email! Even those closest to them didn't know the secret power they possessed. That's exactly how most senders of transactional email are: unaware of the extent they could use that seemingly simple message. And they are missing out.
A wanted, expected, anticipated email is powerful. A secret superhero at your disposal and you didn't even know it.
But how do you empower transactional email to be the superhero it was created to be? Say "hello" to optimized, personalized, and ROI-rich content. Our partner webcast How to Make Transactional Email Your Superhero: Keys to Optimization and Success will take place on March 4th, 2014 at 1 PM EST. Our two presenters Matt Harris (co-founder and CEO of sendwithus) and Jillian Wohlfarth (content guru at SendGrid) will show you how.
In the webcast you'll learn how to:
- Turn dead-end transactional emails into great experiences
- Identify…and rectify missed opportunities in transactional email
- Elevate your email program through optimization
- A/B test for success
Learn how to kick the *KABLAM* out of low engagement rates and empower your email program. We hope to see you in March! 3 lucky attendees will win joint sendwithus and SendGrid swag. And even if you can't attend, register anyway to receive copies of the presentation.


text:
No Results Found
Search by City /State ?
Spotlight on Good works and Charity
Find and donate to these fine charities by City and State
Spotlight Charity is dedicated to the promotion of charity organizations by highlighting Charity events, recognizing efforts of nonprofits, and providing resources that make giving easier.
If you are a New Hampshire non-profit don't miss an opportunity to get a major helping hand.


text:
Summer at Lake Rotorua
Many visitors are taking advantage of our wonderful lakes and also mountain bike tracks in the forest. Rotorua is one big playground for everyone.
Summer has arrived in New Zealand, and we are excited to see the influx of happy holiday seekers in Rotorua, it is our privilege to welcome them to our home town and to our motel.
Many visitors are taking advantage of our wonderful lakes and also mountain bike tracks in the forest. Rotorua is one big playground for everyone.
It's always a real buzz around the lakes when summer arrives, with people walking, cycling, boating, kayaking, fishing and swimming. We are very lucky to be located just a couple of streets away from lake Rotorua and to be amidst the great holiday atmosphere.
We love helping our guests make the most out of their time in Rotorua. Therefor we want to give you some locals tips on activities near Lake Rotorua.
1. Sulphur Point & Lake Front walking track
Relax with family and friends on the lakefront walk that follows the lake shore to Sulphur Point where you'll also see geothermal activity and rare birdlife. take a return loop through government gardens and admire our beautiful Rotorua Museum on your way
2. Lake Front Activities for families
The Rotorua Lake Front has plenty of activities for little ones. From a small ride on train, to a playground, a gigantic slide and Mana Adventures where kids can climb inside a ball and walk on water! Plus lady Jane's ice-cream parlor is just a stone throw away. On bad weather days Rotorua offers Playtopia Playland indoors with cafe.
3. Polynesian Spa
Enjoy hot mineral bathing at its best at Polynesian Spa. Enjoy he Lake Views while you relax in the warm healing waters. There are various options for families, adults only, private and luxury bathing.
4. Kawarau Jet
For the adrenaline seekers, hop on board of K-Jet and be in for an adventure of speed and spinning. Or try going up high above the lake parasailing behind the jet.
5. Kayaking & water bikes
For the active holiday goers kayaking or water biking on Lake Rotorua will be lots of fun. See Mana Adventures for more information.
6. Lakeland Queen
If you like to sit back and relax, we can recommend you board the Lakeland Queen for cruise with breakfast lunch or tea.
7. Volcanic Air
Ever been on a float plane? here is your chance with Volcanic Air. See Lake Rotorua from birds eye view.
8. Mokoia Island Tours
In the middle of the Lake Rotorua stands a mysterious looking island once home to the love story of Hinemoa and Tutanekai, Rotorua's own Romeo and Juliette. Mokoia Island is now a sanctuary for many of New Zealand's endangered wildlife & rare New Zealand birds.
9. Local Market
On Thursday Evening Rotorua holds its famous night market, a great way to meet the locals and see the local produce, food and yummy and baked goods. Also the sound shell market is often on in the weekends selling arts and crafts.
10. Picnic or Fish 'n Chips by the Lake
What better way to relax on holiday then enjoying the sun and soaking up the atmosphere whilst having a picnic by the lake!
Rotorua has so much to offer for anyone, the team at Cleveland Motel look forward to welcoming you to our beautiful city and share our local knowledge with you.


text:
pizza // the classic
This simple and tasty pizza was inspired by a very good friend of our family, Thabang. Thabang lives in Lesotho, (a small country surrounded by South Africa) and we had the pleasure of working with him for a year while he was in Canada learning about farming through a volunteer exchange program. Thabang became part of our family, and would often come over for family dinners. Whenever we would ask what he wanted to eat, he would almost always request "Homemade Chicken and Mushroom Pizza".
As we continued making pizzas, we started experimenting with more ingredients, adding more veggies, and some feta cheese for an extra kick! This pizza has something for everyone in our family, caramelized onion and peppers, sauteed chicken and mushrooms, and my personal favourite, spinach!!
Every time I make homemade pizza I think of Thabang. I sincerely wish that he could come over to share this pizza with us, and have another family pizza night.
Feel free to add more or less of any ingredients, leave out the mushrooms, add olives, pile on the spinach. Make it your own! And try not to eat the entire thing by yourself, you have to make sure you have leftovers so you can have cold pizza for breakfast the next day!
Classic Pizza
1 cooked pizza crust (
2 tbsp olive oil
1/2 cup sweet onion
1 red pepper
5 large mushrooms
2 cloves of garlic
1-2 cups of chopped cooked chicken
1-2 cups of spinach
Cheddar Cheese (approx 4 cups grated)
Feta Cheese (half a cup crumbled)
Pizza sauce
1) Preheat oven to 350 F (or just leave it on if you are making a homemade pizza!)
2) Heat olive oil on medium/high heat in a large frying pan.
3) Once hot, add sliced onions, peppers and mushrooms.
4) After the veggies have been cooking for 5-6 minutes add minced garlic and turn the heat down to medium. Continue cooking veggies until the onions start to caramelize, this may take about 5-7 more minutes.
5) Add chicken to this mixture and stir until chicken is hot.
6) Turn the burner off, and stir in roughly chopped spinach (this will wilt the spinach, but hopefully not cook it too much. You don't want to obliterate your spinach, just warm it up).
7) Spread pizza sauce on your cooked pizza crust, follow with your delicious veggie and chicken mixture, and top it all off with grated cheddar cheese and a bit of crumbled feta.
8) *Bake in 350 F oven for 8 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and starts bubbling (we like to broil our pizza so the cheese starts browns a bit/gets crunchy!)
*This is our method for baking pizza, it assumes that you just took the hot homemade crust out of the oven, and that your top ingredients (ex. chicken, sauteed veggies) are already hot for the most part. If you are using a crust that has not just been baked, you may have to adjust the baking time.
This pizza always hits the spot! Loaded with veggies, chicken, and tons of cheese, there is never a complaint in our house about this pizza. It is perfect on our homemade pizza crust, but also is really tasty on pita bread if you are in a hurry, or with cauliflower pizza crust for a gluten free alternative!
jordyn & kelsey