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We set out to get under the skin of the 130 destinations that we visit, from Egypt to Jamaica and from Bolivia to Japan. Combining the must-sees with the who-knews, we provide authentic travel experiences across the globe.
Discover the vast, diverse continent that is Africa. Navigate through aromatic medinas, drive across stretching golden plains in search of the Big Five and discover tribal cultures. We challenge you not to fall in love.
Asia offers a heady mix of diverse traditions, religions, cuisine and architecture. Get a flavour of its variety, from the iconic Taj Mahal to the staggering scenery of the Himalaya.
Australasia is a region of vibrant colour, staggering landscapes and contrasting cultures. Compact yet varied, New Zealand is all about the great outdoors, from snow-topped mountains to iridescent glacial lakes.
From the windy Atlantic coast to the eastern taiga forests, and the polar tundra to the sunny Mediterranean, Europe's variety is second to none. The diversity of cuisine, culture and climate mirrors that of its landscape.
Middle East
The Middle East is a concoction of welcoming people, ancient sites, vast deserts and delicious food. Uncover history that spans millenia in colossal archaeological sites and sleep under starry skies in the Arabian desert.
North America
North America is home to dynamic cities, rich cultural diversity and inspiring national parks. From the canyons and deserts of the USA to Canada's Rocky Mountains and Alaska's wildlife, its charms are hard to resist.
Central America
Central America is packed with fascinating Mayan history, colourful modern cultures and pristine beaches. Here the rainforests, cloud forests and barrier reef bustle with biodiversity.
Fields of sugar cane, rum distilleries, freshly-cooked fish and jerk chicken and a laid-back attitude to life - there's lots to love about Caribbean holidays. And of course there's the azure waters and vast sandy beaches.
South America
Explore the world's largest rainforest and marvel at its highest waterfall. Walk its longest mountain range and discover its highest capital city. All washed down with hearty food and world-class wines.
Polar Regions
Our polar expeditions are among the most awe-inspiring journeys you'll ever make. Choose from the Arctic, home to polar bear and walrus, or the towering icebergs and penguin rookeries of Antarctica.
Adventure doesn't have to take you out of your comfort zone; from activities like zip-wiring in Costa Rica, to tasting local dishes in Italy and staying with local families in Peru, there's a little adventure to be found on all our travels.
Walking and trekking
Our walking and trekking holidays take you closer to your destination. Choose from gentle walks through vineyards and along coastlines in Europe or more challenging mountain treks.
Cycling holidays
You'll discover more travelling on two wheels. A cycling holiday means slowing down and getting under the skin of a destination, from the Spanish Pyrenees to the rice paddies of Vietnam.
Self-Guided holidays
A self-guided trip is a holiday on your own terms. Set your own pace and choose when and where you stop. We'll look after the rest, from routes and maps to luggage and accommodation.
Polar Voyages
Our polar expeditions are among the most awe-inspiring journeys you'll ever make. Choose from the Arctic, home to polar bear and walrus, or the towering icebergs and penguin rookeries of Antarctica.
Wildlife tours
Come face-to-face with mountain gorilla in Uganda, search for rhino in Swaziland or swim with sea lion in the Galapagos. We've put together 100 wildlife trips across all seven continents.
Explore Beyond (Limited Edition)
Explore beyond the usual tourist landmarks on our limited edition holidays. From photography trips with professional photographers to festival tours with local experts, Beyond trips offer once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
At Explore, we're the experts in adventure travel. Our small group adventure holidays have been running since 1981. Today, Explore is one of the most trusted travel companies in the UK with over 500 trips to more than 120 countries.
Trip pace & grades
From time to time we publish discounts and special offers. We'll signpost those here, along with any last-minute trip availability. Stay tuned to find your perfect trip at a great price.
From Kunming to Hong Kong, we discover ethnic minority villages, vast ancient rice terraces and modern cities where ancient China still has a foothold. On this one off departure we witness the importance of the buffalo, relied on by farmers for thousands of years.
Breakfast: 16
Explore Tour Leader
Local Guide(s)
On Foot
14 nights comfortable hotel
2 nights simple hotel
Full on
10 - 16
Itineraries on some departure dates may differ, please select the itinerary that you wish to explore.
Also known as the 'City of Eternal Spring', Kunming is covered with blossoms and vegetation all-year round due to its mild climate. Dispersed between the modern roads and high-rises are pops of greenery and intricately designed, grand Taoist temples.
For those arriving on time our Leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 5pm for the welcome meeting and for those that wish, there is the chance to go out for dinner. There are no other activities planned today, so you are free to arrive in Kunming at any time. If you would like to receive a complimentary airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive into Changshui International Airport (KMG), which is 30 minutes' from our hotel. Should you miss the welcome meeting, your Leader will inform you of any essential information as soon as you catch up on day two.
If your flight arrives earlier in the day, perhaps you might choose to take a wonder around the magnificent 'Golden Temple Park' also known as 'Jindian Park'. It is the largest bronze temple in the country.
Green Lake View Hotel (or similar)
Comfortable Hotel
After breakfast we take a stroll through Green Lake Park. The park is in the centre of the city and is formed around four small lakes, linked by traditional Chinese bridges. Each morning locals make their way here for their daily Tai Chi session and we'll stop to watch, perhaps joining in if we feel like it! Leaving the park and the city behind, we drive a short distance to the Qiongzhu Temple, also called the Bamboo Temple. It is known for its 500 unique life size sculptures of Buddhist arhats, people that have advanced along the path of enlightenment but not yet reached nirvana. We will share a vegetarian lunch with some of the monks and take the chance to learn a little of their simple way of life.
In the afternoon we drive to the 'Stone Forest' at Shillin. Here the spectacular karst rock formations have formed a forest-like structure over a vast area, creating an atmospheric and surreal environment threaded with streams and greenery. We spend a couple of hours weaving our way through the forest on foot before driving to Qujing for our overnight stop.
Yindu International Hotel (or similar)
Today we will visit the spectacular Huangguoshu, or Yellow Fruit Tree, waterfalls. The largest in China, the drop measures an impressive 84 metres, with a width of over 80 metres. A climb up a series of steep, water soaked steps leads to a suspension bridge that crosses into a verdant, forested landscape, where, depending on conditions, there is usually an opportunity to walk behind the falls and enter the 100 metre long 'Water Curtain Cave' that lies behind it. Later we drive to the nearby small city of Anshun.
Puhua Hotel (or similar)
600 years ago, Han Chinese soldiers settled down near Anshun after returning from war. They created a small collection of villages with houses and streets made of local stone. Some of the villages are still inhabited today, with the people living very traditional lives and considering themselves a specific ethnic group. They maintain some of the old customs from Ming Dynasty times including the languages and costumes. We explore a couple of the villages and walk up to a panoramic vantage point at the Yunjiu Temple, reached by 600 stone steps. This offers wonderful views of the area, the villages, and the dramatic karst stone landscape.
Leaving the villages behind, we head to the large and bustling city of Guiyang. An exciting city, the old and new China coexist here in an exhilarating mix of modern skyscrapers and old temples.
Guiyang Karst Hotel (or similar)
This morning we'll walk for a while along the Nanming River, through public parks and squares, we reach the Jiaxiu Tower which is the centre piece of the Fuyu Bridge. Also called the First Scholar's Tower, it was originally built in 1598 to encourage intellectuals to study hard for the honour of gaining official rank in the Ming Dynasty court; it is a great example of the architecture of the time. Later we'll visit the city's bustling flower and bird market where we can wander around and see the eclectic mix of wares for sale.
In the late morning we drive to Zhenyuan, an ancient town of the Miao people, and a pretty mixture of caves, palaces, pavilions, temples and rivers, set in a marvellous natural landscape. We take to the Wuyang river for a gentle cruise of around an hour and a half, passing scenery of impressive karst mountains with deep river gorges and lush green forests.
Fucheng Hotel (or similar)
The Miao people are farmers and have relied on the buffalo for thousands of years to help them work the fields. Once a year they celebrate the animal and the help it gives them by preparing special dishes of rice and porridge for the buffalo to eat. Over time this has developed in to a festival that takes place at the 15th century Fei Yun Dong Taoist temple, around an hour and a half drive from Zhenyuan. We'll be able to enjoy the special 'buffalo porridge' with the locals, who will be dressed in their best traditional costumes, and we will hear folk songs, accompanied Lusheng music (a traditional Chinese instrument made from bamboo) and dancing. Other activities include displays of horse riding skills and trying to climb to the top of a ladder made out of the blades of knives.
We'll spend the whole day at the festival before returning to Zhenyuan for the night.
We explore the town by foot this morning and climb around 800 steps to a vantage point for beautiful views of the whole area, walking for a time on an old part of the Great Wall. A stroll along the banks of the Wuyang River brings us to the local market and the courtyards, narrow streets, ancient houses and temples of the old town. We'll spend a couple of hours exploring and learning about the 2000 year old history of Zhenyuan before leaving for Leishan. On the way we stop at Peika villages to gain an insight in to the rural communities of the area. Here we'll meet Mr Mo, a famous local lusheng maker whose skills have been passed down through his family for generations, and we'll learn how he makes the instruments using traditional methods.
Leishan Hotel (or similar)
A short drive from Leishan, Nande is a charming Miao village with large wooden houses clinging to the hillside, and old cobbled stone streets. Many of the inhabitants still wear traditional dress. We take a walk through the village and stop to enjoy some Lusheng dances before enjoying lunch of meat, eggs, vegetables and homemade rice wine in a local farmhouse.
In the afternoon we'll drive to Rongjiang, a journey of around four hours. On the way we stop at Datang, a Miao village famous for the traditional dress of its inhabitants. The women wear very colourful costumes with silver jewellery and elaborate headwear. Their skirts are much shorter than those of other Miao tribe, a tradition stretching back some 600 years and that may have begun as an act of defiance.
Dongxiangmi Grand Hotel (or similar)
Just outside Rongjiang, Chejiang Dong village is famous for the massive Banyan trees that line the banks of the river, and its Drum Tower. Highly impressive pagoda-like structures, the Dong drum towers are intricately carved and designed to represent the four seasons and 12 months of the year. Originally used to call the villagers to a gathering to hear the punishment that the council of elders would dispense to wrong-doers, they now serve as social centres for the old men of the village who meet to play cards, drink tea, smoke and chat. The village also contains a Sama Temple, dedicated to the Dong's former heroine who died during a fight with another tribe, and who is now commemorated during new year celebrations.
Leaving the village we drive through the mountains for around four hours to the Jiabang rice terraces. Along the way we will meet the Zhuang people at Sanbao and Ping Ling villages. Known as 'people of the soil' for their agricultural knowhow, the Zhuang worship nature, believing that everything has its own spirit. They also revere their ancestors, whose names are written on strips of red paper on altars in their houses.
Our accommodation tonight is in a simple guesthouse with and excellent location overlooking the terraces and close to a nearby village.
Tianzhiyuan Hotel (or similar)
Simple Hotel
The Jiabang terraces are rumoured to be over a thousand years old and sprawl across the hillsides of lush green valleys which are dotted with Miao houses and small hamlets. A walk through the terraces will enable us to see how they are farmed by hand and with oxen, still using old methods that have been passed down from generation to generation over hundreds of years. In the afternoon we visit a Miao village on the hillside, a chance to learn how the people of the region live and make their living from the terraces.
We leave early for a three hour drive this morning will bring us to the village of Basha. The Miao people of Basha are unique and follow ancient traditions, possibly dating as far back as the Qing Dynasty some 2,200 years ago. They worship trees, especially maples, as gods, and the bun hairstyles they wear represent the leaves, while their purple clothes represent the bark. A tree is planted when a baby is born in the village and is often cut down to make a coffin when the person eventually dies. Their culture reveres the warrior and the hunter and they are the only people in China who are legally allowed to own guns, which they make themselves. We'll wander around the village to learn about the Basha Miao and attend a traditional dance performed by the villagers.
Leaving Basha village we head to the Dong village of Zhaoxing, around an hour away.
Vip Hotel (or similar)
Zhaoxing village is one of the largest Dong settlements in China and consists of wonderfully preserved two and three story wooden houses. Pretty bridges cross the rivers and streams that dissect the village, and there are several drum towers and temples. The surrounding countryside of rice terraces and fields provides a lovely backdrop and hints at the way the Dong make their living. After a morning walk through the village we depart for Guilin, a drive of around three hours.
Flower Boutique Hotel (or similar)
After breakfast we head to the Bamboo Reed Dock where we board our boat on the Li River and cruise to Yangshuo. Lunch is taken on board as we sail along the most scenic stretch of the river. We'll pass paddy fields, villages and stunning limestone scenery. In the afternoon we will visit Langzi village, a 350 year old stone village which was reputedly founded by the peasant rebel warrior Qing Zhengyao. While fighting under the rebel leader Li Zicheng, Qing's army was defeated and he fled. Coming across the fertile land and clear waters of the area he decided to stay, and his settlement eventually became the village. Most of the buildings are around 200 years old and from Han Dynasty times.
Yangshuo Guifu Hotel (or similar)
This morning we drive to nearby Moon Hill, where we will take a walk for around an hour and a half through the limestone mountain scenery. Those that wish to ascend around 800 steps to the natural archway will be rewarded with splendid views of the area.
In the afternoon we take a 40 minute drive to Baisha village where we'll begin a leisurely 12 km walk through rustic countryside and small hamlets, and along the Yulong river. The walk will take around four hours and finishes at Gongnong Bridge. Those that don't want to cover the distance on foot can continue by bus to the end point and take gentle strolls along the river nearby.
We return to Guilin to board the bullet train to Shenzhan, a journey of three hours on the super modern and efficient high speed rail service. On leaving the train our drive to the port is around an hour and a half, where we take a short ferry ride to Hong Kong. Situated in a dramatic setting, this exciting island city is a lively, sophisticated hub with an energetic and fast paced atmosphere.
Panda Hotel (or similar)
We start with an orientation tour of Hong Kong, including Kowloon's bustling waterfront, a ride on the famous Star Ferry and some of the city's more memorable buildings. We will also take in the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and Des Voeux Road, wander through the shops and stalls of Li Yuen Street markets, visit the Man Mo Temple, one of the oldest in Hong Kong and finish up in Hong Kong Park.
The afternoon is left free and you can take a funicular railway to Victoria Peak or a launch out to a floating restaurant in Aberdeen Harbour. Alternatively explore the jade market or admire the latest sartorial and electronic fashions.
The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Hong Kong.
There are no activities planned today, so you are free to depart from Hong Kong at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you would like to receive a complimentary airport transfer today, you need to depart from Hong Kong International Airport (HKG), which is 40 minutes from our hotel.
China has primarily a temperate climate, with a wide spectrum of extremes due to its huge area. Summer months are hot and rainy though in the south the climate is tropical and we can experience rain at any time of the year, often falling in sharp tropical rain-storms which are heavy but short lived. Winter is colder and drier, temperatures in Beijing can be as low as -12c.
3 Pin Flat
Mainly Buddhist
Hong Kong enjoys more of a sub-tropical climate and the winter months tend to produce temperatures in the high teens, with January being more susceptible to cloud cover, with occasional rain and cold fronts.
3 main religions - Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism
Chinese, English
Yangshuo - Light show on the river £35 Yangshuo - Cooking lesson £35
It is best to pack lots of layers for this tour, as although day time can be warm, temperatures can fall to below zero at night. It can also be wet at this time of year so a light waterproof is useful.
Comfortable footwear that is good for walking is recommended.
One main piece of baggage and daypack. Remember you are expected to carry your own luggage so don't overload yourself.
Bus, Boat, On Foot, Train
We strongly recommend that you check your government's travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination: safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs. For UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office advice click here.
For more information from Explore about travel advice, click here
Please note that some countries require proof of parental consent when travelling overseas with under 18s. Please check requirements with the relevant embassy or consular office well in advance of travel if this applies to your party.
Once your booking has been confirmed we guarantee the price will not increase, whatever the circumstances. Before booking please ensure you have read our important tour pricing information.Booking Conditions
China: A visa is required by all nationalities. A single entry visa should be arranged in advance of travelling. From 1st November 2018, British Passport Holders will be required to present themselves in person at the Chinese Visa Processing Centre in London, Manchester, Edinburgh or Belfast on the day of application, to provide biometric information (fingerprints). Appointments can be booked and forms completed via www.visaforchina.org In order to apply for your Chinese visa you will need to submit supporting documents from our local supplier confirming your itinerary and travel arrangements, which we will obtain on your behalf. So that we can provide this for you, and to ensure all local arrangements are in place, we require a copy of your passport no later than 8 weeks before you are due to start your trip. Once we have your passport copy we shall process and pass on the documents you require 6-8 weeks before your trip, please be mindful of this when applying for your visa. If you require the supporting documents earlier than this, please contact Explore so we can arrange this. Passengers wishing to extend their stay in China should be aware that current visa regulations only allow foreigners to stay in the country for up to 30 days. Please consider this when planning your trip. You should confirm all visa related questions with the relevant Embassy prior to departure.
If you do require assistance in obtaining a visa then you may be able to apply through Explore's recommended visa service in the UK, Travcour. See www.travcour.com to download the relevant visa application for your trip, if applicable (UK citizens only), along with details of how to apply for your visa through Travcour. The Team at Travcour will be happy to answer specific questions relating to visa applications, please call them directly on 0208 5431846.
It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, with the correct validity for your chosen destination.
Before booking your Explore trip, please ensure that you read both our Essential Information and Booking Conditions.
Customers who have chosen to book on the 'Land Only' arrangements of our tour, please ensure that you have checked your tour specific 'Joining Instructions' prior to booking your own travel arrangements. Your joining instructions can be found below in the dates and prices information.
You may also be eligible for the Free Explore Transfer.
Customers booked on the 'Land Only' arrangements will receive a Free Transfer, provided you arrive and depart on the tour only itinerary start and end dates. The complimentary transfers will be arranged from the Explore designated airport or train station to your trips joining point, and then back from the ending point to the designated airport or train station. Generally the airport or station that Explore have selected will be the one that is closest to the town or city where the trip starts, or the one nearest to the joining point. It will be either an airport or train station but not both.
The exception to this rule is customers who are booked on a tour where the joining and ending point is at the designated airport or train station.
Free transfers are not available for Self-Guided, Polar, Tailormade or Tours for Churches customers.
If you are not eligible for the Free Transfer then you will need to make your own way through to the joining and ending point. On a majority of our tours Explore will be able to provide a private transfer at an additional cost. Please ask for a quote at the time of booking.
For more information regarding the Explore Free Transfer click here
It is a condition of booking with Explore that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the tour, including all optional activities. Your Insurance Policy must fully cover you for medical expenses and emergency repatriation to your home country. Please ensure your policy includes medical emergency helicopter evacuation in the event of illness or injury and covers the entire duration of your holiday. If you are trekking at altitude please ensure that there is no upper altitude limit which may limit or exclude cover for your trip. The cost of many of our Polar Voyages will exceed the capped amount covered by standard insurance premiums and you will be required to pay an additional premium to cover the full value of your trip. Please ensure that you are covered for the full amount of your holiday cost, as insufficient cover could invalidate a claim under the policy. Medical and repatriation insurance cover is not mandatory for UK residents who are travelling on trips within the United Kingdom.
Read more information about what travel insurance is required.
Explore offers a wide range of flexible flying options to make joining and leaving our trips easy. Read more about them here.
You are able to book this tour on a 'land only' basis or as a 'flight inclusive' package. Your flight inclusive package will be fully protected by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) ATOL protection scheme.
We have a good selection of flights not only from London but from many regional airports around the UK allowing us to compare fares between scheduled carriers as well as low cost and charter airlines. Our dedicated flights team will match the best flight options to your arrival and departure airport.
On our website we display a UK flight inclusive package guide price which is generally based on a London departure. To avoid paying supplements or to secure your preferred flight option, we recommend booking as early as possible, especially for peak travel dates.
Nothing compulsory, but we recommend protection against malaria, infectious hepatitis, typhoid, tetanus and polio. Consult your travel clinic for latest advice on different prophylaxis available against malaria. Travellers may wish to take immunisation against Japanese Encephalitis. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at Explore Travel Health and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.
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Based on the true story of polar explorer, Roald Amundsen, this movie covers his life and the dangerous way to the pole.
Reeling after her latest novel flops, best-selling crime writer Robin Richards (Andréa Winter) is sent by her publisher to the Swedish countryside to regain inspiration. There alone, she indeed comes across an assortment of peculiar characters, including her driver and most obsessive fan, his explosively jealous wife, and the progressively more unhinged man who owns the farm that's hosting her. Totally out of place in her new surroundings—for one, she is always dressed for glamorous, big-city life—Robin discovers just how dangerous these oddballs may be. The unpredictable debut feature by Patrick von Barkenberg (who also appears as Robin's boyfriend) is bathed in dreamy atmospherics and streaked with offbeat humor, but remains grounded throughout by Winter, who holds your attention rapt.
Hundreds of refugee children in Sweden, who have fled with their families from extreme trauma, have become afflicted with 'uppgivenhetssyndrom,' or Resignation Syndrome. Facing deportation, they withdraw from the world into a coma-like state, as if frozen, for months, or even years.
Metin is a small time hustler in a Stockholm suburb, filled with big dreams but bogged down by the circular world of street crime. Things change when his secret diary becomes a hot item for a posh book publisher, and Metin must decide if he's really up to the challenge that is leaving his criminal life behind.
A young Iranian man who is desperately trying to meet women who can secure his stay in Denmark. As time runs out, he falls in love and his past catches up with him. The film deals with themes of race, class, and the struggle for a better life.
The global corporations have established cities and agricultural zones in areas where the climate is relatively good. These cities are populated by the elites, while the immigrant masses struggle with hunger and epidemics. For unknown reasons, the city's agricultural plantations have been hit by a genetic crisis – and, as a result, by massive crop failure. Professor Erol Erin, a seed genetics specialist learns of Cemil Akman, a fellow scientist. Apparently, Cemil wrote a thesis about the recurrent crisis affecting genetically modified seeds – but the work was banned by the corporation..
In an attempt to fix his financial problems, Erik recruits his brother, Atli, to help him import a shipment of cocaine into Iceland. Erik thinks he's got things all figured out, until the young Polish "mule" they've hired is unable to pass the drugs through her system.
A young couple travels to Sweden to visit their friend's rural hometown and attend its mid-summer festival. What begins as an idyllic retreat quickly descends into an increasingly violent and bizarre competition at the hands of a pagan cult.
The Startup Kids is a documentary about young web entrepreneurs in the U.S. and Europe. It contains interviews with founders of Vimeo, Dropbox, Soundcloud and more who talk about how they started their company and their lives as an entrepreneur. Along with that people from the tech scene speaks about the startup environment including the venture capitalist Tim Draper and MG Siegler, tech blogger at Techcrunch.
811 AD, a family, isolated in their home, deep in the woods a few days travel from Birka. They are poor. The hunting and fishing has been bad for some time, and the father, Joar, takes the desperate measure of going on a Viking raid. Joar does not return for a long time, and the family starts to fear he never will. Runa, the oldest daughter, takes over her fathers chores in his absence. She misses him dearly and nourishes a tender hope that he, once again, will return to them. But in her heart, somehow she knows, that the suffering of the family has just begun. There is something in the air, something in the water, the wind and in the soil. Runa is becoming aware of something vile, something dangerous out in the forest. One day when she is out hunting, she finds a bleeding man, a warrior, almost unconscious. She brings him inside and the family tend to his wounds. As he heals, she realizes he is sent to protect the family from an approaching evil. And he brings news of her father
Deputy Sheriff Lou Ford is a pillar of the community in his small west Texas town, patient and apparently thoughtful. Some people think he is a little slow and maybe boring, but that is the worst they say about him. But then nobody knows about what Lou calls his "sickness": He is a brilliant, but disturbed sociopathic sadist.
A love story between a Polish guestworker and a farmer's daughter in the strawberry fields of Sweden.
A musical romantic tragedy about a famous composer who moves back to his small hometown after having had heart troubles. His search for a simple everyday life leads him into teaching the local church choir which is not easily accepted by the town yet the choir builds a great love for their teacher.
Anne, a brilliant and dedicated advocacy lawyer specialising in society's most vulnerable, children and young adults, lives what appears to be the picture-perfect life with her doctor-husband, Peter, and their twin daughters. When her estranged teenage stepson, Gustav, moves in with them, Anne's escalating desire leads her down a dangerous rabbit hole which, once exposed, unleashes a sequence of events destined to destroy her world.
On a faraway mountaintop, eight kids with guns watch over a hostage and a conscripted milk cow.
A boy, obsessed with comparing himself with those less fortunate, experiences a different life at the home of his aunt and uncle in 1959 Sweden.
Two photographers from Stockholm go to the west coast on behalf of their employer, who is a swimwear manufacturer. They will look for the season's most beautiful bathing girl, but it will be harder than they think to find the ideal model.
In the 11th century a missionary goes missing somewhere in the huge forests bordering the northern parts of Sweden. Among the rescue party chosen to find him is Nanna, a young woman on her first real mission and her first return to the part of the country where she was born. But what they will find deep inside those woods is something else entirely. Something dark. Something ancient. Something evil.
Fragancia is arrested for the attempted murder of Richard Persson, the son of a powerful factory owner. During the interrogation her amazing and remarkable life story is revealed. We follow her through her impoverished childhood, her adolescence where she meets the great love of her life, ice hockey star Petterson-Jonsson and the lead up to the fatal night where the story begins.
In this feature version of the Swedish TV series "13 Demon Street," a 50,000-year-old woman is found frozen in an ice field, and a man's death is foretold in dreams.
A policeman from Stockholm come to Norrbotten in Sweden, to join his brother, now when their father is dead. While there he starts to work on a long-running case where reindeers have been poached and soon discovers that his brother is involved…
Tom and Anna Wright, a young American couple, fall into severe debt while renovating Anna's family home in London. As the couple faces the loss of their dream to have a house and start a family, they discover that the tenant in the apartment below them is dead, and he's left behind a stash of cash—$400,000 worth. Though initially hesitant, Tom and Anna decide that the plan is simple: all they have to do is quietly take the money and use only what's necessary to get them out of debt. But when they start spending the money and can't seem to stop, they find themselves the target of a deadly adversary—the thief who stole it—and that's when very bad things start happening to good people.
Julian, who runs a Thai boxing club as a front organization for his family's drug smuggling operation, is forced by his mother Jenna to find and kill the individual responsible for his brother's recent death.
A woman wakes up every day, remembering nothing as a result of a traumatic accident in her past. One day, new terrifying truths emerge that force her to question everyone around her.
In 1870s America, a peaceful American settler kills his family's murderer which unleashes the fury of a notorious gang leader. His cowardly fellow townspeople then betray him, forcing him to hunt down the outlaws alone.
Susan is a scientist searching for answers to important questions. So important that she has given up on other things, like love – until she meets Micheal. Susan and Michael find themselves embarking on a sensual adventure while the world around them seems to be falling apart. A life-affirming look at what it means to love and be loved in turbulent times.
A bigoted junkie cop suffering from bipolar disorder and drug addiction manipulates and hallucinates his way through the festive season in a bid to secure promotion and win back his wife and daughter.
TPB AFK is a documentary about three computer addicts who redefined the world of media distribution with their hobby homepage The Pirate Bay. How did Tiamo, a beer crazy hardware fanatic, Brokep a tree hugging eco activist and Anakata – a paranoid hacker libertarian – get the White House to threaten the Swedish government with trade sanctions? TPB AFK explores what Hollywood's most hated pirates go through on a personal level.
This English-language adaptation of the Swedish novel by Stieg Larsson follows a disgraced journalist, Mikael Blomkvist, as he investigates the disappearance of a weary patriarch's niece from 40 years ago. He is aided by the pierced, tattooed, punk computer hacker named Lisbeth Salander. As they work together in the investigation, Blomkvist and Salander uncover immense corruption beyond anything they have ever imagined.
Alone on a tiny deserted island, Hank has given up all hope of ever making it home again. But one day everything changes when a dead body washes ashore, and he soon realizes it may be his last opportunity to escape certain death. Armed with his new "friend" and an unusual bag of tricks, the duo go on an epic adventure to bring Hank back to the woman of his dreams.
Johan is a two-fisted Gothenburg cop who finds himself in a shoot-out with jewel robbers. After the smoke has cleared, one robber, shot by his accomplice, and an innocent bystander, are dead. Three witnesses, including Helen, identify thug extraordinaire Leo Gaut as being the dead crook's trigger-happy colleague. Gaut soon threatens the three witnesses, and only Johan, the badge-wearing hero, can save them.
Maggie is an uptight, single mother and college writing teacher from New York City. In an effort to reconnect with her troubled teen daughter Summer, she decides to embark on a journey to a Tuscan village where she frequented in her younger days. Upon arrival, Maggie runs into Luca a handsome former lover who is still a bachelor and lives with his eighty-year-old mother Carmen. Summer (missing her "bad boy" boyfriend in NYC) and Carmen (secretly planning a wedding against Luca's wishes to MARCELINO, her one true love in Rome) impulsively steal Luca's car and race off to Rome. Maggie and Luca quickly pursue allowing the two mismatched couples to spend some time together and develop a new understanding of each other.
Caroline, a woman in her late thirties, has lost everything and is searching for a new beginning. She moves into an old apartment and starts to realize that she is not as alone as she thought she was. Just as she is searching for something new, something old is searching for her.
For Sebastian Silverberg life is all about his appearance, partying and his enormous ego. Things are going smoothly when an accident leaves him blind, forcing him to re-evaluate his life and to seek meaning beyond appearances.
Beyond Beyond is a story about wanting the impossible. A story about a little rabbit boy not old enough to understand the rules of life, who takes up the fight against the most powerful force. While doing so, he learns more and more about life.

subset: commoncrawl


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Sir Putt-A-Lot's Merrie Olde Fun Centre
Wikisimpsons - The Simpsons Wiki
- For the level in The Simpsons Skateboarding, see Sir Putt-A-Lot's (Simpsons Skateboarding).
| Sir Putt-A-Lot's Merrie Olde Fun Centre
| Location Information
Sir Putt-A-Lot's Merrie Olde Fun Centre is a miniature golf course in Springfield.
It hosts an annual competition, which Bart and Todd both competed in.[1] Homer used to work there and subsequently knocked up Marge with their firstborn Bart inside one of the course's obstacles.[2] Homer and Marge revisited their "old love nest" after their 11th year anniversary to rekindle their sex life.[3]
|The contents of this article or section are considered to be non-canon and therefore may not have actually happened or existed.
Video games[edit]
In The Simpsons Road Rage the course is a drop-off location in the Entertainment District.
In The Simpsons Skateboarding the course is a playable level.
The Simpsons: Tapped Out[edit]
- This section is transcluded from The Simpsons: Tapped Out entertainment buildings. To edit it, please edit the transcluded page.
- Although in "I Married Marge" it is shown to be a castle obstacle where Homer knocked Marge up, in "Natural Born Kissers", it's a windmill.
Locations in Springfield


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Was it tasteless? Yes, rather.
Was it a questionable thing to allow to be documented? Probably, particularly for someone going through a dee-vorce.
Was this something that could be construed as erotic? Uh, not to me, but I suppose to someone else...
Did David Arquette do anything wrong? Not in my book.
I poked around on the internet and found something indicating that David Arquette wasn't just some random drunk at a party/stripper thingie-- he was the M.C. of an organized party, and in that capacity, I think it would make total sense for him to get onstage and act out with the other performers, a la Joel Gray in Cabaret, oui?
Anyway, I can't see a thing he did that was wrong-- this just looked like someone having a lark (however pitifully drunk he may have appeared). Is he free, white and over 21? Damn skippy. Does he have the right to go out and be a little obnoxious on occasion? That's a big 10-4, good buddy.
Speaking of bad behaviour, David's sister Patricia was at a movie premiere and reporters were plying her with rude questions about her brother's outlandish behaviour. Big Sis fired back:
"What's the worst thing you ever had happen to you? Do you ever masturbate? Have you ever had an abortion? Can you imagine these kinds of questions? Why do you think this is all right? It's not all right! Who here can live in a glass house that has made every right choice and everybody understands?"
I already really liked Patricia before, but I applaud her for being a good sister and handing it right back to the nosy photogs. And it's heartwarming that at a time when he must really be hurting, David knows a sister has his back. It's heartwarming to me to know that David has a sister like mine. :)


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Tour Our Product Testing Laboratoryby CPSC Blogger December 27, 2011 lab recall science testing
CPSC – you're the recall agency, right? That's how many think of us.
Here at CPSC, we're all about keeping families safe – around the holidays and beyond. And that starts at our National Product Testing and Evaluation Center.
For a recall to happen, a product needs to be found to be unsafe by CPSC staff or its manufacturer. But exactly what does that mean? Here's an inside view. Meet the scientists. See some of the tests. Think about these tests when you buy and use holiday gifts.
To watch this video in Adobe Flash format, you may need to download the Adobe Flash player. You can also watch the video in Windows Media format.
(Watch in Windows Media format.)
And be sure to check the products in your home against those that we've recalled.


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Available Courses within the Northern Ireland Skillset Media Academy
The following courses delivered by these partners make up the Academy
MA Journalism (University of Ulster, Coleraine)
The course provides a comprehensive professional and university qualification for those who want to work as journalists internationally. It was the first MA course internationally to achieve dual accreditation to provide multiplatform journalism - print, online, radio and TV. Past students have won top awards in Ireland and the UK and hold senior positions in news organisations. The industry's National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ) accredits it. In 2009 it was named the best performing NCTJ course in the UK based on exam results and students' multimedia portfolios. It includes a six week placement within the media industry, industry talks and career advice.
MA Media Management and Policy (University of Ulster, Belfast and online)
This indsutry-licensed programme addresses the need for enhanced management skills in relation to media production and the creative industries. The course is not intended to provide production training as such but to develop the entrepreneurial skills, cultural awareness, organizational understanding, project management abilities and creativity of those already engaged in, or intending to engage in, media production at a range of levels. The course has a particular emphasis on concept development and on the managerial competences needed to realize a concept, including financial management and project planning. It delivered via a one week block of industry-delivered lectures in Belfast at the end of September and end of January. Then by e-learning between the classes. Some specialist workshops are also scheduled throughout the academic year. Bursaries may be available for people working in industry or those who are self-employed who may wish to complete this course. Irish language bursaries are also available.
MA Documentary Practice (University of Ulster, Coleraine)
The MA Documentary Practice course is a practice-led course to develop the documentary makers of the future. It also covers concept development, screenwriting and theoretical aspects of documentary making. Those who successfully complete the course will make two documentaries as part of their assignment. These are made under supervision and guidance.
BA Media Studies and Production (University of Ulster, Coleraine)
Students acquire professionally accredited media production skills in radio, television, digital photography and video as well as studying theoretical aspects of the media. Modules on the course cover subjects such as Hollywood and Irish cinema, popular television, media coverage of Northern Ireland, interactive media, photography, television production and the representation of gender and race. It also includes a short professional placement in the media,industry talks and career advice.
BA Interactive Media Arts (University of Ulster, Coleraine)
Interactive Media Arts allows students acquire professional industry accredited qualifications in interactive media production. As part of the course students can gain additional qualifications from Adobe, the world's leading media production software company, which are recognised internationally.
The academic emphasis is on undertanding content and how the interactive media industry works. It also includes a professional placement in the media, industry talks, live professional projects and career advice.
HND Moving Image (Belfast Metropolitan College)
You will be engaged in the making of documentaries, dramas and advertising. In the course of this work you will have the opportunity to explore the roles of producer, director and cameraperson. In following the programme you will increase your creativity, technical competence and autonomy.
HND Moving Image (North West Regional College, Derry city campus)
This course is designed to equip you with the knowledge, understanding and skills required for success in future employment, or for progression to an undergraduate degree. Teaching, covering many aspects of the TV, video and film industry, take place in the purpose-designed media suite in the Northland Building.
HND Interactive Media (North West Regional College, Derry city campus)
This course addresses the demand from industry for multimedia professionals. It requires a balance of skills in computing and artistic studies. You obtain skills such as web site creation, movie and sound editing, 3D modelling, plus interactive media and authoring.


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Following is the Q&A with Oluwatomi Ayorinde, CEO of CROWDFORCE. Questions were submitted by members and the team of Inflow-Crypto Club through e-mail and Telegram Group.
Q: Could you make a short introduction to the project you are working on?
A: Thanks, CrowdForce is leveraging blockchain, mobile technology, and an already operational crowdsourced merchant network to bring the next billion consumers to the digital economy. Our mobile Apps and POS Devices enable merchants to buy, sell and accept crypto and Fiat payments.
Q: What will be the benefits of owning your token?
A: The CRF Token will be used to pay transaction fees on the platform at a significant discount. These will guarantee demand for CRF tokens by every partner in the ecosystem. An ecosystem of 1 million Merchants and Agents providing transaction services to 1 billion consumers daily will guarantee the need for CRF tokens to facilitate these transactions. In the long run, we aim to create an off-shoot stable coin that can be earned by staking Crowdforce, utilizing the digital central banking model of Spankchain.
Q: Do you have an MVP, full product? How long till your service is 100% operational?
A: The MVP is already operational in over 1,000 stores, doing transaction volumes of $1.2M Monthly. After the ICO(token generation) we will scale to 7,000 already signup stores in 3 months with the goal to hit 100,000 stores in the first 12 months and 1 Million Stores in three years.
Q: Your target market in Africa or do you have a plan to expand on other continents as well? Why do you believe this is a suitable market and a good opportunity to exploit this market?
A: Our initial focus is on emerging markets. We see the bigger opportunity in these markets due to several factors. 94% of all transactions in most emerging markets are done using physical cash. As a result, the bulk of the economic activities that go on in these regions are done primarily offline through traditional outlets (Micro Businesses). The World Bank estimates this to be about $19 Trillion dollars a year.
Our team has been executing in Europe and Africa for the last 3 years. We will start with the African market and scale to Asia and South American Markets. We also plan on expanding to more developed countries to take advantage of the opportunity for cross-border remittances.
Q: Is everything clear from the regulatory perspective or are there and unknowns about that?
A: Our initial focus is on emerging markets where regulations around cryptocurrencies are almost none existent and the public is already turning to crypto to supplement the deficiencies of their own local currencies.
For financial services, CrowdForce initial strategy will be to partner with companies that already have the required financial licenses and open up our merchant network to enable them to offer these services. We also reserve the right to apply and acquire these licenses in jurisdictions where we deem it as a long-term benefit to the CrowdForce ecosystem.
Q: How exactly do you intend to bring and empower micro business, what are some of the practical steps?
A: Our Mobile Apps and POS devices enable them to provide cash in, cash out, crypto and bill payment services to consumers and earn commissions in the process.
A typical micro business owner does the following.
- downloads the app and sign up
- Pass KYC verification
- Funds wallet
- Render services to consumers via the app
- Earn commissions
- We also send them a POS device to cater to consumers who prefer to pay via Debit Cards.
Q: What are those businesses, can you name a few examples?
A: Retail shops, Restaurants, and Supermarts.
Q: It seems as you are going after a very competitive space. Who is your competition and what differentiate you? Why are you better?
A: The most similar competition is MPESA which has been hugely successful in East Africa. They run a closed system managed by a huge incumbent telecom company. At CrowdForce, we are opening up our network so any business, startup or developer can deploy a service that will be instantly available at all our merchant locations. Any merchant can sign themselves up to join the network. We are also the only one leveraging blockchain to build the network across borders to enable seamless cross-border payments, remittances and digital identities for consumers.
Q: You have a very strong backing from the VCs. How that came to be? Where did they found out about CrowdForce?
A: Yes! As a result of our momentum last year we got accepted to the prestigious 500 startups accelerator program in Silicon Valley. The program boasts a 1% acceptance rate. From then on we have gone on to receive investments from several others VCs looking to position themselves to take advantage of the huge opportunity in emerging markets like Africa.
Q: I found out you have an unofficial partnership with OmiseGo, is that true? What is the nature of the partnership?
A: We share aligned goals and objectives to leverage blockchain to bank the huge unbanked population. Omisego will be providing us with technical support to help us build on their decentralized financial network and take advantage of their Payment processing gateway.
Q; Also, how do you cooperate with Binance Labs?
A: We can not disclose any specifics. The Binance team are big believers in the potential of the African Market and there may be areas of collaboration
Q: How experienced is the team? How long have they been working on this project? And other similar projects?
A: The team behind CrowdForce is comprised of a group of experts who have varying experiences across Banking, Consumer Research and Finance. The co-founders were part of the team that built the most successful banking solution(BankOne) for micro-finance banks in Sub-saharan Africa and have also executed successful projects in Financial Services and consumer research in urban and hard to reach areas in Africa.
Q: Any closing thoughts that you would like to communicate to investors?
A: Thanks, we will like to emphasize the following points:
- CrowdForce already has a working product, generating transaction volumes of $1.2M Monthly.
- We are Backed by Silicon Valley VCs and have a strong Governance board we report to.
- We are Already approved to list on Bancor, LAToken, and BitForex
- Already hit our softcap
- Every Merchant becomes a Human ATM that will provide liquidity for crypto assets thus enabling the drive for mass adoption to the next billion users.
Thank You for you this AMA session. Please feel free to reach us at email@example.com for any additional questions. We look forward to having you join our token sale.


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Teach in Scotland and write your next chapter
Scotland is a great place to develop your teaching career and we're looking for passionate, dedicated teachers right now. Our national Curriculum for Excellence is specifically designed to encourage teachers to deliver their own creative, engaging lessons.
And, with a comprehensive, free, state education system available to all children from 5 to 18, there are always opportunities for great teachers.
Life in Scotland
Scotland is a wonderful place for your next adventure. It's an exciting, diverse country. While it has thriving, cosmopolitan cities, it also has breathtaking countryside where you can explore a host of outdoor activities.
With its enviable reputation for hospitality, Scotland welcomes visitors whether they're just passing through or hoping to stay forever.
Steps towards teaching in Scotland
Scotland welcomes great teachers. However, before you can think about working here you'll need to ensure that you have the right qualifications and correct visa.
Before you can teach in a Scottish state school, you must be registered with the General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS). The GTCS is responsible for ensuring that each teacher's qualifications meet the required standard.
You can apply online to register with GTCS. Applications may take up to 30 working days and will cost £189.
In order to teach in Scotland, you must be eligible to work in the UK – this often means applying for a visa. You can get more information on the types of visas available, and how you can apply here.
The Home Office usually grants visas within 3 – 6 weeks. Costs vary between visa types.
Once you have a visa and are registered with the GTCS, you're able to apply for teaching jobs anywhere in Scotland.
Search for teaching jobs here.
We can't wait to welcome you!
For more detailed information on these steps, please sign up using the form to download our free guide to teaching.
Salary for teachers in Scotland
Your salary will depend on your experience, so it will vary from case to case. As a teacher in a state school in your first year as a fully registered teacher, the salary is £32,034. Teachers then move up the salary scale for every year they've been teaching.
Promoted teachers will earn more. And salaries in the independent sector vary from place to place.
Register for your FREE guide to teaching in Scotland
Teaching in Scotland
Discover how other teachers made their own moves to Scotland.
Watch Aoife Lambert from Ireland
Watch Cara Collins from Canada
Paul Hoffmann – English Teacher at Trinity High School and Duncanrig High School
"I'm from Rockhampton, Queensland in Australia. I came to the UK in 1996 playing cricket and went on a whirlwind road trip to Scotland. The big mountains and peaceful scenery convinced me to move over.
"I love the culture and the close community in my village. My wife is from Islay so we go there every holiday. Everything is so close here.
"My favourite part of teaching is the variety. Every day is different – a new challenge. I'm an area cover teacher so I look after 260 students when they're doing English. I try to make them better students, better people. Put a smile on their faces when I can!
"It's not been difficult moving here – kids are the same anywhere. The Scottish curriculum is similar to Australia, but I find there's more flexibility and freedom to teach over here."
Hanna Willows - Primary Teacher at Gledfield Primary School
"I'm from Perth, Ontario in Canada. There weren't a lot of jobs where my family lives, and I figured that if I was going to go far for work, I was going to go really far! I knew Scotland was looking for teachers, so I started researching how I could get here.
"I teach at a tiny school in the Highlands with only 28 kids. I teach a composite class of Primary 1, 2 and 3. The other teacher at the school teaches P 4 – 7. Scotland has given me the opportunity to live out my dream; I knew I wanted to be a teacher, and I knew I wanted my own class. A lot of people don't get that in their first year of the profession and that's what I've been given here. I have an amazing group of kids.
"Where I live is a beautiful spot. I recently bought a car, so my friends and I take advantage of every weekend to see the country – going on hikes or adventures around the Highlands."
Aoife Lambert - Primary Teacher at St David's RC Primary School
"I'm originally from Dublin, Ireland but moved to Scotland to work in a primary school in North Edinburgh four years ago.
"I got into teaching from a placement I did at secondary school. I worked for a week in a nursery, loved it, and just knew that was the career path I was going to take.
"I love the people in Scotland, I've always felt so welcomed by them. I love that there's always something to do – the Edinburgh Fringe and lots of other different festivals. Add to that the fact that I'm really close to beaches and hills. The scenery here is absolutely stunning.
"My move to Scotland the best decision I could have ever made - there's so much room to grow and my career has completely blossomed. At St David's I work in a promoted post as a Development Officer. I'm a member of the management team and I'm also developing play-based learning.
"I would encourage anyone to teach here – there's so many great opportunities."


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We did it! My university Islamic Student Association (ISA) had our first big event of the semester:Fast-A-Thon! I'm not gonna lie, I was a bit nervous me and the rest of the executive board weren't gonna be pull it off as well as we wanted it to be. Last minute advertising combined with a quickly approaching event date stressed me out, but alhamdulilah as always by the will of Allah, the event was great minus a few shortcomings.
My favorite part of the event was not breaking my fast lol although it should have been, it was seeing all the ISA members, faculty, friends, and university students under one roof enjoying each other's company as they learned about the significance of fasting in Islam. Fast-A-Thon is a banquet the Islamic Student Association put together to raise awareness about the reasons why Muslims fast and to also give people the opportunity to try fasting for the day.
The most touching moment of the event was when ISA President Waleed E. conveyed to the audience that although we fasted and got a glimpse of what it felt like to be hungry, we did not fully experience the perpetual fast those less fortunate than us experience. After a long day of fasting, we had a wonderful table full of food awaiting us, unlike those in East Africa that fast for days at a time with either little food or no food at the end of the day. As a visual reminder of the extent to which other are suffering, we showed this video in the hopes of raising awareness about the Famine & Drought currently occurring in Somalia.


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There are no chips, cracks or repairs. The lamp has a row of crystal prisms around the shade ring and balance ring. The lamp has a brass centerdraft font. The height adjustment motor adjusts the lamp from 40 inches closed to 68 inches fully extended.
The lamp has an all original matching decorative embossed heavy brass frame. The lamp has a brass smoke bell. The lamp has been completely restored to its original beauty and is fully functional.
We use several different types of oil lamps throughout our house in the winter and you wouldn't believe how much we save each month on our electricity. Each lamp we sell works as good as the day it was made. The item "ANTIQUE B & H HANGING OIL LAMP (PAINTED SCENE ON SHADE & FONT HOLDER)" is in sale since Sunday, April 29, 2018.
This item is in the category "Collectibles\Lamps, Lighting\Lamps\ Non-Electric\Kerosene". The seller is "grc414" and is located in Huntington, Indiana. This item can be shipped worldwide.


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Altar Stone
Definition: An area of the Catholic altar that contains a box of relics. Before the initial "sacrifice" of Jesus on an altar, a consecration ceremony is performed whereby relics of two martyrs are placed inside a small box and cemented into the altar. In Catholic teaching, relics often have special powers, and are venerated. Relics (a form of sacramental) are deemed able to convey grace to the faithful, though in a lesser manner than the sacraments.
Discussion: Human remains were used by King Josiah to desecrate an altar (2 Kings 23:6), not consecrate one. Veneration of relics is a form of idolatry that is condemned in the Scriptures (Ex. 20:4-6). The sacrifice of Jesus was sufficient for all time, and He is now in heaven interceding for His people (Heb. 10:28, Heb. 8:1-6). He does not come down to the altar to be sacrificed again.
Articles & Viewpoints:
- Info from Catholic Online – Relics in the Altar


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A Perfect Wedding
We had our wedding (6/25/16) at the Dan'l Webster Inn, and everything -- from check in to rehearsal dinner to the ceremony and reception to the bridal suite, garden, and food -- exceeded our expectations. The wedding coordinators are very quick and so helpful. We booked a year in advance, and had lots of questions about how everything worked and what we needed to do, all of which were answered in detail and very promptly -- including long, hypothetical treatises on different alcohol sales possibilities.
Average Review Score:: 5 - ★★★★★


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The Grueling PSBIM
In my lifetime, I had already taken 3 board exams, the NLE (Nurses Licensure Examination), NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination), and the PLE (Physicians
Licensure Examination). All 3 exams were tough. Imagine the confidence I had when it was time to take the PSBIM.
No amount of luck nor confidence could ever have prepared me for that exam. Thus, the 1st tip is: DO NOT BE OVERCONFIDENT!
Though it was tough, I had no choice but do the best I could and fervently prayed. The 3 years of Internal Medicine Training was foremost in my mind. I answered the difficult questions by thinking through the experiences I've had, the cases I've handled, and the patients I've seen. 2nd PSBIM Tip: BELIEVE!
I've gone through 4 years of medical school, 1 year of post graduate internship, about a year of preparing and taking the Physician's Licensure Exam, and 3 years of Internal Medicine Residency. A total of 9 years spent reading, learning, experiencing, and living internal medicine. My heart and mind was all in. I had to pass!
What is the PSBIM?
It is the Philippine Specialty Board of Internal Medicine. The exam is administered annually by the Philippine College of Physicians (PCP). It aims to certify the competence of doctors to practice Internal Medicine. It can only be taken after completing 3 years of Internal Medicine Residency training.
The April 2018 PSBIM was a 360 items multiple type of question exam. It takes one full day (8am to 12noon, 1pm to 5pm with 1 hour lunch break) usually held on a Sunday at the University of Sto. Thomas in Manila. It was well-written and very tricky. The questions were meticulously chosen. There were easy, fairly moderate, and difficult questions well spread out among the subspecialties.
It was the most difficult exam that I have taken so far. After passing the exam with God's grace, I now would like to share my experience and tips on how to pass it or even top it. So stay tuned for more tips on the PSBIM.


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The Robert Liparulo File:
Reviewed by Rel Mollet
Deadlock by
Robert Liparulo
"Robert Liparulo's talent is on full display in his sequel to the white knuckle action tale, Deadfall... taut and dynamic."
Hutch is back and he has Brendan Page in his sights!
Journalist John Hutchinson can't shake the tragic events that he stumbled into when Declan Page tried to destroy the wilderness town of Fiddler Falls in Canada. Determined to prove Declan's father, billionaire and weapons manufacturer, Brendan Page was behind Declan's homicidal rampage, Hutch has ostracised his children, depleted his bank accounts and isolated himself.
Hutch's obsession triggers Page's own vendetta against the man who would expose the truth behind his radical training program delivered at Page's Outis Paramilitary division ~ a scheme to train and sell the services of the world's most technologically advanced soldiers.
When Page takes a bead on Hutch and those he loves, Hutch realizes his obsession may cost him more than he has to give.
Robert Liparulo's talent is on full display in his sequel to the white
knuckle action tale, Deadfall. Edge of your seat, up all night, pulse-pounding
and any similar description of a thriller you have ever read applies in
spades to Robert's novels. Robert establishes the background swiftly and
concisely in Deadlock, enabling first time readers to jump straight in
to the adventure without feeling lost, then he rockets into the pulsating
action and conflict without losing a beat.
Technologically advanced weaponry, psychologically altered warriors and a relentless pursuit make for gripping reading yet the human element weaved into the story sets Robert's writing apart. Hutch and Page are fully fleshed out characters, with their strengths and weaknesses exposed, revealing that the heart of man has as much capacity to love and sacrifice as to destroy. Hutch's innate ability with a bow and arrow is tempered by his inadequacy with a gun, removing any Superman complex that can plague many thrillers and the return of Laura and Dillon and Hutch's own children provide witty and tender moments. This novel will appeal to anyone who loves a well written, engrossing read. Taut and dynamic, Deadfall receives two thumbs up from me!


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LawnSite Member
- Location
- Mississippi
For next year I want to purchase a 52" in either a exmark or gravely. Does anyone have knowledge of both and advantages of either one. Most in my location use the exmark brand. I have been using the small gravely 34z with the 15hp kaw for the residentals. Good mower, but no size for a big yard. There must be a good reason for all the exmarks? I do not mind spending the $$, but I want to make one buy that will do the job. thanks for any help!


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Lighting Choices to Save You Money
Light your home having the same amount of light, using less energy. Upgrading just 15 inefficient incandescent type light bulbs in your home could save you on average $50 per year. New lighting standards took effect in 2012 and money-saving options such as energy-saving incandescent Compact fluorescent lamps (CFL) and Light Emitting Diode (LED) light bulbs are available today. For high-quality products with the greatest energy savings, choose bulbs which have earned the ENERGY STAR label.
New Light Bulbs: What's the Difference?
10 Dollars off Any Lighting Fixture Replacement
Deep Electric always has special new offers for our valued customers. We value your business and want to be sure that your experience with us is a positive one. Feel free to Print any of the service coupons and schedule your next service appointment via this link:
Mandatory Fluorescent Changes for 2012
With today's Energy standards, many of the older Lighting Systems in service are very Energy Inefficient. Today's technology allows the same amount or more light, yet operates at a Fraction of your normal Energy Consumption, up to 45%-60% less energy.
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- ‹ previous
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Walnut Glen Tower
8144 Walnut Hill Lane Ste. 480
Dallas, TX 75231
214-414-9210 Tel
214-414-9211 Fax
CRA's Dallas office is located in Trammell Crow Center, the signature skyline building in the heart of the Arts District. Trammell Crow Center offers the best view corridors in Dallas, including Uptown, Turtle Creek, and Arts District buildings designed by Pritzker Prize winning architects. Dallas is the ninth-largest city and part of the fourth-largest metropolitan area in the United States. Dallas covers approximately 343 square miles and has a population of almost 1.3 million. This modern city attracts worldwide travelers, making the area the number one visitor and leisure destination in Texas. Dallas is also a leading business and meeting city.


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18 Jun Spicy Southwest Tuna Cakes
Spice it up for summer by noshing on these Southwest Tuna Cakes with Chipotle Sauce. With the light heat from Chipotle peppers and the wholesome chew of Wild Selections® Solid White Albacore Tuna In Water, this tuna cakes recipe is sure to please any crowd.
Recipe by: Kim's Cravings
- 2 cans Wild Selections® Solid White Albacore Tuna In Water
- 1 small chipotle pepper in adobo sauce from can, minced
- 1 teaspoon adobo sauce from canned chipotle peppers
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup water, as needed
- 4 teaspoons fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons cilantro, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 cup roasted red pepper from jar, chopped finely
- 1/4 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/4 cup corn, frozen is acceptable
- 1/2 cup tortilla chips, crushed
- 1 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 chipotle pepper with adobe sauce from can
- 3 tablespoons nutritional yeast for a slightly cheesy flavor, use parmesan as alternative
- 2 tablespoons bragg liquid aminos, use Tamari or Soy Sauce as alternative
- 5 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup raw cashews
- 1/2 cup water, as needed to smooth sauce out
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
Whisk eggs and lime juice together in a medium sized bowl. Mix in seasonings, adobo sauce, crushed tortilla chips, chipotle pepper, corn, red pepper, black beans, tuna, and cilantro. Form into six patties with hand.
Drizzle olive oil into large skillet and heat over medium-high. Grill patties until golden brown, this should take 3-4 minutes each side.
Combine all the ingredients in a high-powered blender. Blend at the high setting for a minute or two.
Keep cool in refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.


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More on:
Terrorism and Counterterrorism
In a video sent to Agence France Press, Boko Haram warlord Abubakar Shekau claimed responsibility for the kidnapping of up to three hundred school girls from a boarding school in northeast Nigeria. Up to now, there has been silence as to which group perpetrated the deed.
In a CNN translation of the video, Shekau says: "I abducted your girls, I will sell them in the market, by Allah. There is a market for selling humans. Allah says I should sell. He commands me to sell. I will sell women." No outsider has actually seen Abubakar Shekau in person since 2009. While there must be uncertainty that this latest video is Shekau's. Preliminary evidence indicates that it is.
Shekau has previously said repeatedly that Western education is a sin and that women should get married. In Shekau's terms, any woman seeking education is an "infidel," even if she is Muslim. In earlier videos he has also said that "infidel" women may be sold in the markets. The kidnapping victims from the boarding school included both Muslims and Christians.
Rumors have circulated that the kidnappers were selling the girls for a bride price equivalent to U.S. $12. According to the Nigerian media, anxiety has been high among the girls' families that this could be their fate.
Shekau's video places additional pressure on the Nigerian government in the week that Nigeria hosts the World Economic Forum. It is deeply embarrassing for the Jonathan administration. That might also account for the timing of Shekau's video.
The Jonathan administration continues to be feckless. On May 4, President Goodluck Jonathan promised the girls would soon be free but he also acknowledged that he did not know where they were. There have been small marches in Lagos, Abuja, and Kano, and among the Nigerian expat communities in New York, Los Angeles, and London protesting the government's seeming inactivity. Jonathan's wife, Patience, had an organizer of the Abuja protest arrested, though she apparently lacks any legal authority to do so.
There has been a state of emergency in place in the three northern states most affected by Boko Haram since May 2013. At the time President Jonathan acknowledged he had lost control of entire swathes of northeastern Nigeria. The security forces have proven remarkably ineffective in securing territory or people within the areas under the state of emergency. Attacks and massacres continue to be carried out by Boko Haram with seeming impunity. Indeed the security forces have been credibly accused of severe human rights against Nigerians in the north.
President Jonathan has appealed for international assistance, though in terms that are imprecise. U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry is quoted in the Nigerian media as saying that "we will do everything possible to support the Nigerian government to return these young women to their homes and hold the perpetrators to justice." A senior State Department official is quoted in the media as saying that the secretary was referring to security, communications, and intelligence assistance. He also said that the United States is not yet involved in the search for the kidnap victims. He went on to say that a U.S. team would visit Nigeria in the coming week for "consultations."
Any U.S. assistance therefore, will likely be limited and not imminent.
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Terrorism and Counterterrorism


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25 Nov 2016 20:00
The Shop on the High Street
Tóno Brtko is appointed 'Aryan controller' of an old Jewish widow's sewing shop in Nazi-occupied Slovakia under anti-Jewish laws. The widow, barely aware of the war around her, considers Tóno to be simply her new assistant while he attempts to protect her from the encroaching Nazi horror. Wonderfully written and performed, and with an extraordinary score, the film becomes a devastating examination of how minor compromises can finally lead to complicity in the horrors of tyranny. 1965 Academy Award Winner for Best Foreign Language Film.
Ján Kadár, Elmar Klos, Czechoslovakia, 1965, 125 min
Cast: Idá Kaminská, Jozef Króner, František Zvarík, Hana Slivková
Englidh subtitles
Box Office: 020 3784 7975
Online booking
Admission: £10 / £8 (concs.)
In partnership with Second Run.
Part of Made in Prague Festival
5 Nov - 2 Dec 2016
Close-Up Cinema, 97 Sclater St, London E1 6HR
25 Nov 2016 20:00
Czech Centre


text: SAVE Whenever I write a review or an article for a theater show, I try to look for an angle that will make it stand out or different from the rest. I try to be reflective about the manner by which the show echoes or articulates the sentiments and issues that are often overlooked in our social media-frenzied society. But this time, I will make an exception. Because the message and ideology behind The Normal Heart is clear, and to veer away from that for the sake of uniqueness is a disservice to the show and the efforts behind its staging. Powerful material Long before it was popularized by the HBO film, I had been watching clips of the Broadway staging of The Normal Heart on YouTube. From the clips alone, I felt how powerful the material is. Then came the HBO film adaptation. I saw it and while it was strong and gripping, I felt the medium made the material too distant, robbing it of its potency. Fortunately, The Necessary Theater's staging of The Normal Heart proves that some materials are best set on stage. To say that the show exudes passion seems like an understatement. The show was compelling, indignant and even vindictive of how we, as a society, have become content on being backward for the sake of comfort. Written by Larry Kramer, The Normal Heart follows Ned Weeks as he mobilizes an organization to initiate awareness, education, and support to those who were afflicted by HIV when it first came out in New York in the 1980s. It is a massive and profound fight against indifference and fear. To make things worse, that struggle is further entangled in the intricate and disgusting web of politics and misguided sense of self-preservation. It is interesting to note that the struggles of the LGBT community in the 1980s are somehow, if not completely, the same as the state of struggle in the Philippines today. Here in the Philippines where there are over 20 newly diagnosed cases of HIV daily, we seem to be imprisoned by ignorance and fear, ultimately robbing those who are afflicted with the support and acceptance that they need. Faith in Bart I have always envisioned Bart Guingona in the role of Ned Weeks. He has the capacity to eloquently articulate the building rage in his performances. His version of Ned Weeks; however, seemed to be holding back. I have always thought that the role of Ned require a steady balance of fiery anger and delicate vulnerability and frustration. It isn't easy to pull off, but I have complete faith in Bart that he will find that balance come opening night and sustain it throughout its weekend run. Topper Fabregas, Nor Domingo, and Richard Cunanan shine as Felix Turner, Mickey Marcus, and Ben Weeks, respectively. One has to watch out for Domingo's heartbreaking monologue of resignation in the second act. I would talk more about the technical aspect of the show, but the reality is that it has had its flaws during the press preview. And quite honestly, these can easily be fixed once the show formally opens. Nevertheless, this is not a time to review and critique a show. It is easy to say that certain aspects of the show are good and bad. It is easy to critique. But there are moments when one has to be immersed on the idea that the show espouses and as a writer, thr role changes for mere observer to an active player in trumpeting that message and inviting people to witness the powerful show that it really is – regardless of its shortcomings. Incurable disease And so this is where this essay leads me: an appeal to our humanity. we are all blanketed by the disgusting veil of ignorance and apathy to know that there are actual people suffering from this incurable disease. In the process, we neglect our brothers and sisters. No, it is not pity that they want. It is acceptance and support. This is an issue that transcends gender politics; this is an issue of humanity. We are imprisoned by the narrow-minded stereotypes and baseless fear. This is not the time for blame tossing either, as each one of us is accountable for one another. And yes, it is true that there are other issues that may be more urgent or detrimental today, but we never have to be myopic on the ongoing struggles of humanity, more so of our fellow countrymen. We can expand our horizons and do more. In the end, The Normal Heart is not just a show that you can go out and watch. It challenges our position in the society, which quite frankly we all need at a time of backwardness and narrow mindedness. It is compelling, heart-wrenching, and important. It asks questions and it challenges us to think and even start a conversation. For what it's worth, this is indeed necessary theater. The Normal Heart runs from July 3 to 5 at the Carlos P. Romulo Theater, RCBC Plaza Makati. For tickets, please visit Ticketworld at ticketworld.com.ph.


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The luxury and spaciousness of this beautiful home is evident from the moment you arrive. A great option for an intimate group of 4 or a large group of 10. A late check out of 12pm applies to this property. read more...
Location: Oneroa
Rates From: $595-$795
Sleeps: 10
Beds: 6
Bathrooms: 3
Children: Yes
The lovely staff at Waiheke Escapes were easy to communicate with & even arranged for our hired portacot to be waiting at the property when we arrived. We were able to let ourselves into the house that evening and were visited by Charlie from Waiheke Escapes the following morning to check in with us. The house was ideal, with most things brand new & was very well set up for guests. The house was easy to find and situated within walking distance (about 7mins) to the Oneroa township/shops/restaurants. We had a nice time staying at Bella Seven. It was just as described with great views & lots of space. We would happily book here again to stay in the future.
We had a great time and the house was beautiful and so good for a big group of people. Fantastic stay and a great location, highly recommended.
"Fantastic house with everything you need. The location is walking distance to Oneroa village (5 mins) and we also had an easy walk to Mudbrick and Cable Bay vineyards. I would thoroughly recommend this place for anyone that wants an easy and luxurious stay in Waiheke. The place was immaculate and very well organised for guests. There was 7 of us at the house and no one had to share a bed so it is really well designed for large groups. Waiheke Escapes were a great host who was very helpful and went the extra mile. We would definitely book again! "
"Absolutely perfect for what we wanted - great location, great size, modern, spacious and so well maintained and equipped. The perfect getaway spot for a big group, could not recommend highly enough - we truly didn't want to leave! Thank you for having us!!"
"Bella Seven was perfect for our extended family celebration. It's well proportioned with a lovely, heated outdoor dining area. Unfortunately, the weather gods were against us, but being only five minutes walk from the town centre gave us an alternative to outdoor activities. We were warmly welcomed by our host from Waiheke Escapes and I wouldn't have hesitated in contacting them if there were any issues – which there weren't"
"Great location just a few minutes walk from the shops and the local beach. House had outstanding facilities, couldn't ask for anything more. Would definitely recommend "
"Wow, the perfect property for our group. Having three bathrooms for 8 guests was fantastic and the location to the vineyards and the ferry terminal – perfect".
"A beautifully fitted out and furnished home that holds a large group with ease. The perfect place to unwind while preparing for our wedding just around the corner at Mudbrick"
"Probably the best Airbnb experience I have had, thank you for such a great and easy stay! "
"Loved it, shame about the weather. Love to come back. The accommodation was excellent"
"Our two families stayed here for a wedding at Mudbrick. The house is located 5 mins drive from the vineyard and an easy walk with kids to the Oneroa shops, and the associated beach. The house is well equipped for a relaxing stay. Highly recommend. It's not the cheapest on offer but you get what you pay for and we left well satisfied. "
"We enjoyed a great stay at Bella 7 over Easter. It is in a very handy location, a short walk from Ferry and Shops. It had everything we needed for a family holiday. Would stay here again for sure!"
Bella Seven was really awesome, very clean and had everything we needed, plus lots of extras, a great place for a large family, great location and outdoor area, would recommend to anyone, and we would love to come back. The Waiheke Escapes holiday accommodation manager was very friendly and helpful.
"We had a great weekend at Bella Seven! Group of 9 girls wanting to have a weekend out of Auckland and the house was the perfect size for us all. It is a lovely modern house with a great open kitchen/dining/lounge and outdoor space which accommodated us all nicely. It's an easy 10min walk to the Oneroa for shops and cafes/restaurants. Hope to return again - Thanks to Waiheke Escapes for making everything so easy for us! "
"Walking distance to the main city centre, peaceful and absolutely beautiful. Thank you"
"beautiful home and location"
Lovely home within walking distance to Oneroa, lovely views, plenty of room for 10 guests without feeling crowded. Comfy beds.
Absolutely loved staying at Bella 7. The house is well equipped with everything you need for a great vacation. 10 mins walk into town, which is a lovely way to walk to breakfast, lunch or dinner! Also walking distance to Little Oneroa Beach. Would definitely stay there again! Waiheke Escapes were also fantastic to deal with. 11/10!
Fantastic property with everything you need and more. Great location and well appointed.
Bella Seven is beautifully maintained, with a high standard of fixtures and fittings. Well presented and has everything you need from outdoor seating areas to the most comfortable beds. Only a few minutes walk to Oneroa and a fabulous local taxi driver just across the road made our stay very relaxing. Waiheke Escapes are great to deal with, very prompt to respond and professional.
Great experience and very friendly staff. The location is great and the house amazing. Fresh new linen and catered for all ages. Perfect.
We had a fantastic stay at Bella Seven, the house was very modern and well appointed. Check in process was very easy, everything was clean and well ordered. We especially liked the great outdoor area which was perfect to spend long evenings outside enjoying a BBQ and a few glasses of great local wine.
On top of this the location was perfect – less than 5 minutes to Oneroa village shops, beach and even within walking range of a few vineyards.
Highly recommended.
"Beautiful house, spacious, clean and modern. A fab stay!"
Bella Seven was perfect. The only thing missing was a tray or two! Otherwise the house
was very wonderfully kitted out.
My family was delighted with everything and our party guests very impressed that
I had found such a great house via the Internet!
The whole experience from my first phone call to you in October, to moving in was
very easy and pleasant.
Thank you for helping us have such a magical week end.
"We were really happy about the cleanliness of the place and the amenities provided. We especially loved the garden and backyard setting :) We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and will recommend to others!"
"Fabulous! You will love it!"
Thank you all so much. We had such a wonderful weekend at Bella 7
The place was awesome, perfect for 2 families. Immaculate and fabulous outdoor arrangement.
No criticisms at all.
We'll be back.
The perfect home for a group to stay on the Island. The house was conveniently located and very well appointed with everything we needed for our stay. The Managers were great at keeping in contact with entry instructions and contact details should we need. Very happy to recommend this lovely home and would be happy to re-book next visit.
A great property and booking and access and follow up all handled very
professionally. A pleasure - thank you very much
Beautiful home with first class facilities had lunch at Cable Vineyard highly recommend
"A beautiful large house that fit 10 people comfortably, lovely outdoor areas on offer, and only a short walk into Oneroa village (10mins). Would definitely come again!"
Thank you for making our stay at Bella Seven easy. Your representative meet us at the property to answer any of our questions. The property was as advertised, very clean and tidy, also had everything we needed. We were at Waiheke to attend our sons wedding and everyone who came over, hairdresser, makeup artist etc were also impressed by the property.
"Good place, will be back again"
"Great location and home for our needs. Well considered and appointed for a long weekend away. Nice outdoor spaces. Not far to walk to the shops."
It was a lovely stay at Bella Seven, as the house had great facilities, all mod cons, lots of space and nice flow to the outside areas. The master bedroom was just fab with the en suite and views from the deck. The remote laminated guide was very handy too!
I had a wonderful time at Bella Seven – the property was clean and beautiful. Great location, close to beaches, wineries, Cafes and the Ferry terminal – and above all super easy to deal with in terms of customer services.
Would visit again, and would definitely recommend to anyone else that wants to visit Waiheke
We had a wonderful time. The process was simple, the house was awesome, and the Property Manager was amazing. And the location couldn't have been better.
We will definitely recommend Waiheke Escapes, and the Island itself.
Property Description
Only 2 minutes from the Matiatia ferry terminal and 9 minutes from Kennedy Point car ferry terminal and walking distance to the heart and soul of the Island - Oneroa Beach and Oneroa Shopping Village with its wonderful selection of shops, restaurants and supermarkets. This stunning statement home comes complete with top of the range appliances, three beautifully fitted out bedrooms and three bathrooms with enough space for everyone to have their 'alone time'. The quality of this home is obvious from the minute you pull up in the long private driveway in to the huge double lock up garage (a very rare commodity on the island!).
Two of the most popular vineyards on the island - Cable Bay and Mudbrick beckon you, and at less than 1 km from your back door to Cable Bay and less than 2 km to Mudbrick you could be there in no time.
Bella Seven is on two levels - the large master bedroom with ensuite, walk-in-robe and private spacious deck with a table and chairs, and the second bedroom with a Queen and two King Singles plus bathroom on the top level. Here you will also find the second sitting room with a wall mounted flat screen TV. Downstairs is the main living area of the home and it also has the third bedroom and full bathroom, separate laundry, dining area with seating for 10 and a wonderful state of the art kitchen complete with stainless steel Bosch appliances and everything else you would need to whip up a meal for a large group of family and friends. This flows through to the undercover outdoor dining area complete with outdoor dining suite, BBQ and gorgeous cafe curtains that will keep you warm and dry during our cooler months and wet days. Flick on the electric outdoor heater and you have a fabulous cosy outdoor room. The living room is the hub of the home and comes complete with a huge 65 inch Smart TV and Bluetooth sound system.
Bed configuration: Upstairs - Master Bedroom with Super King (this can be split in to two single beds on request), Bedroom 2 with Queen bed and two king single beds. A double sofa bed is also on this level. Downstairs - Bedroom 3 with Queen Bed.
Please Note: A late checkout of 12pm applies to this property. A one time linen and exit cleaning fee of $250 applies to each stay. Minimum stays: 7 nights between 20 December and 10 January, 4 nights from 11 December -20 January, 3 nights holiday weekends and 2 nights all other times. The garage is currently unavailable for vehicles. This property is also available for small conference groups during the Off Peak and Shoulder Seasons during weekdays only.
© 2020 Waiheke Escapes | Inbox Design


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Homeowners Across America Prefer Plantation ShuttersJune 1, 2004 1:09 pm
In a society where "home redecorating" is one of the most-searched terms on the Internet and television programming regularly features home makeover shows, more Americans are taking on home remodeling projects and replicating the elegance and practicality introduced by celebrity interior designers.
The windows of a home are receiving significant attention from homeowners and designers, not only because they are a major visual element on both the inside and the outside of the home, but because they control the lighting and mood for each room. Homeowners often spend a great deal of money to make sure their windows and window treatments look just right.
According to a recent survey of Draperies & Window Coverings Magazine (DWC) readers, when compared with all window treatments, shutters have risen to a prominence never before seen. Shutter sales are increasing nationwide. Nearly twice as many respondents in 2003 vs. 2001 reported that shutters generated 81 to 100 percent of their total window covering sales (see www.dwcdesignet.com for complete survey results). At a rate faster than ever before, consumers are choosing shutters as their #1 window covering.
"Nothing compares to the look of plantation shutters," says Erika Mitchellette, a Sunburst Shutters customer in Minnesota.
Mitchellette had Sunburst shutters custom built and installed at a home she and her husband Mark recently purchased and remodeled in Deephaven, Minnesota.
"We have some very large and complex windows, and we're looking for window treatments that would add detail to the architectural beauty of our home," says Mitchellette. "We looked at blinds and drapes, but we found that the traditional look of plantation style shutters complimented the décor perfectly."
Style is a key selling point, but shutters also offer homeowners value and good looks. More than fifty percent of the DWC survey respondents said that the number one reason people buy indoor shutters is aesthetics. Thirty percent said their customers are buying shutters as investments in their homes. That's because most shutters outlast every other type of window covering. It seems that consumers understand the added beauty and value shutters can bring to their homes.
"I just didn't like the look of drapes when we were decorating our condo in Sun City, Arizona," says Jeanne Nelson. "We saw the Polywood shutters and we liked the clean, classic look they created. Plus they are easier than blinds or drapes to keep clean. Several years later, it's clear they were worth the investment."
As homeowners' demand for shutters increase, new shutter companies continue to enter the market. "We've seen the shutter market grow substantially over the past few years," says Dix Jarman, co-owner of Sunburst Shutters, the nation's largest shutter manufacturer founded more than 25 years ago. "While aluminum blinds have been known to sag over the years and draperies fade from exposure to the sun, custom-built shutters, especially those made from Polywood, are becoming the window treatment of choice."
When it comes to shutters, Jarman's products are among the hottest sellers. His company developed the Polywood shutter that uses an engineered wood substitute made from solid resin with a patented baked-on paint finish. "Years ago, all we sold were wood shutters, and those sales inevitably ended in follow-up maintenance calls," Jarman said. "So we looked for something better, more durable. The end result was Polywood, and now the only reason we go back to a customer's home is to install more shutters."
Polywood shutters have the appearance of a quality wood shutter without the problems often associated with wood shutters, including warping, cracking, and splitting as a result of age and exposure to heat and cold. This provides homeowners with the classic plantation styling, without the expensive upkeep.
"Polywood Shutters are growing in popularity because home owners want durable, low-maintenance window treatments," says Jarman.
According to Jarman, another advantage of Polywood shutters, especially with today's rising energy costs, is their ability to reduce monthly heating and cooling bills. While blinds and drapes can block out some of the cold and heat, the Polywood shutter's inner core is made from materials that act as an insulator, helping block out extreme temperatures and damaging sun rays.
"What other window treatment offers homeowners so many advantages?" asks Jarman. "With high-quality products on the market, and thousands of satisfied customers, we expect the popularity of shutters to continue to grow."
Erika Mitchellette agrees. "Having shutters installed is one of the best investments we've made for our home," she says. "And, every home we will own in the future will have Sunburst Shutters."
With this type of endorsement, it is no wonder that shutters are the last window coverings most homeowners will ever have to buy.
For more information on plantation shutters, visit www.sunburstshutters.com.
Sunburst Shutters & Window Fashions offers a variety of window treatments, including its signature product, the Polywood Shutter®. Customers are invited to visit the Sunburst showroom at 6480 W. Flamingo, Suite D, call 367-1600, or visit www.sunburstshutters.com. Sunburst offers a complimentary in-home design consultation can now boast the best customer service in town.
About Sunburst Shutters & Window Fashions
Sunburst Shutters & Window Fashions is headquartered in Las Vegas and has retail stores and dealers in approximately 75 cities across the country. It has been in business since 1978 and has sold more than six million shutters. In addition to shutters, the company offers a full line of window treatments, including blinds, shades, draperies and window films.


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About Green Star Camper Center
Green Star Camper Center is located in Rapid City, South Dakota in the heart of the Black Hills and the Mt. Rushmore National Monument areas. We are located just off I-90 and Exit 60 on Hwy 79/North Cambell Street.
Green Star Homes, Inc. was founded in 1959 where we began in mobile home sales. In 1988, we became Green Star Camper Center selling travel trailers and fifth wheels. Green Star has been family owned and operated since 1959, with 3 generations operating it currently.
We carry both new and used travel trailers and fifth wheels. Green Star Campers has the largest RV accessory and parts store in Rapid City. With Factory Trained Technicians…….you and your "Home Away From Home" are treated like family and you can be assured that our professional staff will take care of your service needs long after the sale.
Store operation hours are as follows: Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., and closed on Sundays.