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NCsoft Shuts Down City of Heroes
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NCsoft Shuts Down City of Heroes
The venerable superhero-themed MMO will be shutting down for good before the end of the year.
"All good things must come to an end." Today, you might use that proverb to refer to the aged-but-well-liked superhero MMO, City of Heroes, and its developer, Paragon Studios, which will soon be closing its doors for good. All City of Heroes billing, including the Paragon Market in-game store have been shut down, and preparations are being made to turn off the servers before the end of the year. No reason has yet been given for the game's closure.
In a farewell post on the official City of Heroes site, Community Manager Andy Belford elaborated, "In a realignment of company focus and publishing support, NCsoft has made the decision to close Paragon Studios. Effective immediately, all development on City of Heroes will cease and we will begin preparations to sunset the world's first, and best, Super Hero MMORPG before the end of the year."
This news will certainly come as a surprise to many players. Indeed, it may have been a surprise even to employees of the studio itself; a new powerset was released in the Paragon Market just ten days ago, and now can no longer even be purchased. While the farewell post urges players not to "dwell on the "how" or the "why"," there will no doubt be a lot of people wanting answers.
An examination of NCsoft's IR (Investor Relations) report for August 2012 may reveal some clues to those answers, however. Visible on the thirteenth page of the report, it seems that sales related to City of Heroes have remained fairly constant - in fact, they increased very slightly over mid 2011 sales. At a glance, this does not seem particularly damning, but it should be considered that City of Heroes went through a free-to-play conversion over the later half of 2011, launching officially as City of Heroes: Freedom on September 13th, 2011. Undoubtedly, this conversion was intended to increase the game's profitability and longevity, and yet the revenue barely increased. With newer, bigger NCsoft titles either just arriving or on the horizon like Guild Wars 2 and Blade and Soul, it is - unfortunately - not inconceivable that NCsoft would decide to pull the plug.
Whatever the true reasons for the game's closure, it's truly sad to see it come to an end in such a fashion. While it never achieved the runaway success of larger MMOs like World of Warcraft, it was well-received by critics and well-liked by fans, and it will be missed.
Source: City of Heroes
I only ever played City of Heroes for 6 months, back in 2007. It was a fun MMO at the time, especially since I was playing alongside two really good friends.
It's a shame to see it go but on the other hand, it's not like I was playing it anymore. I'd say it had quite the loyal fanbase and a good run.
BZ, Paragon Studios.
City of Heroes was my first MMO, and my first real experience with a online social network, I had some damn good times in there. I tried revisiting CoH some time ago, but the game barely runs on Windows Vista (got it running once, logged out, tried logging in again, the game crashed and decided never to work again) and won't even work with Windows 7. This game did not age well at all.
Its a shame. I wanted to go back to that game so badly, but it was a ghost town when I left.
Guess its for the best, since my base would have likely been wiped after i left.
well that sucks... city of heroes was my first MMO i ever bought subscribed to and played(hell i even built my first computer just to play that game...)i loved to RP on there(aloth i am a bit embarrassed when i think back to it because of how cheesy i sounded at the time lol) and it let me put my hero that i always dreamed of bring on paper so to speak
i'm gonna miss it when it gos
This sucks. I was still playing this game alongside friends of mine 'n RPing with them. Then I got these news earlier tonight. Bleh. This ruined my friday night. :|
God damn, how many of NCSoft's MMOs have been shut down so far? I think it's like 5 now: Auto Assault, Tabula Rasa, Exsteel, Dungeon Runners... and according to Wikipedia there are 2 others. Don't they realize how much of a turnoff that is when dealing with huge investments of time like MMOs?
I've played it for a bit, never really got that into it, but it's never fun to see someone else source of fun or pleasure close down.
Ech, the beer I've had tastes bitter now, way to end friday. I still played, even now, and it was one of the few very well polished MAC MMOs out there. Truly a shame.
I played it on and off for 2 years on a laptop running Vista, and then later on another running Windows 7, default settings, no tweaks required, and never with any problems, so I think it's a bit more likely the problem was with your pc, or a bad install. /shrug.
OT: My first MMO, and though I've been away for a while I was planning on returning soon. It's not a perfect game (none are) but I have a lot of good memories of it, and I'm shocked and saddened at how sudden this is.
That said... I'm not terribly surprised that their F2P transition didn't work out for them - the 'free' model was easily the worst of the 4 or 5 F2P MMOs I've played for any length of time, more of a glorified trial than anything else with a lot of content locked behind paywalls. I've always felt more inclined to spend money on F2Ps when I don't feel like I'm being forced to spend money, oddly enough.
But still... no server mergers? No maintenance mode? I shouldn't be surprised seeing as it's NCSoft... but wow... what. the. fuck?
Poor Andy, Going from the sinking ship of Warhammer: Age of Reckoning to the now closing City of Heros... better luck next time mate.
This is a sad, sad day indeed. I've tried Champions Online and DC Universe Online and while both are good in their own ways, City of Heroes was simply the best super hero MMO available. And they couldn't picked up a worst time for this, as I was just getting the hang of the game itself.
Being NCsoft and their record of trigger happy shut downs, now I'm fearing for the fate of the first Guild Wars now that the second game is filling their bank accounts.
Oddly enough, the first Everquest seems to still going pretty strong.
City of Heroes was great for its time, but it did not age well in a post-WoW world. The UI felt so strange and uncomfortable. However, the character creation was utterly absorbing. It was hard NOT to role-play after spending an hour just picking out your costume.
Been playing on and off since issue 2... some of the best MMO RPing I've ever had... My now-wife and I played it as a duo back when we were still just dating. I have a lot of history with this game... it will be missed.
Sorry to see it go, if only because I have fond memories of costume contests. Nice article, btw, I like it when the article involves some real investigation.
Well I suppose it was a good thing I did try it once abliet it was months ago and not when it first came out. The game felt so plain that I uninstall it a day later.
I would of thought they made the ingame stuff sold in the shop free than to shut it down competely.
Pity :( It was one of the few mmos other then wow that I tried and actually enjoyed and spent some time in. Actually used a few neat different mechanics and such, kept meaning to get back to it but guess I wont be now. The character creator was bloody awesome especially considering the games age.
Idk, just really disappointing.
The game officially ends on Nov. 30th according to sources. For my wife and I, who were with the game from 2004 up until 2011 or so, it will be the end of an era. We met a lot of good people in Paragon City. We still keep up with quite a few of them out of game.
The news today was sudden and staggering, and I'm at a loss for words, except "Thanks for everything, City of Heroes."
~ Obsidius
Edit: Also, some of us current/former/soon-to-be-former CoH players have made a fleet on Star Trek Online for anyone looking for a new 2nd home: http://sto-forum.perfectworld.com/showthread.php?t=373611
Always meant to try CoH, shame to see it go. It would be nice to see these F2P games (or even the P2P games) open-sourced once they are shut down by the creators, then the remaining community could continue to enjoy their games. After all, we have people reverse-engineering them as it is and I would really like to see a legit alternative to the games I may have pumped money into over the years. I know it isn't likely to happen but I can dream.
I dont understand this, I dont play it but if it's still profitable why shut it down?
As long as its adding to the bottom line then surely its a positive as well as its supporting staff, jobs etc
The problem with making the shop items free is that they would lose what revenue they are making off the game while still having to pay to keep servers online and pay staff to maintain the code and hardware. Not a very realistic expectation for a profit-driven company.
Damn, I was gonna check this out at some point. Seemed like a more in-depth version of DCUO, albeit without the awesome IP.
Infact, if it wasn't for the fact that DCUO has the DC IP to work with, I would have tried CoH much sooner.
Actually, yeah, this.
I rather liked CoH. So did my girlfriend and a number of friends.
Remember thine icy tanker, Max Fuyunaito. Best drummer in the land.
You know, I always wanted to play this game, but my computer overheats to much and my internet is crap.
*sigh*, goodbye City of Heroes. You're the greatest game I'll never get to play. :(
I played CoH for 6 months and it was great, the combat system and level up mechanics were far better than WoWs and made combat more fluid. The story was interesting and the party system worked well with the instance system.
PVP was garbage though and there was 0 end game, nothing at all but farming the same types of missions you played leveling up in order to get better upgrades and a couple small raid type missions with pretty much the same loot as the other missions and no one wanted to do them.
The character creation system was the best in any game EVER. I remember spending over an hour making a single character, perfecting every nuance of her costume to something i could say was an awesome retrostyled super villain. There used to be costume contests held by the rich end game players who wanted to help out and sponsor a player started event, Lady Gear<My droid based mastermind> won every contest she ever entered and after the 6th win was invited to a super group[i think thats what a guild was called] and asked to stop entering the contest because it wasn't fair to everyone else. ^_^
There was so much about the game that I loved but I became frustrated by the lack of people that wanted to group at end game due to everyone making a small group and then charging to run other people through the top level missions which i felt cheapened the game. I finally quit after they came out with the feature for players to make their own levels which then immediately became a tool for people to make the highest and easiest missions to farm exp in so they could speed level with little effort. It was the cockroach in my pudding, it instantly repelled me from the game and i never went back though i always though about trying it again when it went free, but i decided i preferred the CoH in my memory to anything that might of changed since it went F2P.
This makes me sad because its one more games that will disappear from the world, it makes me glad that people keep the PSO blue burst servers alive, atleast thats one great mmo that will continue on for atleast alittle while longer. Farewell CoH, despite your limitations and age, you beat the crap out of all super hero mmos that tried to replace you and will stand as a symbol of people caring about their game enough to keep working on it past the time the public went after the next shiny.
Damn. The only MMO I've ever played and loved is finally being killed. Shame. I've had so many hours in it. RIP City of Heros. You will be missed.
Well that's a kick in the balls; I've spend a good portion of the last eight years in and out of Paragon City.
Considering my last few MMOs were this, Tabula Rasa, Dungeon Runners and Auto Assault I should probably stay away from NCSoft for their own sake.
This makes me sad. I am not a big fan of MMOs and although I've played many and all have disappointed me. City of Heroes was the only one that I thoroughly enjoyed from beginning to end. I started playing right at issue 1 and only quit when it went F2P simply because I had done everything that could be done in the game about a hundred times.
I pre-ordered DC Universe Online before it came out because for years I'd wanted to play CoH but never had a computer strong enough to handle it. I kept saying 'Someday, eventually...' but looks like that's not gonna happen anymore.
They did it for Tabula Rasa. Made it completely free for the last month or so. Even had a big ending event.
As I've mentioned a few times on the boards here, I used to be a fairly hardcore raider in WoW - but WoW wasn't the only MMO I played. It was City of Heroes that got me onto the MMO scene.
I've more or less stopped playing MMOs for about a year now, and yet, a few months ago I was at a restaurant with someone I used to play both games with and I confessed that of all the MMOs I've tried over the years, CoH/CoV is the only one I'd really be happy to go back to.
I plan to make the most of what time I have left with City of Heroes, and make good on that confession. Its passing, while I always knew would be inevitable, is still one of my biggest disappointments so far as a gamer.
damn, I just started last month!
well not really, but that would be terrible wouldn't it?
Meh, I've been a subscriber to Champions Online for over 800 days, I went and played a little bit of CoH/V a while ago, didn't really see what the fuss was about, the combat was dull and the character creator had less options than the Champions Online. I Pre-Ordered DCUO when that came out, which was a big disappointment, it had the action-y combat which I guess was pretty cool, but the all important social aspect really wasn't there.
I've dabbled in a few MMOs, (WoW, EvE etc.) but the only one I've stuck with long enough to get a character to max level and that I keep coming back to is Champions.
Never played but it always saddens me when any games servers shut down. It's like a world being left behind :(
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text: Bach's St. Matthew Passion, performed for the first time at St. Thomas Church in Leipzig in 1727, is undoubtedly one of the most emblematic works in Western music. It is not only Bach's largest composition, but it is one of the most emotionally-charged works of the repertoire, in which all aspects of human suffering are dealt with in depth. Based on texts from Luther's translation of the Gospel of Matthew, combined with Picander's passion chorales and contemplative texts, Bach wrote this masterpiece for soloists, double choir and double orchestra. It narrates the Passion of Christ in a rich variety of secco and accompagnato recitatives, arias, chorales and choirs. In his reading of the work, René Jacobs allows us to rediscover this timeless work of art in all its complexity.

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Rufus Sewell (b. 1967) is a British actor who played Ali Baba in Arabian Nights, opposite Creature Shop-created CG dragons.
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May 2009, Sierra Vista celebrated the Historical Soldiers Relocation Ceremony with about 300 attendees from all branches of the U.S. military, various Arizona dignitaries, and the public.
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Growing up Protestant and Republican in Kansas, I began life as a political conservative. But when I was in college, John F. Kennedy changed that. He and Pope John XXIII opened the door to the Catholic Church for me, and for most of my adult life I considered myself a Catholic political liberal. I am still very much a Catholic, but my political leanings have changed again. I no longer consider myself a liberal—or a conservative.
When the U.S. bishops issued their peace pastoral, "The Challenge of Peace," in 1983, I found great comfort in it. Having been born into an old Mennonite family, I no longer felt I was a traitor to our centuries-long tradition of absolute nonviolence. I began writing about the pastoral for the archdiocesan newspaper in Washington, D.C., and that eventually grew into a syndicated series of weekly columns entitled "Making Peace," published nationally over the next eight years.
The columns were an experiment, and an honest one, since I had no idea how the process would turn out. My mentor and colleague John Howard Yoder looked over my shoulder from the University of Notre Dame theology department, commenting frequently, asking whether the absolute nonviolence we had both inherited from our Amish and Mennonite ancestors could be reconciled with the newly articulated Catholic position. Also judging the columns each week were dozens of diocesan editors who would decide whether to run them. And looking over their shoulders were millions of Catholics who had served in the military and whose family members had also served.
Somehow, that seemingly impossible set of challenges was met for several years. And it might have gone on indefinitely had it not been for a trip to the Soviet Union. A large delegation organized by the National Council of Churches visited churches in the Soviet Union in 1985, and I joined the group as a journalist. At the time nearly everyone, liberal and conservative alike, believed the churches in nations under Communist control had all been closed. But it soon became obvious that the churches in Russia had emerged from persecution damaged but not destroyed. I reported only a small portion of what we saw, but even that was disturbing to many readers. A former C.I.A. officer who read one of the columns sent a letter to The Washington Times warning its readers that I was "a paid disinformation agent of the K.G.B."
Three years later I helped organize a group of U.S. Catholics for a visit to Catholic churches in the Soviet Union. That trip ended in Poland, where one Saturday afternoon we visited the church in Nowa Huta near Kraków, constructed when Cardinal Wojtyla, later Pope John Paul II, was its bishop. It is a stunning theological statement in concrete. We asked a parishioner preparing his great church for Mass how it could have been built in a new city planned by Communists, and he looked at me with astonishment. To him the answer was obvious. "We told them we wouldn't work if they didn't build us a church," he said.
Ideological Blinders
The next year the Berlin Wall came down, and Poland became free. When that happened it became clear that many of the things we had taken for granted during the cold war had been based on myth, not reality. The consensus position in the liberal community had been that the Soviet Empire was here to stay, and the most we could hope for was to get along with it. We regarded the conservative position—that Communism was a great evil that had to be defeated—as blindly militaristic and almost certain to produce a nuclear holocaust. But neither did the evidence support those who believed the Reagan military buildup had caused the empire's collapse. Their critique of the liberal position—that we had been prepared to let Eastern Europe endure an endless unjust occupation so the West could enjoy a false peace—did, however, gain new credibility.
The evidence since 1989 indicates it was Solidarity that brought down the Soviet empire, and that it did so with very little support from the West—left or right.
What was it that had so completely blinded us to what was actually happening in the Soviet Union? Why hadn't we supported Solidarity and similar movements throughout the Soviet Empire when we had the chance? What were we thinking? It has become increasingly clear to me that what got in our way was a commitment to ideology, shared with equal fervor across the political spectrum. The left and the right obviously had different ideologies, but we all believed that some single idea would produce solutions to these problems, even before we knew precisely what the problems were.
The U.S. Catholic bishops' pastoral letter on peace also had a major political impact, almost certainly helping to end the cold war. It was a significant use of hierarchical power, possible because both Cardinal John Krol and Cardinal Joseph Bernardin—one widely regarded as a conservative and the other as a liberal—joined in supporting the effort. The U.S. Catholic bishops no longer have the political influence they had in 1983. And they will not regain it until they are able to advocate positions that Catholics on both the left and the right can support. U.S. Catholics themselves are currently in danger of becoming as politically divided as the nation. Both liberals and conservatives were wrong about the cold war, and those of us who aligned ourselves with either side are now embarrassed. What reason do we have to believe the positions now being taken by either the secular right or the secular left will embarrass us less 20 or 30 years in the future?
A Faith-Based Option?
There are three options open to us, not just two—left, right and Catholic. The options offered by both the left and the right are based on ideology. The Catholic option is based on realism—the careful and patient discovery of facts and the search for policies based on both facts and on the Catholic imperative to preserve and enhance the common good. Catholic and centrist are not the same; we do not achieve the common good by splitting the difference between competing ideologies. We achieve the common good by finding and advocating solutions to the real problems of real people living in the real world.
Despite a widely expressed desire to end the partisan gridlock that now paralyzes American politics, it stubbornly continues and grows. And despite the U.S. Catholic bishops' regular pleas for a new politics based on human rights and the common good, Catholics have been unable to offer a national alternative to the political warfare now taking place. Instead, we have contributed to it. Both those bishops who have openly identified with the political right and those who disagree but have remained silent have equally contributed to a widely held public perception that the Catholic hierarchy has joined the right-versus-left battle on the conservative side.
Rather than becoming a moderating force in the civil war of ideas now taking place, we have allowed the secular political establishment to set the agenda for political debate within the Catholic Church itself. One does not have to be a theologian to see the defects in that development, nor a political expert to see where it will lead. What is the alternative? What are politically active Catholics to do when our real choice is between reality and ideology, not between conservative and liberal?
After a lifetime of struggling with these issues, I am convinced the greatest contribution U.S. Catholics can make is to organize coalitions of citizens—both Catholic and non-Catholic, conservative and liberal—to develop nonideological solutions to our major political problems and then to advocate them effectively. Elected officials have attempted to do this in recent years but have routinely failed because they are completely dependent on the system they seek to reform. Sick people are seldom able to heal themselves; the same is true for sick political systems.
We have two major political successes to guide us—the civil rights movement of the 1960s and Poland's Solidarity movement of the 1980s. In both cases great armies of citizens banded together to produce seemingly impossible changes. Both formed around a nucleus of deep Christian faith, in one case Protestant and in the other Catholic. They were two of the most successful and defining political events of the 20th century, but they represent an unfinished revolution.
A few hours before Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated, he told a younger colleague, "In our next campaign we have to institutionalize nonviolence and take it international." After Solidarity's victory in Poland, Pope John Paul II began urging the international Catholic community to create a new "civilization of love."
Neither of these great dreams will become a reality unless we form new political institutions able to provide alternatives to the current right-versus-left ideological conflict. What form these new institutions will take is unknowable at this point, but it is almost certain they will emerge. American democracy will not survive unless we find new post-ideological ways to conduct our political affairs.
Regardless of how we Catholic voters choose to exert our political power in the future, it seems clear we must do something more than choose between the unsatisfactory options offered us by the existing political parties. It is hardly consistent with the Catholic tradition to let those who do not share our values set our political agenda. It is even less Catholic to stand on the sidelines criticizing what others do, especially when we offer no alternatives. Democracy thrives on new ideas. Let us offer some.
A Very insightful and necessary writing to begin a new era in Catholic thought after an election which satisfied only half of us.
Church teaching is a powerful thing when people allow it to form their conscience. This gives the Holy Spirit the chance to inspire each of us to be united in our thoughts about what is the best political choice for all of us at this point in time. What the Spirit does later to inspire us may result in a different decision but which expresses His choice for that time because our conscience is properly formed then also. This only works if we note that GOD IS IN CHARGE at all times and that God chanpions the most vulnerable at all times. Perhaps that is what happened this time. The Holy Spirit got through to the majority of Catholics for the sake of the most vulnerable. Next time the way to do that may be fifferent.
Before the next time Catholics should really center any new ideas of what being Catholic means to include the true principles of its Social Teaching into its New Evangelism, including using principles of the true meaning of Subsidirity.
America always needs that kind of thought .
Thank you so much for a very thoughtful article. It is clear that you have wisdom born of long experience and reflection. And I very much agree with your answer to the divide in Church and Nation. The way forward is not through ideology, but through the practical application of the values we hold dear as Catholic Christians—the common good, compassion, truth, and discipleship.
I wonder if you can explore, maybe in a furture article, what was uniquely Catholic about the Solidarity movement in Poland, and what is uniquely Catholic about what our community can bring to the split between "left" and "right" in our country. And what has happened to the Solidarity movement in Poland? Did it bring about a transformation of society and then cease to exist? Is it an ongoing movement within Poland now? My unexpert read on things is that the Catholic Church has much less influence now than it did in Poland under Catholicism. If it's ploitical influence has declined, Is that a sign of victory? What is he role of the Church now? I think we may be able to learn something about the challanges we face in the U.S from the full experience of the Polish people, before, during, and after Communism.
In order to solve the great economic malaise we live in, and provide for justice and peace for all peoples, there is an issue that needs to be addressed by all people of good will. That is the issue of Land. Questions to be addressed would be: How did we get title to the land that we have? What is the mechanism that is used today to determine who has access to land? What role do land speculation and land profiteering have in the course of economic development? What role does inequality in access to natural recourses have in the tendency to war?
In 1879, an American journalist, Henry George, wrote a book "Progress and Poverty" asking the question "Why in this time of great industrial and technical progress is there an increase in the number of poor?" His answer was that private ownership of land, with its tendency for the large land owners to become even wealthier without any effort on their part, and that they were capturing a great part of the wealth due to workers.
His solution was a tax shift: eliminate taxes on work, and shift them to land value. Rather than a tax, this would be dues to the community that a person who has received the privilege of excluding the rest of the community from their land claim, for that privilege.
This tax shift has been used in some cities in the United State, mostly in Pennsylvania, but also in Australia and South Aftrica. The result has been the reduction vacant properties, because it becomes expensive to maintain them, so they are developed, creating housing or job opportunities.
Unfortunately, most proposals to create jobs overlook this important aspect. What can we do to introduce this to the community of decision makers?
Here is a suggestion for the Church to cultivate solidarity with the poor in order to find a solution to the liberal - conservative divide;
A "preferential option for the poor" should be maintained in our Catholic Schools. If we find that we cannot afford to keep our schools open to the poor, the schools should be closed and the resources used for something else which can be kept open to the poor.We cannot allow our Church to become a church primarily for the middle-class and rich while throwing a bone to the poor. The priority should be given to the poor even if we have to let the middle-class and rich fend for themselves.
Practically speaking, the Catholic Schools must close and the resources used for "Confraternity of Christian Doctrine" and other programs which can be kept open to the poor. Remember, the Church managed without Catholic Schools for centuries. We can get along without them today. The essential factor is to cultivate enough Faith to act in the Gospel Tradition, namely, THE POOR GET PRIORITY. The rich and middle-class are welcome too. But the poor come first. (William Horan firstname.lastname@example.com)
You are correct in pointing out that Non Violence is key to the Third way. How about Mondragon coops? another third way? establishing work system that is neither entrepreneurial or socialistic


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Melbourne police officer dragged by car while trying to stop shoplifters
Female duo stole from Bealls Outlet store, police say
MELBOURNE, Fla. – Two women suspected of shoplifting dragged a Melbourne police officer across a parking lot with their car, according to officials.
Police said Officer Joe Yorkey tried to stop the women Wednesday as they drove from the Bealls Outlet store on South Babcock Street, dragging the officer with them.
"I got really scared because I was at the school and everything," said Lexee Long, a student at neighboring Melbourne High School. "When I was coming out of school, my mom picks me up over here, and I saw a bunch of cops and everything."
This incident comes just a few weeks after a similar incident. Melbourne police released photos of two women they suspect shoplifted more than $10,000 worth of Ralph Lauren men's clothing from the Macys at Melbourne Square Mall, which is about 2 miles away from the Bealls Outlet. They're still at large.
In the Bealls store robbery, police investigators think they know who the women are but are not releasing their names.
Yorkey was being treated at a local hospital. He was listed in stable condition.
A tweet from the Melbourne Police Department indicated he was going to be OK.
Copyright 2013 by Graham Media Group. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed


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11 nights from £4,600 pp(5400 USD) Best for: Beach, Honeymoon, Luxury
If you're looking for a luxury big five safari and stunning Seychelles beach holiday then look no further. You can expect the archetypal Kenyan safari with a plethora of big cats to be found in the heart of the Masai Mara as well as lots of special touches including bush breakfast and scenic sundowners. Whether its your first safari or you consider yourself an aficionado the action on the Mara's plains never ceases to amaze. A night in Nairobi is unavoidable but we've chosen the perfect boutique property for a night of luxury in the best part of town. A week in the Seychelles offers the perfect chance for relaxation on breath-taking beaches with plenty of activities to boot, in a sumptuous setting.
Stay at Naibor Camp for 3 nights
On arrival into Nairobi you will be met and privately transferred to Wilson domestic airport for your scenic light aircraft flight to the Masai Mara where your spectacular safari will begin. Upon landing you will be met by your expert guide and game driven to Naibor Camp where you will stay for three nights in a luxury tent with all meals, house drinks, park fees and game drives included. Naibor has just seven tents guaranteeing an exclusive and intimate stay in the heart of the Masai mara rserve. Naibor Camp has a fabulous location right in the thick of the Mara plains and is one of our top recommendations from July to October in particular when the wildebeest migration is in full swing.
Stay at Hemingways Nairobi for 1 night
After a final game drive this morning and lunch at camp you will be flown by light aircraft back to Nairobi. Upon landing at Wilson airport you will be met and privately transferred to Hemingways Nairobi where you will stay for one night on a bed and breakfast. A luxurious boutique hotel in the exclusive neighbourhood of Karen, Hemingways Nairobi offers deluxe rooms, gourmet dining and exceptional service.
Stay at Lemuria Resort for 7 nights
This morning you will be transferred to Nairobi's international airport in time for your flight to the Seychelles (not included in the price). Upon landing on Mahé you will connect onto your inter-island flight to Praslin which lasts 20 minutes. You will be met on arrival and privately transferred to Lemuria Resort where you will stay for seven nights in a junior suite with breakfast included. The exquisite beaches of the Seychelles are the perfect place to relax after an intense safari. For the more active there is plenty on offer with golf, tennis, mountain bikes, pedalos, sailing, kayaks, windsurfing and body board use included in your stay. For those looking to sit back and relax we highly recommend a romantic beach picnic on the beach at Anse Georgette.
Today you will privately transferred to Praslin Airport in time for your flight to Mahé. On arrival onto Mahé you will be able to connect to your international flight home.
Policy & Terms
Days : 12 | Nights : 11


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Welcome to our hostel
Preikestolen Youth and Family Hostel is a cosy cabin-style mountain retreat located in picturesque surroundings in Ryfylke with an altitude of 250m. This is an excellent starting point for walks to the famous Pulpit Rock as well as other hikes and fishing.
The Preikestolen hostel offers different kinds of accommodation and all prices include breakfast! Good self-catering facilities, common room and a café on site. Preikestolen is a seasonal hostel, which means it is not open all year and has seasonal opening times. Please keep this is mind when checking availability.
Preikestolen is a mountain formed like a huge pulpit towering over the Lysefjord in Rogaland, Fjord Norway. There is a well prepared track from Preikestolen Mountain Lodge to the top of the 604m high mountain plateau. Expect to spend four-five hours hiking from the lodge to the top and back down, and allow time to spend on the plateau.


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"This book is a lively, personal journey through one man's efforts to make sustainably grown food available and affordable for regular folks. It's a heartening but realistic take on what needs to happen—emphasis on need! Bravo, Mark!"—Meryl Streep
"A good combination of solid research and affirmative testimonials."—Kirkus Reviews
"Food Rebels tells the stories of unsung heroes in the food movement—everyday people who realized that they had the power to change the way food and farming work in their communities and in the world, and did something about it. With these stories, Mark Winne inspires us and challenges us to take a stand for good, clean, fair, and affordable food for all." " —Josh Viertel, president of Slow Food USA
"It's rare for a single voice to speak so clearly to the many points of our lives that are touched by food. Mark's approach is simple, humble, truthful, eloquent, and powerful. With stories ranging from Native American communities to Korea, Mark's work proves the global importance and impact of food."—Michel Nischan, chef and president/CEO of Wholesome Wave
"Aside from having one the best book titles of the year, this is one tome you'll want to gobble up if you worry about the pernicious effects of the industrial food system on our health, democracy, and souls." —Santa Fe Literary News
"To Santa Fe food activist Mark Winne, the food on our plates is about democracy. It's about having food choices — ones that Winne thinks industrial agriculture is systematically reducing.Whether it is the fight over genetically modified seeds or who benefits from the massive federal Farm Bill, Winne thinks this food fight is one all consumers need to join in… "—The Santa Fe New Mexican
"Mark Winne has been working in the galleys of the U.S. food movement for 40 years, before there was a food movement of any note. He's a social movement guy as much as a foodie guy. The title of his new book –Food Rebels, Guerilla Gardeners, and Smart-Cookin' Mamas: Fighting Back in an Age of Industrial Agriculture — shows the role his warm and quirky sense of humor plays in allowing him to stay active in grassroots organizations for so long…"—www.wayneroberts.ca
Part I: Authority or Freedom?
Chapter 1 A Food Story for our Times: November 2020
Chapter 2 The Fight for the Soul of the American Food System
Chapter 3 The Industrial Food System: Ministry of Plenty or Department of Destruction?
Part II : Leading the Charge
Chapter 4 Maurice Small and the Greening of Cleveland
Chapter 5 Me and My Meat
Chapter 6 The Farmer's Cow
Chapter 7 God Didn't Make Nachos
Chapter 8 Healthy Schools Grow Healthy Kids
Chapter 9 Getting Our Heads Above the Plate
Chapter 10 Food Sovereignty: The Right to Control Our Food
Chapter 11 Food Citizens, Unite!
Chapter 12 Reflections on Food Democracy: A Chat with Two Visionaries
Conclusion Finding the Fire Within


text: Greetings from Boston. I cannot chat or write as much as I would normally here at this site since I'm using the wi-fi feature of my palm tx -- being able to check in is nice, but using the hunt-and-peck or rather poke with the stylus and navigating the page requires some patience and finesse -- it's much, much slower than using a keyboard. In any case I'm looking for some geo-advice for gcwj2k riverway multi -- maybe I'm an idiot, but I arrived at the first stage and only found three numbers -- I'm not sure if this is the final three coord numbers for the north or west coords -- I looked but did not see any other numbers or an indication as to what these coords go to -- am I missing something here -- anyone have any insight as to what I need to do.By the way, caching here is a lot different than Maine -- I had to move a rat trap for one cache and in another place I think I may have interrupted some questionable activities -- involving a spoon is all I can say ... plus I ended up in one community where I was definitely in the minority -- lots of Spanish being spoken.


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DTS is a series of multichannel audio technologies owned by DTS, Inc. (formerly known as Digital Theater Systems, Inc.), an American company specializing in digital surround sound formats used for both commercial/theatrical and consumer grade applications. It was known as The Digital Experience until 1995.
In 2008, the cinema division was divested to form DTS Digital Cinema. In 2009 DTS Digital Cinema was purchased by Beaufort International Group Plc. and became known as Datasat Digital Entertainment. Beginning in 2011, the DTS cinema branding has been dropped, in favor of the Datasat Digital Sound branding. The original DTS Inc. company continues to exist developing and licensing DTS products in the home consumer market. Datasat Digital Entertainment has also announced a range of very high-end consumer audio processing products.
In April 2012, DTS, Inc. announced that it was to acquire the business of SRS Labs, including 1000+ audio patents and trademarks.
Work on the format started in 1991, four years after Dolby Laboratories started work on its new codec, Dolby Digital. The basic and most common version of the format is a 5.1-channel system, similar to a Dolby Digital setup, which encodes the audio as five primary (full-range) channels plus a special LFE (low-frequency effects) channel for the subwoofer.
Note, however, that encoders and decoders support numerous channel combinations, and stereo, four-channel, and four-channel+LFE soundtracks have been released commercially on DVD, CD, and Laserdisc.
Other, newer DTS variants are also currently available, including versions that support up to seven primary audio channels plus one LFE channel (DTS-ES). These variants are generally based on DTS's core-and-extension philosophy, in which a core DTS data stream is augmented with an extension stream which includes the additional data necessary for the new variant in use. The core stream can be decoded by any DTS decoder, even if it does not understand the new variant. A decoder which does understand the new variant decodes the core stream, and then modifies it according to the instructions contained in the extension stream. This method allows backward compatibility.
DTS's main competitors in multichannel theatrical audio are Dolby Digital and SDDS, although only Dolby Digital and DTS are used on DVDs and implemented in home theater hardware.
One of the DTS Inc.'s initial investors was film director Steven Spielberg, who felt that theatrical sound formats up until the company's founding were no longer state of the art, and as a result were no longer optimal for use on projects where quality sound reproduction was of the utmost importance. Spielberg debuted the format with his 1993 production of Jurassic Park, which came slightly less than a full year after the official theatrical debut of Dolby Digital (Batman Returns). In addition, Jurassic Park also became the first home video release to contain DTS sound when it was released on LaserDisc in January 1997, two years after the first Dolby Digital home video release (Clear and Present Danger on Laserdisc), which debuted in January 1995.
In theatrical use, a proprietary 24-bit time code is optically imaged onto the film. An LED reader scans the timecode data from the film and sends it to the DTS processor, using the time code to synchronize the projected image with the DTS soundtrack audio. The multi-channel DTS audio is recorded in compressed form on standard CD-ROM media at a bitrate of 882 kbit/s. The audio compression used in the theatrical DTS system (which is very different and completely unrelated to the home Coherent Acoustics-based DTS Digital Surround format) is the APT-X100 system. Unlike the home version of DTS or any version of Dolby Digital, the APT-X100 system is fixed at a 4:1 compression ratio. Data reduction is accomplished via sub-band coding with linear prediction and adaptive quantization. The theatrical DTS processor acts as a transport mechanism, as it holds and reads the audio discs. When the DTS format was launched, it used one or two discs with later units holding three discs, thus allowing a single dts processor to handle two-disc film soundtracks along with a third disc for theatrical trailers. The DTS time code on the 35mm print identifies the film title which is matched to the individual DTS CD-ROMs, guaranteeing that the film cannot be played with the wrong disc. Each DTS CD-ROM contains a DOS program that the processor uses to play back the soundtrack, allowing system improvements or bug fixes to be added easily. Unlike Dolby Digital and SDDS, or the home version of DTS, the theatrical DTS system only carries 5 discrete channels on the CD-ROMs. The .1 LFE subwoofer track is mixed into the discrete surround channels on the disc and recovered via low-pass filters in the theater.
DTS and Dolby Digital (AC-3), DTS's chief competitor in the cinema and home theater market, are often compared because of their similarity in product goals, Though Dolby believed that the surround channels should be diffused and DTS said they should be directional. In theatrical installations, AC-3 (and SDDS) audio is placed between sprocket holes on the 35 mm film itself, leaving the audio content susceptible to physical damage from film wear and mishandling. DTS audio is stored on a separate set of CD-ROM media, whose greater storage capacity affords the potential to deliver better audio fidelity and is not subject to the usual wear and damage suffered by the film print during the normal course of the movie's theatrical screening. Disregarding the separate CD-ROM assembly as a potential point of failure, the DTS audiopath is comparatively impervious to film degradation, unless the film-printed timecode is completely destroyed.
In the consumer (home theater) market, AC-3 and DTS are close in terms of audio performance. When the DTS audio track is encoded at its highest legal bitrate (1509.75 kbit/s), technical experts rank DTS as perceptually transparent for most audio program material (i.e., indistinguishable to the uncoded source in a double blind test). Dolby claims its competing AC-3 codec achieves similar transparency at its highest coded bitrate (640 kbit/s). However, in program material available to home consumers (DVD, broadcast, and subscription digital TV), neither AC-3 nor DTS typically run at their highest allowed bitrate. DVD and broadcast (ATSC) HDTV cap AC-3 bitrate at 448 kbit/s. But even at that rate, consumer audio gear already enjoys better audio performance than theatrical (35 mm movie) installations, which are limited to even lower bitrates. When DTS audio was introduced to the DVD specification, studios authored DVD movies at DTS's full bitrate (1509.75 kbit/s). Later, movie titles were almost always encoded at a reduced bitrate of 754.5 kbit/s, ostensibly to increase the number of audio tracks on the movie disc. At this reduced rate (754.5 kbit/s), DTS no longer retains audio transparency.
AC-3 and DTS are sometimes judged by their encoded bitrates. DTS proponents claim that the extra bits give higher fidelity and more dynamic range, providing a richer and more lifelike sound. But no conclusion can be drawn from their respective bitrates, as each codec relies on different coding tools and syntax to compress audio.
On the consumer level, DTS is the oft-used shorthand for the DTS Coherent Acoustics codec, transportable through S/PDIF and used on DVDs and Laserdiscs. This system is the consumer version of the DTS standard, using a similar codec without needing separate DTS CD-ROM media.
Both music and movie DVDs allow delivery of DTS audio tracks, but DTS was not part of the original DVD specification (1997), so early DVD players did not recognize DTS audio tracks at all. The DVD specification was revised to allow optional inclusion of DTS audio tracks. The DVD title must carry one or more primary audio tracks in AC-3 or LPCM format (in Europe, MPEG-1 Audio Layer II is also an allowed primary track format). The DTS audio track, if present, can be selected by the user. Modern DVD players can now decode DTS natively with no problem, or pass it through to an external decoder. Nearly all standalone receivers and many integrated ("home theater in a box") DVD player/receivers manufactured today can decode DTS.
A small number of Laserdiscs carry DTS soundtracks. The NTSC Laserdisc format allows for either analog audio only or both analog and digital audio tracks. Laserdiscs encoded with DTS sound replace the LPCM digital audio track with the DTS soundtrack. This soundtrack is output via digital coaxial or optical audio outputs and requires an external decoder to process the bitstream. Consumers without a DTS decoder are only able to listen to the analog audio tracks on the disc.
For PC playback, many software players support the decoding of DTS. The VideoLAN project has created a decoding module for DTS called libdca (formerly libdts), which is the first open source implementation of DTS.[1]
Sony's PlayStation 3 and Microsoft's Xbox 360 are capable of DTS decoding and output via TOSLINK or HDMI as LPCM. However, HDMI output on the Xbox 360 is only found on the "Elite" model and newer models available since mid-2007, with the release of the Falcon chipset. Also, the Xbox 360 cannot decode DTS from DTS Audio CDs. PlayStation 3 consoles can bitstream DTS over HDMI. The newer "slim" models are able to bitstream DTS-HD MA as well.
In addition to the standard 5.1-channel DTS Surround codec, the company has several other technologies in its product range designed to compete with similar systems from [1]. The core stream is compatible with DTS decoders which do not support the extension(s); the extension(s) provide the additional data required to implement the additional functionality.
The primary new technologies are:
This is a process designed specifically for playback in motion picture theaters equipped with 70mm projection and 6-track surround sound. The 70 mm DTS prints do not have 6-track magnetic striping, so there is no analog backup should the digital sound fail. The time code track on the film is many times wider than the 35mm version, since it can occupy the real estate formerly taken up by a magnetic track. Theaters with 70 mm DTS frequently install two time code readers for greater reliability.
The gradual disappearance of 70 mm as a common exhibition format has led to DTS-70 being reserved for niche engagements of 70 mm revivals and restorations. Dolby Digital has not been adapted to the 70 mm format.
DTS-ES (DTS Extended Surround) includes two variants, DTS-ES Matrix and DTS-ES Discrete 6.1, depending on how the sound was originally mastered and stored.[2] Both variants are implemented in ways which are compatible with DTS decoders which do not include support for DTS-ES.
DTS-ES Matrix provides 5.1 discrete channels, with a matrixed center-surround audio channel. DTS processors that are compatible with the ES codec look for and recognize "flags" built into the audio coding and "unfold" the rear-center sound from data that would otherwise be sent to rear surround speakers. DTS decoders which do not understand ES process the sound as if it were standard 5.1, and the matrixed audio for the center surround channel is output equally from the two surround speakers (very much as a sound intended to be in the centre of the sound field in a stereo recording is played equally by the left and right speakers). This is notated as DTS-ES 5.1.
DTS-ES Discrete provides 6.1 discrete channels, with a discretely recorded (non-matrixed) center-surround channel; in home theater systems with a 7.1 configuration, the two rear-center speakers play in mono. To maintain compatibility with DTS decoders which do not support DTS-ES, the center-surround channel is also matrixed into the left and right surround channels, so that the rear center channel's sound is still present when played in 5.1 on a non-ES system; an ES decoder removes the matrixed audio from these two channels when playing back DTS-ES Discrete soundtracks. DTS-ES Discrete is sometimes notated as DTS-ES 6.1. Only a few DVD titles have been released with DTS-ES Discrete.
In contrast, Dolby's competing EX codec, which also boasts a center rear channel, can only handle matrixed data and does not support a discrete sixth channel; it is most directly comparable to DTS-ES Matrix.
Note: The center-rear/surround channel is encoded and decoded in exactly the same way as the center-front. The center surround channel can be decoded using any surround sound processor by feeding the left and right surround signals to the processor inputs. Left-Center-Right surround is produced. This will work for a "center surround" reproduction, whether the source material is explicitly encoded, as in DTS-ES, or hidden as ambience in any 5.1 source, including DTS-ES 5.1 and Dolby 5.1.
DTS Neo:6, like Dolby's Pro Logic IIx system, can take stereo content and convert the sound into 5.1 or 6.1 channel format, but in a 7.1 configuration, the two rear-center speakers play in mono. Unlike Dolby Pro Logic II's broadband logic steering, Neo:6 is a multi-band decoder, meaning that the decoder can enhance more than one predominant signal at a time — provided each predominant signal lies in a different frequency band than the others. The number of bands steered varies in each Neo:6 implementation, with the first decoders steering in 12 separate bands and later units steering up to 19.
DTS Neo:X can take stereo, 5.1, 6.1, or 7.1 source material and output up to 11.1 channels including front height and width channels. Unlike Dolby's Pro Logic IIz's system, which only adds front height channels to the 7.1 configuration, Neo:X supports both front height and front wide channels. DTS Neo:X also supports 11.1 encoding through matrixing of front height and front wide channel information into the front and surround channels, respectively, of a 5.1 or 7.1 audio mix.
DTS 96/24 allows the delivery of 5.1 channels of 24-bit, 96 kHz audio and high quality video on the DVD-Video format. Prior to the development of DTS 96/24, it was only possible to deliver two channels of 24-bit, 96 kHz audio on DVD Video. DTS 96/24 can also be placed in the video zone on DVD-Audio discs, making these discs playable on all DTS-compatible DVD players. DTS 96/24 is implemented as a core DTS stream plus an extension containing the deltas to enable 96/24 sound reproduction.
DTS-HD High Resolution Audio, along with DTS-HD Master Audio, compose the DTS-HD extension to the original DTS audio format. It delivers up to 7.1 channels of sound at a 96 kHz sampling frequency and 24-bit depth resolution. DTS-HD High Resolution Audio is selected as an optional surround sound format for Blu-ray Disc and HD DVD, with constant bit rates up to 6.0 Mbit/s and 3.0 Mbit/s, respectively. It is intended to be an alternative for DTS-HD Master Audio where disc space may not allow it. DTS-HD High Resolution Audio is implemented as a core DTS stream plus an extension containing the two additional channels plus deltas to enable 96/24 sound reproduction.
DTS-HD Master Audio, previously known as DTS++,[3] is the second of two DTS-HD audio formats.[4] It supports a virtually unlimited number of surround sound channels, can downmix to 5.1 and two-channel, and can deliver audio quality at bit rates extending from DTS Digital Surround up to lossless (24-bit, 192 kHz).
DTS-HD Master Audio is selected as an optional surround sound format for Blu-ray and HD DVD, where it has been limited to a maximum of 8 discrete channels. DTS-HD MA supports variable bit rates up to 24.5 Mbit/s on a Blu-ray Disc and up to 18.0 Mbit/s for HD DVD, with up to 6 channels encoded at up to 192 kHz or 8 channels encoded at 96 kHz/24 bit. If more than two channels are used, a "channel remapping" function allows for remixing the soundtrack to compensate for a different channel layout in the playback system compared to the original mix.
All Blu-ray and HD DVD players can decode the DTS "core" resolution soundtrack at 1.5 Mbit/s, however, as DTS-HD Master Audio is also implemented as a standard DTS core plus extensions. DTS-HD Master Audio and Dolby TrueHD are the only technologies that deliver compressed lossless surround sound for these new disc formats, ensuring the highest quality audio performance available in the new standards. (N.B.: DTS Coherent Acoustics' coding system has been selected as mandatory audio technology for both the Blu-ray Disc [BD] and HD DVD).[5]
DTS Connect is a blanket name for a two-part system used on the computer platform only, in order to convert PC audio into the DTS format, transported via a single S/PDIF cable.[6] The two components of the system are DTS Interactive and DTS Neo:PC. It is found on various CMedia soundcards and onboard audio with Realtek ALC883DTS/ALC889A/ALC888DD-GR/ALC892-DTS-CG and SoundMAX AD1988 chips, as well as several cards based on the X-Fi chipset, such as the SoundBlaster Titanium series and Auzentech's X-Fi Forte, X-Fi Prelude, X-Fi Home Theater HD and X-Fi Bravura cards.
Photography, Animation, Pornography, Color, Film base
Photography, Silver, Cinerama, Film, Technicolor
Phil Collins, Peter Gabriel, Progressive rock, Anthony Phillips, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Sony, Dolby Digital, Sound, Digital Theater System, Japanese language


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- Parent Category: News
Benton County woman dies in fire
A Benton County, Indiana woman died after a house fire Tuesday afternoon.
The victim's identity is being withheld at this time.
The emergency call came just before 1 o'clock. The location was on State Road 71, south of Kentland.
Earl Park firemen answered the call. The state fire marshal's office is investigating.
Investigators believe it began in the area of the garage but the cause is unknown.


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Celebrating its 5th anniversary in 2014, MUTEK.ES, the Barcelona branch of the namesake International Festival for Digital Creativity and Electronic Music continues the MUTEK family's global anniversary year, following a stellar 10th edition of MUTEK.MX in Mexico City this past October 2013, and leading up to the highly anticipated 15th anniversary edition of the original MUTEK Montreal festival that will take place end of May 2014.
After a busy year that included collaborations with Berlin Atonal, ClubtoClub Torino, and its regular Soirée MUTEK events in its home city, MUTEK.ES is preparing to launch the Barcelona festival season by changing its dates to March 5 – 8, 2014 instead of its usual February slot, a move that also makes room for more outdoor and family programs within the festival. This edition'sfestival headquarters will once again take over the Convent Sant Augustí, a building that mixes historic architecture with modern, modular spaces. The Convent will serve as the festival's main information point, offering a welcoming environment to meet up with friends old and new, and will house the festival's Digi_Section daytime conference program (Q&A sessions, workshops, demos). MUTEK.ES also returns to long-time partners Nitsa Club and Moog for its night-time program, with exciting new venues and special collaborations for the festival's A/Visions audiovisual performance series to be announced shortly.


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Membership Information
Proof of Residency
Proof of residency includes:
Non-residents who work for a business in the City of DeSoto may get a membership pass with photo I.D. and a current business pay check showing that the person is an employee of a business in DeSoto. However, the spouse and children of the employee are unable to obtain a membership.


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RyanMoran necesitaba un nuevo diseño de tema de wordpress y lanzó un concurso de diseño en 99designs.
Un ganador ha sido elegido entre 30 diseños de 3 diseñadores freelance.
GiveMeLiberty.tv is a new startup blog that will be promoted through social media. It is a liberty minded, anti-government blog that will discuss government spending, personal liberty, and economics in an attempt to educate the readership and provide topical blog posts that will spread via social media. A mix of textual blog posts, interviews, and video will be used to spread the message, and the content will be presented in a persuasive manner in order to attract those who hold different opinions.
The target audience is US-based politically minded folks, although this topic draws plenty of flair internationally as well. The audience typically likes the Constitution and the US Founders, Ron Paul, libertarianism, Ayn Rand, and Austrian Economics. Some of these may play a role in the design, although it should be careful not to turn off those who have a different opinion, as the blog is not an exclusive group of people.
The typical reader is 24 - 40, male, and is mindful of business and economics.
A Wordpress theme is required for this blog, and it should capture the message of the blog. The site does not currently exist, so different approaches are appreciated.
Remember that the promotion of the site will be through social media, so Twitter applications and Facebook sharing options play their role.
An attempt was made to find political blogs that we liked, but that was difficult. Below are some sites whose design we appreciate, whether they be politically charged or not:
Simple and professional blog styles appeal to us as the blog starts out. We appreciate you and look forward to working with you!


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< Back to Theatre
Tony Hadley
Spandau Ballet former lead singer Tony Hadley one of pop music's greatest vocalists will be performing for once date only concert at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane.
Performing the best of Spandau Ballet's singles "Gold", "Only When You Leave", "Lifetime", the epic "Through The Barricades" and of course the international number one "True".
Spandau Ballet formed in 1978 pioneers of the 80s New Romantic movement, and released numerous chart topping singles and albums all over the world. Former lead singer Tony Hadley has been keeping busy with his solo career, touring and writing albums, earning himself the accolade as being one of pop music's greatest vocalists.
Show Information
Sunday, 19th October 2014
Sunday, 19th October 2014
Venue Information
Drury Lane Theatre Royal
Catherine Street
Map | Seating Plan
(5mins) Go right on Long Acre; turn right into Bow Street and after 100 metres it will be on your left in Russell Street/Catherine Street.


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This week we are heavy on strummers and very thin on massively hyped dancetypethings. This is good, because I have managed to locate a favourite new band from under a rock in Oxford. And they are very, very clever indeed.
Single of the Week!
Stornoway – 'Zorbing' (Available from iTunes, here)
Sincerity gets a bit of a bad press in music. And it seems fiendishly hard to tread the heartfelt tightrope without risking a tumble into a chasm of hideous, wince-inducing earnestness. But 'Zorbing' bristles and crackles with sheer, unabashed, disarming charm. It is that rare thing, a pop song so devoid of cynicism and so bathed in sun-dappled melody it is impossible not to love Oxford's Stornoway and declare quite loudly that you have found your favourite new band. This is a single about longing and young love which contains the warmest (and lowest) hymnal-redolent harmonies you are likely to hear all year. And if you can stand any more superlatives, not only is this a perfect folk-pop tune gorgeous enough to restore your faith in the genre, but two of them are monstrous-clever doctors and all of them look about fifteen. Utterly sickening, the only irritating thing I can find to say about 'Zorbing' is that it is named after the outdoor pursuit in which Pepsi Max twits roll down hills in hamster balls.
Amazing Baby - 'Headdress' (V2/Cooperative)
Sounding rather like MGMT might do were they fronted by Bolan, 'Headdress' doesn't have quite the same soaraway psych-chops as 'Bayonets' (what is free, here) but it's a compelling wee release nonetheless. For I will argue that though this lot share common ground with Brooklyn's favourite Space Indie oddballs, they occupy a stranger landscape. For I am sure I can discern not just Mini-mangled Marc, but also pinches of Elvis Costello and 'War-Pigs'-era Sabbath in the mix - making them a rather odd bag of pop sweets well worth ruining your teeth on.
Rose Elinor Dougall – 'Start/Stop/Synchro' (Elefant) Listen at MySpace, here.
I was thoroughly disappointed with 'Another Version of a Pop Song', which seemed to be released with indecent haste after young Rose's departure from the Pipettes. It can't have left her time to change out of her polka dot dress, much less find her own independent, creative feet. 'Start/Stop/Synchro', however, shows signs of her getting rather more comfy in the studio, if not actually sleeping and eating there. From the lush harpsichord with which this twinkles into being, to the watery-eyed, wobbly-voiced vocals, to the protestations that Rose 'will never be her' this is much, much more like it – confidently cinematic, sad and honest pop with nary a whiff of novelty about it. Lovely.
The Proclaimers - 'Love Can Move Mountains' (W14 Music/Universal)
Oh Lord, I can't deal with The Proclaimers being ancient. In fact, I almost wish they had used the time-honoured tactic employed by musical oldsters of having two winsome young whippersnappers in their video and not appearing in it themselves at all. Do you know, I shall rail against the uncharitable and downright condescending pigeon-holing of Charlie and Craig as an amusing Scotch novelty act till I die. For if you wish to be reminded of their genuine, unlikely genius, or are looking for a song 100% guaranteed to see you weep before breaking into a million tiny pieces, may I remind everyone of the glorious 'Sunshine on Leith'. I mean, if it were remotely credible to choose your football team on the basis of their theme song, I should be the most ardent Hibs supporter to exist. Speaking of which, the below videothing made me cry. And reminds me that whatever happens to The Proclaimers, they'll always have Leith.
MJ Cole feat. Digga - 'I Gotta Have It' (Prolific Recordings)
Worthy of inclusion for two reasons. One, the impossible, unabashed shiny slickness of UK garage such as this, which forms a nice counterpoint when you are wading through an oil slick of indie, aimless folk and inescapably ubiquitous electro-pop. Two, the shivering creepiness of the line 'Just wanna stick my pinkie in it'. Yes, everyone, that's JUST WANNA STICK MY PINKIE IN 'IT'. This takes some beating as the least sexy/most creepsome lyric I have heard for quite some time, and conjures an image of ladies 'its' which might be sampled as if they were some sort of unprocurable, desperately rare epicurean delight - regardless of the actual person what is attached to, um, 'it'.
Leona Naess - 'Leave Your Boyfriends Behind' (Polydor)
For a record about going out and 'avin it without your beau, this should be rather more fun than it is, and only really gets going in the singalonga, altogether-now choruses. I realise this is a record about not being ready or fit to move on, but when I am, I think I should rather don a pink mini-crini and go out on the lash with Cyndi Lauper, for it seems to me that Girls Nights Out – filled as they are with shameful on-the-loose drunkenness and secret snogs - are better suited to synth stabs and brash, ugly neon. I think what I am saying is that I don't want my free pass evenings to be wasted on a nice bit of strumming.
The Nightjars - 'Valentine' (Available to buy via their MySpace, here)
A little bit Badly Drawn Boy had he skipped off down the Alt Country lanes, this is investment banker rich on delicious minor key changes and a beautifully bittersweet four and a half minutes of plaintive melody. It is also, at least according to the liner notes, a track they deem 'something for the ladies'. I shall assume this was written by The Nightjars with their twangy tongues firmly in cheek, although in any event, this little lady found 'Valentine' extremely pretty on the ear. And now, I must away. Those socks won't darn themselves, you know.


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Get Involved
|Local groups
Literacy Volunteers of Charlottesville/Albemarle- Provides free confidential tutoring sessions for adults in literacy and English as a Second Language and is always in need of tutors. The organization is flexible in its volunteers hours. To volunteer or to learn more, call 977-3838.
Charlottesville Center for Peace and Justice- Promotes education and action for peace and justice and pursues governmentent responsibility; meets various times throughout the month. Meets every Thursday at 5 in front of Federal Building with signs to demonstrate for peace. Call the message line for updates and the next meeting time: 961-6278.
Jefferson Area Board for Aging- Works to establish, promote, and preserve sustainable communities for healthy aging that benefit families and individuals of all ages. Seeking volunteers in over twenty different roles. Call 817-5222 for more info.
Monticello Area Community Action Agency- Dedicated to eliminating both the causes and conditions of poverty. Serves about 3,000 around the City of Charlottesville and Counties of Albemarle, Fluvanna, Louisa, and Nelson. Info: 295-3171
Lions Clubs- "To create and foster a spirit of understanding among all people for humanitarian needs by providing voluntary services through community involvement and international cooperation." There's a whole pride of chapters of the world's largest service organization in the area. The Charlottesville Host Lions Club (977-6211) meets the first and third Tuesdays of the month at 6pm at the Wood Grill Buffet and can be reached by emailing secretary Joe Hannemann at email@example.com. The Charlottesville Lioness Club meets on the fourth Tuesday at 6pm at Wood Grill Buffet and can be reached through Sherry Archer at email@example.com. The Charlottesville Thomas Jefferson Lions (971-3860) meet the second and fourth Wednesdays at the Holiday Inn on Emmet St. at 6:00pm. The Crozet Lions meet second and fourth Mondays at 6:30pm at the Meadows Community Center and can be reached through Rebecca White at 823-2663. The Rivanna Lions meet on the second and fourth Wednesdays at 6:30pm at the Lake Monticello clubhouse and can be reached through Gerry Kojan at 589-1397. The Scottsville Lions usually meet the second and fourth Wednesdays at 7pm at the Scottsville United Methodist Church. Reach them through Barbara Brochu at 831-2318.
The American Legion- Our local outfit of the world's largest veterans service organization. Charlottesville's Post 74 meets the second Wednesday of every month to eat dinner and discuss Legion business. Social hour at 6pm, dinner at 6:30, official business at 7:30. Contact firstname.lastname@example.com
Junior League of Charlottesville- The non-profit women's volunteer organization for community-minded women. Monthly meetings. To become a member, apply online or call 971-2937.
Friends of the Jefferson-Madison Regional Library- A fundraising organization best known for its annual spring book sale. The group hosts biannual book sales in the fall and spring. For more information, call 977-8467 or email email@example.com
Rotary Club of Charlottesville- A chapter of business leaders and professionals working to benefit the community with education and aid. Meetings are held the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month at 6pm at the Omni Hotel downtown. For more information, email firstname.lastname@example.com.
Kiwanis Club of Charlottesville- "Serving the Children of the World." Local chapter of the international organization dedicated to helping and supporting kids. Charlottesville club meetings are held on the first, second and third Mondays of the month. More information on the organization can be found by calling the club secretary at 263-6003. For membership info call 978-2140.
Optimist Club of the Blue Ridge- Service to youth is its major focus. Call 295-8867 for more info.
CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates)- Volunteers go to court to advocate for abused and neglected children. Volunteers are always needed, and the fall training session starts in September. 971-7515
Service Dogs of Virginia- Acquiring, training, and placing service dogs with individuals with disabilities and children with autism. Call 295-9503 or email email@example.com for more info.
Children, Youth, and Family Services- Provides services and support for area children and families. 296-4118 or email@example.com
Emergency Food Bank- A volunteer organization that provides at least a three-day supply of food for hungry families. To volunteer or donate food, call 979-9180.
Blue Ridge Area Food Bank- An emergency food assistance agency that serves more than 120,000 people each month. To volunteer or donate, call 540-248-3663.
On Our Own- A community-run program to aid individuals who have been affected by mental illness. 979-2440
Piedmont Housing Alliance- A private, non-profit organization that addresses affordable housing issues and serves low- to moderate-income families. 817-2436
Salvation Army- Services include emergency shelter, emergency services, childcare, a thrift stores, and transitional housing programs. The thrift store is located at 604 Cherry Ave. (979-5230). To volunteer call 295-4058.
Shelter for Help in Emergency- Provides crisis intervention, information, and referrals and services for victims of domestic violence. 24-hour hotline: 293-8509, collect calls accepted. For more information call 963-4676 or email email@example.com
The Haven- A group working to eliminate homelessness in central Virginia. Individual groups work on feeding, counseling, and advising and meet at different times during year. Information: 973-1234. firstname.lastname@example.com
Habitat for Humanity of Greater Charlottesville- In addition to building homes for those who don't have one, the group runs the Habitat Store, which sells new and salvaged materials donated by the community. Habitat office: 293-9066.
The PB&J Fund- Working with the community to teach Charlottesville youth about healthy eating, nutrition and cooking. For more information call 244-3317 or visit www.pbandjfund.org.
The United Way– Thomas Jefferson Area- Brings together local people, organizations, businesses, and public servants to tackle health and human service needs, and also organizes the United Way Laurence E. Richardson Day of Caring each September. Its Volunteer Center website www.BeAVolunteer.info connects volunteers and nonprofits. www.UnitedWayTJ.org or 972-1701.
International Rescue Committee (IRC)- Helps refugees rebuild their lives in a new country after fleeing from humanitarian crises. Call 979-7772 for more information.
Charlottesville Professional Firefighters Association- Remember when you used to say you were going to be a firefighter when you grew up? Well, some of those kids actually meant it. For more information email firstname.lastname@example.com
Albemarle County Fire and Rescue: It's "the home of the model volunteer/career fire and emergency medical services system." They say they aim to provide the highest quality services to preserve the lives, property, and environment of our community. Info on becoming a volunteer: 296-5833.
Volunteer Rescue Squads-
Blue Ridge Mountain Rescue Group- Composed of volunteers who spend time in rigorous training, search missions, group functions, preventive instruction, and raising public awareness. Also provides an opportunity for folks interested in the outdoors and emergency medical services. Contact president Laura Dodson at email@example.com or call Michael Holroyd at 757-944-1132.
Charlottesville-Albemarle Rescue Squad- These dedicated volunteers render assistance at accidents and other times of need, provide safety instruction in schools, and help during flood, fire, hurricane, and famine. Info: 296-4825.
Scottsville Volunteer Rescue Squad- Their mission: "To assist in the saving of life, administering first aid, and teaching methods of safety." Volunteer help is always welcome: 286-3979.
Volunteer Fire Companies-
North Garden Volunteer Fire Company- These volunteers "protect our community and its inhabitants from fire, accident, or sickness." Info: 971-1583 or email@example.com
East Rivanna Volunteer Fire Company- Based in Keswick. Apply for membership at ervfc.com or 293-6722.
Scottsville Volunteer Fire Department- Based alongside the James River, the station serves approximately 15,000 people . Call 286-2841.
Stony Point Volunteer Fire Department- In addition to roaring off to accidents and putting out fires, they'll install your child carseat if you want to make sure it's done right. Volunteer application is online. Info: 973-7733.
American Society for Quality- Provides opportunities for learning, quality improvement, and knowledge exchange. Contact firstname.lastname@example.com for more info.
American Society for Training and Development- This non-profit is devoted to helping people in the field of human resource development, or "personnel," as it used to be known. A $199 calendar year membership is available ($59 for students). 1-800-628-2783.
APICS, Blue Ridge Chapter- The Association for Operations Management is a not-for-profit international educational organization that offers education and professional certification programs. Those interested can reach VP of Membership Deanna Smith at firstname.lastname@example.com.
Charlottesville-Albemarle Legal Staff Association- Membership is open to anyone involved in the legal field and students interested in pursuing a legal career. Meetings are held at various area restaurants on the third Tuesday of each month. Info: Deborah Johnson, 293-8191.
Computers4Kids- A non-profit after-school technology program for disadvantaged youth. To register a student or become a mentor, call 817-1121.
Jefferson Tibetan Society- To provide teaching and meditation practice in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, JTS meets regularly and hosts cultural and special events through the year. Email firstname.lastname@example.com for more information.
Blue Ridge Toastmasters Club- This worldwide group teaches communication and leadership skills that foster self-confidence and personal growth. Meets every Tuesday evening at 7 p.m. Email email@example.com
Toastmasters Club of Vinegar Hill- Learn how to give scintillating speeches downtown. Meetings are every Friday noon-1pm. Contact Pie Dumas at 989-2300.
Toastmasters of Piney Mountain- More speeches and scintillation– only this time in the Piney Mountain area. Weekly meetings Wednesday at 12:05pm at GE Intelligent Platforms. 434-242-4962 or email email@example.com.
–>>For Business groups, see our Economy section
Wintergreen Nature Foundation- For the crunchy among us, this group offers guided hikes, canoe trips, educational programs, and much more. Visit twnf.org for a complete list of events. 325-8169 or email email@example.com.
The Charlottesville-Albemarle Council of Garden Clubs- Non-profit umbrella organization for local and county garden clubs. Info: gardeninginvirginia.org
Monticello Bird Club- Field trips and monthly meetings are open to bird lovers of all experience levels. Meets the second Thursday of each month September-June at 7:00pm. Contact president Lou Tanner at email@example.com or call 996-9831.
Charlottesville Orchid Society- Meets on the second Sunday of each month except July and August; two shows annually, one on Easter weekend and one in late October. Info: email@example.com
Virginia Native Plant Society, Jefferson Chapter- "Dedicated to the protection and preservation of the native plants of Virginia and their habitats." Individual membership is available to the public and there are great group deals. Check out their Facebook page or call 540-837-1600
Friendship Force of Charlottesville- Bringing people of the world together through homestay exchanges. Info: firstname.lastname@example.com
Ligmincha Institute- "Created to preserve the Tibetan Bön culture and teachings, especially the practices of dzogchen." 263-6304.
L'Alliance Francaise de Charlottesville- A non-profit cultural and educational organization that fosters knowledge of France, its culture, and its language. Francophiles rejoice. Courses are available every season, and prices vary depending on types of membership and skill level. 260-0640.
Republican Party of Virginia- Rumors are flying about Bob McDonell's impending resignation over the corruptions charges leveled against him, but he's still governor for now! All elephants welcome! Contact state party headquarters at 804-780-0111.
Democratic Party of Virginia- Hop on board with the donkey crew. Call party headquarters at 804-644-1966.
Jefferson Area Libertarians- They're all about liberty— in every sense of the word. 973-5958
University of Virginia Alumni Association- Join the proud tradition of giving money to Mr. Jefferson's university and maybe you'll get something named after you like Cocke Hall, Slaughter Recreation Center, or "the Jack." Plus, you get a discount at UVA bookstore. You can't lose. 243-9000 or firstname.lastname@example.com
UVA Club of Charlottesville- "To foster ongoing relationships between the University of Virginia and the local community of friends, alumni, and employees of UVA through a series of educational, networking, athletic, charitable, and social events." Contact president David at firstname.lastname@example.com
Piedmont Virginia Community College Alumni Association- This group aims to "provide opportunities for networking and ways to stay connected to the College." 961-5203
Widow's Sons' Masonic Lodge- Over 200 years old, it's the oldest lodge continuing to serve the community. Monthly dinner meetings are held the third Monday of every month at 7pm at the meeting hall off the Downtown Mall. Contact secretary Mark firstname.lastname@example.com.
The Shire of Isenfir- The local chapter of the Society for Creative Anachronism, dedicated to the study and selective re-creation of the Middle Ages and Renaissance. If you like dressing up in armor, this is right up your bailiwick. Info: isenfir.org
Sons of the American Revolution, Thomas Jefferson Chapter- Dedicated to the patriotic, historical, and educational perpetuation of the memory of patriots who helped achieve the independence of the American people. Must have "patriotic" ancestry to join. Call secretary Geoffrey at 293-9190.
Thomas Jefferson Heritage Society- Non-profit founded in 2000 to define and defend the legacy of Thomas Jefferson through education, research, publication, and seminars. Bob at email@example.com.
National Railway Historical Society, Blue Ridge Chapter- Members meet monthly to wine, dine, and talk trains. For more information call the president at 660-1113.
Preservation Piedmont- They're all for saving Charlottesville's rich architecutral history. Info: www.ppiedmont.squarespace.com/
Charlottesville Civil War Round Table- Tours and discussions keep Civil War history vital. Monthly meetings are the third Tuesday at the Elk's Lodge at 7:30 pm. Call Barbara Wright at 295-9463 or email firstname.lastname@example.com
National Society Daughters of the American Revolution- God, Home, and Country is what matters to these modern-day Betsy Rosses. Charlottesville has four chapters for descendants of those who "with unfailing loyalty aided in the cause of American Independence." Info: email@example.com
Albemarle Charlottesville Historical Society- They keep local history alive with exhibits and tours. Located near the Downtown mall. Whether you're a Charlottesville transplant or a native, take advantage of the tours offered on Thursdays and Saturdays! 296-1492 or email@example.com
Sons of Confederate Veterans- This group is dedicated to seeing that the history of the South is presented to future generations. Open to any friendly supporters or any males 12 years and older who can trace their ancestry to a Confederate soldier. Info: Email H.Wayne Elliott at firstname.lastname@example.com.
Sons of Union Veterans- Charlottesville is right in the North-South line of fire. This group, part of the Maryland division, while not quite as popular or as well known in these parts, wants to recognize the boys in blue. Info: Steve Hammond at email@example.com.
Central Virginia Chronic Fatigue/Fibromyalgia Association, Inc.- A support group for sufferers and their families. firstname.lastname@example.com or 984-3419.
AIDS/HIV Services Group- A variety of educational and support services offered, regular meetings. Call Public Relations manager Hannah at 981-2160.
Alcoholics Anonymous- Only requirement to join is the desire to quit drinking.Meets daily. 293-6565
Al-Anon/Alateen- Support for families and friends of alcoholics. Several meetings a week. For times and locations, visit va-al-anon.org/ or al-anon.alateen.org/.
Blue Ridge Family Alliance for the Mentally Ill- Works to promote and provide support, advocacy, and knowledge about mental illness. Meets once a month. 970-1257
Charlottesville Parkinson's Disease Support Group- This group offers groups for both people with the disease and for family, friends, and caretakers. Meetings are held on the 2nd Monday of each month at 1:30 pm at Westminster Canterbury of the Blue Ridge, in the Blue Ridge Room. Call 982-4482 for more information.
.Compassionate Friends- Friendship and understanding for bereaved parents. Monthly meetings at 7pm on the fourth Tuesday at the Church of Our Savior on Rio Road. 973-8844 or email@example.com.
Families Anonymous- "Support group for people who are experiencing conflict or pain as the result of a family member." Meets every Monday evening at 7 p.m. Call 923-7929.
Freedom From Smoking- Eight-week course for anyone trying to quit smoking. The organization's nearest chapter is in Richmond, but it is also offered online. Call 804 267 1900 for more information.
Hospice of the Piedmont Bereavement Groups- For adults, children, and adolescents who have suffered the loss of a loved one. Contact 817-6900 or email firstname.lastname@example.com for more information.
La Leche League of Charlottesville- To promote breastfeeding and provide support for mothers. Monthly morning and evening meetings in Charlottesville. Info: Cherie, 293-3302.
Lupus Foundation of Virginia- A group helping those suffering from lupus. Contact 888-262-9632 or email@example.com for more information about meeting times.
Mental Health America of Charlottesville-Albemarle Inc.- Provides assistance for those afflicted with mental illnesses, including information and referrals, support groups, and training to community groups and organizations about mental health issues. Call 977-4673 for more information.
National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Blue Ridge Chapter- Provides support for those with and families of MS. firstname.lastname@example.com 971-8010
Overeaters Anonymous- Available at many sites throughout Charlottesville, morning, afternoon and evening times. www.oa.org
Sexual Assault Resource Agency (SARA)- Intervention and support for survivors of sexual assault. Call the hotline at 977-7273 or, for other information, call the office at 295-7273.
Take Off Pounds Sensibly- Healthy weight loss programs offered Mon, Tues, and Wed. For more information call area captain Meg Crosby at (540)547-2600 or email email@example.com.
Albemarle Amateur Radio Club- Radio buffs of all abilities are welcome at this organization's meetings on the second Tuesday of every month at the National Radio Astronomy Building on Edgemont Road. Email email@example.com.
Albemarle Duplicate Bridge Club- For more than 15 years a group of serious duplicate bridge players have met to play for fun. Best Western Cavalier on Sunday at 1:30pm and Thursday at 7 p.m. Info: Paul Hartman, 973-2773.
Central Virginia Parrot Head Club- Have you always searched for a way to help people while drinking margaritas, wearing flip-flops, and listening to Jimmy Buffet? Welcome to paradise! This group aims to bring together in a social setting fans of Jimmy Buffett's music who also have a desire and willingness to pitch in for community service projects. Visit www.cvphc.com for more information.
Charlottesville Astronomical Society- Members of all knowledge levels enjoy the night sky. Meets the first Wednesday of every month at 6:45pm at the McCormick Observatory. The meetings are free and open to the public and feature lectures from the region's many astronomers. Membership $25/person; $30/family. Info: club president Steve Layman at email@example.com.
Charlottesville Camera Club- Shutterbugs rejoice! Photographers of all skills and disciplines are welcome at this nonprofit organization that "fosters photography as an art, a hobby, or a vocation, by instruction and by sharing knowledge and experience." Monthly meetings 6:00pm the second Thursday of every month. Email email@example.com
Central Virginia Genealogical Association- Trace those roots! Visitors are always welcome at this organization's meetings, which are usually the second Saturday of the month at 1:30pm at the Family History Center in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints on Timberwood Blvd. Contact Susan at firstname.lastname@example.com.
Blue Ridge Inventors Club- To help people profit from their creative work and "to inform members about patents, copyrights, and trademarks." Members get info from the US Patent and Trademark Office. Meets the third Wednesday of the month at the Jefferson-Madison Regional Library. Email email@example.com for more information.
Monticello Needle Arts- These embroidery gurus will have you in stiches in no time. Meetings once a month. For more information email firstname.lastname@example.com.
Rivanna Radio Control Club- These guys fly radio-controlled gliders from Milton Field (southeast of town) and occasionally invite the public to watch. The field is open to club members every day from 9am to dusk, and is often full during the weekends and early summer evening hours. Meetings held each month. For more information email firstname.lastname@example.com.
Virginia Angora Goat and Mohair Association- The name says it all. Don't be sheepish; if it behooves you, call 434-973-8070 or email secretary Colleen Reed at email@example.com. www.angoragoats.com.
American Society of Landscape Architects, Virginia Chapter- Encourages ethical and ecologically minded landscaping. Membership info: vaasla.org, 804-523-2901 or email@example.com.
Neon Guild- Technology professionals swap information and advice and help the community by doing pro bono work. Includes free pizza, beer, and soft drinks. Meets at various locations about once a month on a Tuesday evening, 6 p.m. Email Debra at email@example.com.
Forest Way Insight Meditation Group- Buddhist retreats encompassing vipassana (insight meditation) and metta (loving-kindness meditation). Beginners welcome. 990-9300 or email email@example.com
Charlottesville Swing Dance Society- All you poodle-skirt gals and hepcats can get your swing on at various locations and times weekly. Dances are the third Saturday of every month. Lessons available, annual membership fee. Info: cvilleswingdance.net.
Charlottesville Salsa Club: All are welcome at the club's weekly boogie night: Sundays at Club R2, behind Rapture on the Downtown Mall. Enjoy traditional and contemporary Latin tunes and be prepared to dance with different people. A basic lesson starts the night at 8pm. Last dance around midnight. $5-10. firstname.lastname@example.com
Hocus Pocus Club of Charlottesville- Where magicians come together to learn and exchange ideas. Magic experience not necessary. Generally meets first Fridays at 7pm at the Forest Lakes North Pavilion. Call 823-8584 for more information.
Party Parade- Soon to be celebrating 20 years of gettin' down for charity, these revelers meet weekly from February through May. All proceeds benefit local organizations. Info: email@example.com.
Charlottesville-Albemarle Community Foundation- The homier, more intimate ginormous umbrella charity. Call 296-1024 for more information.
LearningAlly- Formerly known as Recording for the Blind and Deaf. So that all people might have access to the printed word. 800-221-4792.
Benevolent Protective Order of the Elks No. 389- Sort of a country club (it has a pool with an excellent swim team) along with lotsa bingo. 296-6015 or email@example.com.
Virginians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty- Does much more than just watch The Green Mile or Dead Man Walking. 960-7779
Charlottesville Young Professionals-These folks want to create networking opportunities for young professionals in the Charlottesville area by organizing social, recreational, and community service events. Contact email@example.com
*You can check out the spending habits of all groups by inquiring at guidestar.org


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Single-acting piston seals
UNP profiles
UNP profiles (fig. 1) are single-acting U-cup seals made of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). They are suitable for pressures up to 350 bar (5 075 psi) and are available in metric (→ Size list [pdf]) and inch sizes (→ Size list [pdf]). For additional information, refer to UNP profile data.
In case of higher pressures, SKF provides full-face anti-extrusion rings on request. For additional information, contact SKF.
Single-acting piston seals in double-acting cylinders
Rod seals used as single-acting piston seals
Some rod seal profiles are designed with similar inside and outside sealing geometry and, therefore, can also be used as single-acting piston seals in single- or double-acting cylinders (fig. 2). PTB, STD and DZ rod seal profiles (→ Rod and buffer seals) can be used for those applications.
Rod seals with loaded-lip U-cup profiles may not relieve reverse pressure, but it is possible to remove their energizer (X-ring) from one of the seals to allow reverse pressure relief (fig. 2).