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Friday Morning – March 30th. After dinner last evening, we joined several couples on the top deck by the aft pool for conversation & drinks prior to our 11pm departure. The tables were being cleaned from the air pollution (soot from nearby ships unloading coal) so we didn't stay long – the air was difficult to breath as well. The crew completed installing razor wire around the ship a few hours ago. A total of 1,769 feet was installed for the trip across the Arabian Sea. For those interested & as published by the Navigator…" the Arabian Sea is a region of the Indian Ocean bounded on the east by India, on the north by Pakistan & Iran, on the west by the Arabian Peninsula, on the south by a line between Cape Guardafui, the northeast point of Somalia, Socotra, Cape Comorin in India, and the western coast of Sri Lanka. The sea surface is 1,491,130 square miles, maximum depth is 15,262 feet". These updates from the Navigator are much appreciated & very educational. We were back in our cabin by 10:30pm and watched from the bedroom as the lights of Bombay faded away. Bright sunny morning today & the stagnant, polluted air we've been cloaked in for several days is barely visible behind the ship!
Safaga, Egypt
Saturday – March 31st. Uneventful day at sea - Formal night. Cheryl's wearing a silk gown purchased in Vietnam for (I believe) $15. It was either $15 or 25 – either way - very inexpensive and exceptional quality. We returned to our cabin right after dinner and elected not to go to the 8pm show – it was opera night, and neither of us are fans. Had been feeling a little suspect all day – took my temp before bed and sure enough, 101. Will need to call the clinic in the morning.
Sunday – April 1st. Still 101 early this morning – phoned clinic, the MD not on duty until 10am. My previous doctor is off today - darn – what a wonderful lady – we really hit it off well, so much so that I gave her and her husband a bottle of wine I picked up in Chile. Doorbell rang at 10:30am – my original MD! Said she was notified I'd gone backward and wanted to see me herself – how very thoughtful. No fever at that point – put back on the same antibiotics that worked so well before. I told her if she could get me well before Egypt, I'd give her our last bottle of Chile wine – if not, she gets a bottle of water! She'll call tomorrow morning – cabin visits are a little spendy. Layed in a lounge chair on our deck most of the day – as always, Cheryl brought me everything I could possibly need/want! Hadn't seen a ship of any kind since leaving Bombay until this afternoon – then we started seeing convoys of cargo ships. The Captain told us the closer you get to Somalia, the more frequent you see groups of ships (cargo vessels) traveling together for protection. He again reassured everyone we are safe according to his reports – no unusual activity in the area. Entering the Red Sea this evening – Egypt is still 3 days away.
Monday – April 2nd. Feeling pretty good this morning – no temp, which means I'm not isolated – still hacking. There's a respiratory bug floating around – we've run into people who can't even talk. It's very selfish – folks won't go see the doctor because they don't want to be isolated & miss anything. Then they get on these tour buses sneezing & coughing – the air is of course recirculated infecting several others. We have an engine room tour scheduled for 10:30 this morning. In all our years of cruising, we've never been offered a tour of the engine room, so we're very much looking forward to that! UPDATE: Received a call around 10am - engine room tour moved one day because they don't want guests down there as we transit this area - understandable. My MD made a "cabin-call" before lunch - nice surprise - says she may want to give me a mask to wear in Egypt - reason...we have a 6-hour bus trip from Safaga to Luxor when we go visit the Valley of the Kings, & doesn't think breathing on the bus for that long will be healthy for me. I really DON'T want to wear one of those rediculous -looking cone masks, but since she and her husband will be on the same trip, I'll get busted if I don't wear it!! Just have to think positive & hope for the best. Balance of the day very quiet - we avoided groups of people today just in case - we had a quiet dinner last night out back in the fresh air by the pool - everyone else was eating in the dining room. Very pleasant weather, although you can tell we're approaching Arizona style patterns...hot & dry during the day, nice and cool at night - love it!
Tuesday - April 3rd. Feeling better. I ran into the Internet Manager yesterday who told me our satellite would be overhead between 3:30 & 4:00am. Got up early and sure enough, GREAT connection, so I uploaded a few dozen new photos from the Antarctic, Falkland Islands & Easter Island - please check them out - I'd forgotton just how beautiful & magnificant the Antarctic was!
UPDATE: All parents are proud of their children, & justifiably so. First daughter Jennifer has been a registered nurse approaching 10 years, second daughter Renee, an operations & marketing specialist with Lowe's Home Improvement. Oldest son Christopher, a professional Rigger for concerts & sports events, & youngest son Bryan, a professional parachutist & HVAC Tech. Middle son Brendon took a part-time contract job with Black & Decker in their Charlotte warehouse about 5 years ago, which eventually turned into a full-time position. The past few years he's been working 8-12 hours a day, 6 days a week. He gave us a tour of their massive facility last summer and there wasn't a question I asked that he didn't have the answer to. He understood every aspect of warehouse operations and I remember telling him that with his knowledge and positive work attitude, he'd be running the place someday. We just learned today that he and 11 others went through 3 interviews for one of the top positions, and he was selected for the promotion! Brendon's now in charge of logistics & transportation for not only the Charlotte facility but also their warehouse in California. He no longer works on the floor but instead, now has his own office. At 23, he's one of the youngest managers in the history of the company – how awesome is that!!?? Brendon, we're so very proud of your progress & promotion! He & Brittany also have some exciting personal news, but they'll share that with the rest of the family in the near future.
2013 Grand World Voyage
Ok…we're hooked. Yesterday, the itinerary for the 2013 World Voyage was published and distributed. It's 3 days longer (115 days) and covers a little more distance, approximately 41,000 miles. The trip next year covers many places we didn't visit this year: It hits the west coast of South America, New Zealand, the southern & western coasts of Australia, & the big selling point for us, Africa & an African safari. It also revisits many of the places we enjoyed this year, such as Sydney & Singapore. It DOES NOT return to India, though we have no regrets about our visit this year – that's part of the overall experience and we're very grateful we were able to visit. Long story short, we booked the trip! It leaves Ft. Lauderdale on January 5, returning early May – same ship – we requested and got a different suite on the same floor, about 10 cabins up the hallway. Reason - our current room has a whirlpool tub which we don't use – I didn't realize we are paying extra for this amenity – all we need is a shower! We only have two regrets about the trip next year. One, it takes time away from family, and two, it takes time away from the Blue Stars Drum & Bugle Corps, the non-profit musical organization I'm now a part of. There's so much I want to do in terms of securing corporate sponsorships, etc., I'll just need to work twice as hard between May & December this year.
One thing I forgot to mention about yesterday…many folks have been paranoid about pirates, particularly since adding guards & razor-wire. Late afternoon as we entered the Red Sea, a couple of very small boats could be seen off the left (port) side of the ship, probably a half-mile out – so pretty close. I was laying outside our cabin just resting, and I could feel this surge of people moving to the port side and when I got up and leaned over the railing, there were probably 600 people with binoculars gawking at these two vessels…which turned out to be nothing more than little fishing boats from a nearby village – quite comical! We probably scared those poor fishermen to death! So as I mentioned, we entered the Red Sea late afternoon. There are several theories as to why it is called the Red Sea. One explanation is because it borders the Egyptian Desert, which the ancient Egyptians called the Dashret or "red land"; therefore it would have been the sea of the red land. The other explanation revolves around the seasonal bloom of red-colored algae. Either way – it's blue today – very narrow & shallow. You can monitor the sea depth on TV (navigational channel) – just before entering, we were fluctuating between 12,000 & 14,500 feet – once we entered the Red Sea we have been as shallow as 37 feet! Raised Catholic and believing as I do, one can't help but reflect on the parting of the Red Sea – you look out over this expansive body of water and just wonder what it was like…ahhh, our first battleship! I just looked up from the desk and glanced out the window – a gray/white battleship – Cheryl grabbed the binoculars – no flag on it – just "P831" on the hull. Must be friendly!! Gorgeous morning – not a cloud in the sky, a slight chill in the air (like a Fall morning) and very calm seas.
Wednesday – April 4th. We arrive in Safaga, Egypt at 4pm this afternoon, and will be docked until 11pm tomorrow evening – so a full 31 hours. The engine room tour was rescheduled and took place yesterday morning at 10:30 – it lasted until Noon. There were 6 of us interested in this tour, and what an education! It started one deck below the crew quarters, so we were really in the bowls of the ship. You begin in the master control room, which looks like something from Star Trek with all of the dials & gauges. It was impeccably clean & well-organized, elements that always impress me. Our tour guide was the man in charge of 100+ technicians who keep the ship going – a rather young gentleman (early 30's) from Bombay. Looking at his curiously young frame, I thought to myself, how can this "kid" possibly understand all of this? As I've learned, looks & age can be deceiving. This young man proved to be exceptionally bright & very personable. As I spoke with him, he outlined his special education in ship propulsion which spanned 7 years in India, & he sure demonstrated his expertise as the tour progressed. Once out of the control room, we went down to where the real action was – like another city! The engine room encompasses not only the massive units that physically propel the ship, but all of the peripheral equipment. The engine room is actually 3 floors, approximately 350 feet long and 108 feet wide – it's HALF of the bottom of the ship – absolutely massive. It contains five huge generators, the water purification system, sewage collection units, incinerators, heating & air conditioning, water pressure, plus backup systems & replacement parts for just about anything imaginable. There aren't floors by standard definition, but rather a series & maze of steel ladders, planks, etc., that wind in-between and around all the equipment. Parts of it are extremely hot, some areas have a strong odor of diesel & oil, but every place we went was very clean. Technicians in white overalls could be seen climbing all over the equipment just performing routine maintenance – very impressive. Sitting in the peace & tranquility of your cabin, you don't imagine that there are dozens of workers below you sitting on those massive engines running 24 hours a day without incident. Great tour – a newfound respect for the folks underneath – hat's off!
Still hacking this morning – a combination head & chest cold – Cheryl is perfectly fine – so surprised she hasn't caught anything! Weather is quite chilly but typical with the desert, it's sure to be very warm later this afternoon when we arrive in Safaga. Activity this morning – begin packing one of our 6 suitcases – we only have 24 more days – time to begin organizing!
We arrived in Safaga, Egypt as scheduled at 4pm – unfortunately, our berth was still occupied by a cargo ship unloading wheat, so we had to drop anchor in the bay. As the first few pictures below capture, sailing into Egypt was somewhat of a surprise for me. I expected totally flat terrain & barren desert. Instead, the coastline here is lined with tall, beautiful mountains – and the water colors unlike anything I've ever seen in my life. The first few photos don't begin to capture the beauty – EVERY possible shade of blue & green can be found in this port – just breathtaking! The other observation – hundreds of large jellyfish surrounding the ship after we dropped anchor – HUNDREDS of them – huge jellyfish! I don't know yet if this is seasonal or occurs all year – I assume seasonal because of the water sports they advertise here – I'll find out. We had dinner in the main dining room, and then went up to a deck party at the outside pool. We didn't stay long because it was quite chilly (like a typical Arizona evening in the Spring after the sun sets) and just as we were leaving, the cargo ship who was occupying our berth set sail so we were able to dock at approximately 7:30pm. We were in bed by 8pm even though we had the option of leaving the ship at that point – very long day ahead of us. So I'm up at 3:30am expecting to catch our satellite again, but for some reason I can't even get a connection. I decided to begin writing off-line, because I know I won't have time for it later today – we leave here at 6:30am and won't be back until almost 11:00pm – a long 16 hour day. When I woke, I went outside to take a look at the port because I fell asleep as soon as we hit the cabin last night. I hear a crowd – a large crowd – I look to my left and there on the pier just behind our ship is a gathering of residents, ALL wearing long robes & turbans – exactly what you would expect to see in Egypt. For a few moments, I actually thought I was dreaming – there was also some type of religious music or chant playing – a very eerie sort of music. I immediately woke Cheryl – I apologized for the wakeup at 3:30am, but felt she would want to see this gathering – and it's probably between two & three thousand people! As I write this, I still have NO IDEA what all these people are doing at the pier this time of day – some have suitcases in wheelbarrows, some are carrying large white sacks suspended over their backs – it's an orderly gathering, but unlike anything I've ever seen – more to come as I learn more! Maybe they're waiting for a small ship going to a nearby island to work for the day?? That's the only logical conclusion I can reach – UNLESS they plan to takeover the Amsterdam (our ship) later this morning!
Safaga is a small city in Egypt on the coast of the Red Sea. We learned it has several phosphate mines, and is regarded as one of the top phosphate export centers & marine ports connected by a regular cruise shuttle between Jordan & Saudi Arabia – that's what the large crowd was all about on the pier. Surprisingly, Safaga is considered one of the most important therapeutic tourist centers, as special medical researchers have proven the potential of attracting international tourism to Safaga. The resort is reputable for its unpolluted atmosphere, black sand dunes and mineral springs which are purported to ease rheumatoid arthritis & psoriasis. Safaga has a small, but thriving tourism industry – beyond the pharaohs & tombs, they specialize in scuba diving here – many diving shops along the waterfront. Apparently & for many years, this was nothing but a merchant port – now it has long sandy beaches, but not very well kept. We're told it's a favorite sports destination, particularly windsurfing, and was the host of the Red Sea World Windsurfing back in '93. The REAL reason for our stop, however…Safaga is the starting point for the journey to Luxor, & The Valley of the Kings. Although you can reach Luxor by plane, the most popular way is via cruise ship. Overall, Safaga is a crusty city – small, rectangular cement buildings, most in disrepair, line the streets with drying cloths suspended out of windows & rooftops. Our trip to Luxor consisted of 3 buses & 1 back-up coach. We are in bus #2. Each bus had an armed guard sitting in front next to the driver - they carry not simply pistols, but machine guns. We are to travel as a convoy. The road to Luxor is a 2-lane hiway, the majority of which is quite rough & riddled with potholes. About 25 miles outside of Safaga, a passenger in bus #1 takes ill – she is loaded on the back-up bus and returned to the ship. We continue on. There are checkpoints every 10 – 15 miles, manned by several armed guards. From Safaga on the coast, you pass through a mountain range and emerge into the desert. Nearly 4 hours later, you begin to see a second mountain range and the beginnings of civilization. Luxor is now on the horizon. Our first stop is on the east bank where we visited the Luxor Temple, which was once connected to the Karnak Temple via the Avenue of Human-Headed Sphinxes, Amazingly, this avenue of sphinxes is right in the middle of the city. After discovery, the city itself was built around the ruins to preserve it. Amazing – McDonald's on one side of the street, ancient history on the other! Words cannot begin to describe the tall columns – the graphic hieroglyphics –& the colors – hopefully the pictures below give you a sense of the size & ancient beauty of these ruins. After touring this area, it was time for lunch – Holland America made arrangements for a buffet at a very nice resort hotel on the Nile River. After lunch, Cheryl and I went down to the riverbank for a close look at this historic body of water and found to our dismay, tons of pollution! We couldn't believe that the residents of Luxor would dump their garbage in such a historic river but as the day progressed, it only got worse – more on that later. We left the hotel and headed for the Valley of the Kings, the city of the dead where 62 magnificent tombs have been discovered. They say that potentially hundreds of these tombs exist but again, 62 discovered to date. This mountainside was used for burials from roughly 1530 – 1075 BC, Some of these tombs, carved into the desert mountainside, are 1 – 2 city blocks deep, are intricately painted with mineral and stone dyes which amazingly have maintained most of their color after all these centuries. The hieroglyphics are carved into every inch of both walls & the ceilings. They say it took several years & dozens of laborers to complete each tomb. They almost look commercially manufactured (but are not, of course) and this is where the kings were/are buried with their treasures for use in the afterlife. Despite the name, Valley of the Kings also contains the tombs of favorite nobles as well as the wives & children of both nobles and pharaohs. We were able to explore 3 of these tombs – they alternate which tombs are open to the public because they say prolonged exposure to oxygen will begin destroying the intricate drawings & artwork – they regulate both pedestrian traffic and length of stay. Photographs are not allowed in any tomb. Each tomb is uniquely different – very humbling, & hauntingly beautiful. The weather was quite hot – a typical summer day in Phoenix, but the tombs were obviously very cool & refreshing. From the Valley of the Kings, we stopped at the Temple of Hatshepsut – a complex rising out of the desert in a series of brilliant white terraces. Hatshepsut was both a woman and a Pharaoh. She dressed like a man and even wore a false beard due to the considerable bias against ruling females during that era (1500 BC) – the temple is phenomenal, particularly given the surrounding mountainside. We also stopped by the Colossi of Memnon – two immense statues of Amenhotep III that guarded the entrance to Amenhotep's great temple – JUST DISCOVERED & unearthed a few years ago! By now it was 4pm – the only tour remaining on our schedule was a light show at the Temple of Karnak – the world's largest temple complex – scheduled to begin at 7pm. We went to a mall in downtown Luxor where we were given a couple hours to shop & relax. Similar to the hotel where we had lunch, we were all processed through metal detectors before entering. Good to know you're safe, but rather unnerving with so many guns exposed and guards watching your every move. We boarded the busses around 6pm and the ship had made arrangements for box suppers – they take such good care of us! We headed for Karnak and our guide made sure we were positioned at the entrance of the complex a few minutes before the scheduled 7pm start – right at dusk. Again, the world's largest temple complex – you take a very fascinating walking tour through the history of the temple, guided by the voices of the ancient pharaohs – ominous shadows playing off the enormous columns in the grand hypostyle hall with beautiful colored lights in sync – an unforgettable experience! Combined with local tourists, there were probably 200 people going through, but it was all very well controlled and you didn't feel like you were in a large crowd. The 7pm show was in English – as we emerged at 8pm, the French version was about to begin – another large crowd was in line for that! Would we recommend Luxor? For the ancient history, a resounding YES! Given the opportunity – GO! It's a phenomenal firsthand look! On the downside, two things to keep in mind. I mentioned the polluted Nile earlier – it's not just polluted, it's disgusting the way local residents have such disregard for it. The main Nile is not only polluted, but the main tributaries running through Luxor that feed it are filled with raw sewage and dead cows – several dead cows – and you look down perhaps a city block and you see neighborhood children swimming in the same waters. So you have the pollution to contend with and despite the 5-star resorts, you have a poverty level throughout the entire city equal to anything you'd find in India – so not pretty in that respect either. The street vendors here were much more aggressive than anyplace visited – if you say no, many will grab your arm and pull you, continuing to talk – you try so hard to be polite and say "no thank you" – it's very unsettling. If you can deal with the pollution, poverty & relentless street vendors, it's well worth the trip – one of the most beautiful, archeological spots in the world! After the show, we got our busses together and headed back to the ship – we were due back at 11:30pm, and scheduled to sail at midnight. Our bus overheated in the middle of the desert – the caravan stopped, the security guards positioned themselves on the hiway and the drivers filled the radiator by hand, bottle-by-bottle! We resumed the return trip –uneventfully – arriving back at the ship at 12:45am, but because we were on a ship-sponsored tour, they will always wait for you, even if it's only one person. The gangway was pulled by 1:15am and we were on our way to Sharm el Sheik, Egypt, just 100 miles north up the coast. An exhausting day, but absolutely unforgettable!! Short night…another tour at 7:30am!


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Congratulations to the police agencies in Miami-Dade and Broward for making sure a potentially dangerous car chase that played out on live TV on Tuesday was handled in a safe and professional manner.
The cops kept cool heads and followed protocol, preventing a much worse ending. No one was hurt, and property damage was kept to a minimum. I thank the brave men and women who wear the badge and do their jobs exceptionally well!
Jose Sotolongo, Miami
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subset: commoncrawl


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- Registration Number: 3,040,158
- Registered in: US
- Int. Class: CL.:28
- Usage Status: In Use
Outdoor Activity game involving throwing devices (two small balls tethered together) at a target (Rail), in Class 28
(U.S. CLS. 22, 23, 38 and 50.
The Mark consists of standard characters without claim to any particular font
"If you toss them like horseshoes but they are really balls-
Must be Horseballs"
The two balls held together by one foot of rope are tossed at at three rail target. There are some similair games that go by such names as Hillbilly Golf or Ladder Toss, ECT.—-
View on our WEBSITE at www.Horseballsgame.com
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Monsoon has already said goodbye,post monsoon season has begun and my favorite "AUTUMN" is knocking at the door. Beautiful season of Autumn with cloudless clear sky and the bright sunshine . When the days become shorter,and the breeze becomes cooler,the weather is pleasant and perfect, it is time for leaves to change their color from green to yellow,orange or red and finally they fall from the tree and they feel sad because they have to get separated from the tree but feel happy at the same time because this fall will give a new life to the tree . The leaves show their feelings by making a rustling sound .
This season is also the time for harvesting, festivals and celebration in many parts of the world which bring happiness and joy for all.So enjoy watching these lovely images related to this beautiful season .


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Outside BBC
Former Top Gear host Jeremy Clarkson has hinted he, James May and Richard Hammond could return with a new show.
Speaking at a charity auction for Chipping Norton Lido for the first time since he was axed from BBC, Clarkson said to the audience "now some of you know there used to be a program called Top Gear. It was on the BBC". Before auctioning a Top Gear Kung Fu Stig T-shirt, "signed by a former presenter", he also added "we could be back somewhere else. Or maybe even not somewhere else, who knows?"
No further details are available at the moment, but about a month ago a report said James May and Richard Hammond are not willing to film new Top Gear episodes without Clarkson. As BBC executive reportedly commented, "there is a feeling that it is all of them or none of them".


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wikidoc:Blocking policy
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In the early 19th century, it was often safer for New Yorkers to drink alcohol than water. The island's water sources were contaminated with the germs of cholera, dysentery, and typhoid fever, diseases that killed thousands annually. But in 1842 an engineering marvel, the Croton Aqueduct, brought a large supply of fresh water into Manhattan. Bethesda Fountain in Central Park (a.k.a. Angel of the Waters), unveiled in 1873, is a belated celebration of the Croton Aqueduct: the cherubs above the fountain basin represent Purity, Health, Peace ... and Temperance.
This sculpture is an inexpensive zinc copy of a work by Danish sculptor Albert Bertel Thorvaldsen. The building atop which it sat held a fountain. Temperance advocates hoped that public availability of water would encourage New Yorkers to stop guzzling alcoholic beverages.


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Place: Port Alfred
Time and date: 21.30 on 29 December 2012
Submitted by: Dennis Legg
We were sitting on our deck in Port Alfred on the 29th December 2012 at approximately 21.30 when we saw an redish, orange light which was ascending in an easterly direction. It was completely silent and seemed to be almost floating – our first thought was a chinese lantern, but the wind was blowing in the opposite direction. We watched it for about 2 minutes before it disappeared out of sight.


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Dharan Tour
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- Trip duration : 6 days
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Dharan (Nepali: धरान) is a major city in eastern Nepal, in the Sunsari District, and is situated on the foothills of the Mahabharat Range in the north with southern tip touching the edge of the Terai region at an altitude of 1148 ft (349m). It serves as a trading post between the hilly region and the plains of Terai region. It was once the location of a recruitment center for the Brigade of Gurkhas, opened in 1953. The recruitment center is closed and the campus is now the home of B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences since 1993. Dharan Municipality organised a Golden Jubilee celebration of Dharan from January 28 to 31 January 2011 marking the 50th year of establishment of the municipality.
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to Hotel
Day 02: Drive to Dharan and evening little walk around local market
Day 03:
06:00 Wake up
06:30 Break fast
07:30 Drive to Buddha Subba Temple
10:00 Drive to Saraswoti Kunda
12:00 Lunch
12:40 Drive to Panchakanya Temple
14:00 Drive to Pindeswor Mahadev Mandir
15:30 Drive to Dantakali Temple
17:00 Back to Hotel
Day 04
06:00 Wake up
06:30 Break fast
07:30 Drive to Bhdatar(Charles View Tower)
12:00 Lunch
12:40 Walk to Namaste Waterfall
17:00 Drive back to Hotel
Day 05: Drive to Kathmandu
Day 06: Final departure to your next destination.


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McCaleb: Lawmakers wants taxpayer-funded conferences to end
A former village trustee, state Rep. Allen Skillicorn says he knows all too well the kind of training that municipal staff and elected officials get each year at the Illinois Municipal League's annual conference in Chicago.
It's not the kind of training that can be viewed as beneficial to taxpayers.
"I have known the IML. I have seen their publications and actually attended their conference a few years ago.," Skillicorn, R-East Dundee, said. "When I attended, it was just more of the status quo on how not to do things. To hear more from Springfield lobbyists, not the people they represent. I see them as anti-taxpayers."
In separate reports last week, the Illinois News Network and the Arlington Heights-based Daily Herald detailed the high cost to local taxpayers that attendance at IML's three-day conference in Chicago is.
Registration is $310 a person. A single night's stay at the upscale Chicago Hilton, where it was held, cost $298. For these two expenses alone, taxpayers were on the hook for $1,204 for just a single conference attendee who spent the three nights.
That cost doesn't include travel, meals and other expenses that city officials billed to taxpayers.
INN and The Daily Herald learned that many attendees had the nerve to charge taxpayers $52.50 a day for valet parking, for example.
Some municipalities sent a dozen people or more, racking up costs of more than $17,000 in the most egregious example uncovered by INN.
And the Daily Herald reported that staff and elected officials from suburban Addison charged taxpayers $566 for a dinner that included $77 in alcoholic beverages.
Many of these same cities have fiscal problems comparable to the state's and have raised their tax levies year after year.
The Illinois Municipal League is a taxpayer-funded organization that provides educational and lobbying support to the state's cities and villages. But as I wrote last week, oftentimes that lobbying support works against taxpayers' best interests. The organization often fights legislation that would make local governments more open and accountable to taxpayers, for example.
Each year, IML hosts an annual conference in Chicago. Some communities – five of the 24 that INN investigated – decide not to attend because they couldn't justify the expense.
Officials from many of the communities that continue to attend justified the expenses and the conference itself, arguing the networking and the training that staffers and elected officials receive there can be invaluable.
Skillicorn, a first-term legislator who previously was elected to two terms on the East Dundee Village Board, disagrees.
"They're not focused on relieving unfunded mandates. They're not focused on helping municipalities fight prevailing wage, things that can really benefit taxpayers," he said of the IML. "They're really ineffective in finding us more tools to help us do our jobs more efficiently."
Instead, he said, the conference focuses on maintaining the status quo – one that has contributed to rising pension and other costs and overly burdensome taxes.
In the wake of the news reports, Skillicorn is calling on elected officials from one village in his district, Lake in the Hills – which is about 5 miles from a Metra station on the Union Pacific Northwest line – to reimburse taxpayers for their conference expenses.
"Attending a municipal conference is not unusual for the village administrator, but sending nine people at a cost of $11,071.50 certainly is unusual and excessive," Skillicorn said in a statement, pointing out that the largest expenses – by far – were the hotel stays and valet parking.
"Both Village President Russ Ruzanski and Trustee David McPhee charged $1,052.10 each for three nights in the Hilton Hotel and valet parking," he said. "A few seconds on Airbnb can find many rooms within a few blocks for less than $100 per night, some as low as $63 a night. Lake In The Hills is only 50 miles away with regular Metra train service."
Skillicorn also is taking it a step further. He wants the Illinois Municipal League to end its annual conference.
These cities and villages "pay attorneys to do the exact same thing that IML is doing," he said. "So this [conference] is a duplicated charge. It is about networking for bureaucrats, not serving the needs for taxpayers," he said.
Keep in mind that cities and villages aren't the only local governments in Illinois that send staff and elected officials to such conferences. School districts, townships, park districts and others have similar associations with similar annual events.
Add it all up and the costs to taxpayers will reach the millions.
"The idea of charging taxpayers for this is inappropriate," Skillicorn said. "This is money that should go to providing services and keeping taxes lower."
Dan McCaleb is news director of Illinois News Network and the digital hub ILNews.org. He welcomes your comments. Contact Dan at email@example.com.


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Romania's left behind children – BBC News - June 16, 2016
"I left my admiral's hat at home" - June 16, 2016
Do you remember… the 1990s? - June 16, 2016
Oscar Pistorius sentencing date set - June 16, 2016
Apologetic Green vows to 'sort' BHS pension scheme - June 16, 2016
Exclusive: Alleged Freud victim left 'paralysed by fear' - June 16, 2016
Exclusive: Alleged Freud victim left 'paralysed by fear' - June 16, 2016
Tale of two boats in clash ahead of EU vote - June 15, 2016
French police tear gas fans in Lille - June 15, 2016
France vs Albania – key match stats - June 15, 2016
Britain's biggest royal fan Margaret Tyler sends message to Harry and Meghan | ITV News
Few people are more excited about the Royal Wedding than Margaret Tyler. Britain's biggest royal fan has 10,000 pieces of memorabilia filling five rooms of her Wembley home. What would she buy Harry and Meghan? And what's her message to the nearly newlyweds? ITV London met the country's loyalist royalist as part of its 'London Voices' series.
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ipsy August 2014 Glam Bag
Hey guys! I got my goodies from ipsy for this month over the weekend and I'm loving the cute theme. The bag does seem to fit it somewhat too and it's not flat this time around (a completely flat makeup bag doesn't sit well with me…like last month's — don't get me wrong, they have made others that are flat but they're not completely flat at all…more like envelope style). Here's everything that I got from my ipsy August 2014 Glam Bag.
First, about the bag…..as I mentioned above it kind of fits the back-to-school theme. I love that it actually has enough space to hold a decent amount of makeup and maybe even use it as a pencil case instead. The bag did get a little squished up in the metallic pink envelope during shipping but fill it out and it's good to go. The material makes it good to prevent from spills compared to a cloth makeup bag. Beads of water will just run off on it. The first item that caught my eye is the Urban Decay Perversion Mascara. It caught my eye for 2 main reasons: 1) it didn't fit in the makeup bag so it was the only product not enclosed in it and 2) it's something I want to try but not willing to shell out the money since I have a million mascaras already laying around and about half are open. I hemmed and hawed on whether to open it or not to try it out and decided to wait as I go through a few more of the currently open tubes I have. First item I grabbed when I opened the makeup bag is the Klorane Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk. I've found the hair products I've been receiving from my monthly ipsy Glam Bags more appealing lately. I really don't do much to my hair but I keep thinking I should one of these days, so I guess hair products pique my interest a lot. Next item I plucked out of the bag is the J.Cat Beauty Flying Solo Eye Shadow. The shade I got is called Half Naked and I'll be passing this along as I've been an impulsive shopper lately and have gotten eye shadows in my last beauty purchase (HauteLook takes a while to ship so I'm still waiting). Next item is something I should be more excited about than I was since I have huge pores. I don't wear makeup to cover pores at all. I usually just have moisturizer on and go. If I wear makeup at all, it's makeup on top of my moisturized face. Foundation isn't my thing at all and if I choose to wear any at all, it's in powder form. But I do have large pores so I will definitely be trying this Dr. Brandt Pores No More Pore Refiner. Stay tuned for a post on that soon. Last item I got is the Jersey Shore Sun Mongongo Lip Conditioner. The scent and flavor is citrusy from what I gather. Reading reviews on this, it's seems to be just as good as any other lip balm and I have about 10 of those currently laying around so I'll be passing this on. Maybe to my father-in-law since he seems to love lip balms and loses them occasionally.
Overall, not bad still. I'm very glad that the makeup bag isn't flat this time around (I still have that one, just trying to figure out what to use it for since it's very flat). I can't wait to see what next month's bag brings!


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Numerous animal communicators communicate also with plants. Since I have been exploring the world of animal communication for years now, I know that communicating with plants, or plant devas, does not really differ from communicating with animals – or other entities as well. (This might not be an easy concept for you to grasp, if you have not walked down this part of your spiritual path yet.)
But if you are familiar – and in peace – with the concept of intuitive animal communication, Thea Summer Deer's book Wisdom of the Plant Devas is a natural step for you. This is Tailbook's book of the month in January, 2013.
The quote in the picture is from Thea's book and you can hear the deva of Bearberry – Uva Ursi – speak.
Another step to the direction of plant wisdom is naturally Robert Shapiro's Plant Souls Sppeak, which includes pretty interesting plants, like Coffee and Angelica Angelica archangellica, a plant that is said to be able to cure many types of cancer – if it is alive and you meditate or pray with it and ask for its help! (There is a long review of the book on Amazon; and you can see what other plants share their wisdom in Robert's book.)


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Thursday, April 22, 2010
//Antivirus software bug hits NZ
I wouldn't normally write a post about something so geeky, but how funny is that. You buy software to protect your computer from bugs, and then your software ends up being a bug itself. You just can't win. Well, not if you're a kiwi anyway. Australia seems to be ok, for now.
If you're a bit of a geek feel free to read on
Thanks to Fortune City for the pic.
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text: VHND's All Access Photo: Eddie backstage 1979 November 24, 2013—by VHND Leave a Comment Eddie Van Halen backstage, 1979. "All Access" Van Halen photos is a weekly feature at VHND.com. Every weekend we feature a photo from a roadie, friend, or band insider. Many are never-seen-before exclusives. Tune in every weekend for more!


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Friday, September 11, 2009
Jerusalem Thus far
It has been a great experience so far living in the Holy Land. The BYU Center for Near Eastern Studies is amazing. They did such a great job with the housing, architecture, and overall layout. It is located about a half a mile from the North East corner of the old city on Mt. Scopus. The Mount of Olives is just to the south. Jerusalem has such a great atmosphere with the different cultures and religions mixed into one sacred city. Israel is actually really nice compared to places I have been. I was shocked with the taxis. Probably 60% of them are Mercedes. There are around 80 students here studying. The classes are located on the 6th floor and the main entrance is on the 8th. The housing follows the hill down from levels 5-1. There is an exit on the bottom which provides easy access to the city. We have student cards that we scan at the outside doors every time we leave or enter. The landscape is so beautiful all around the center. Almost all of the rooms have an amazing view of the old city, including the housing units. The food is great here. We are taken care of.
Posted by Richie Beck at 12:45 AM
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Image is everything. We all remember Gerald Ratner and his ill-judged comments about the jewellery in his high street stores. The image of his company and products changed in an instant and his very public downfall was spectacular. This fickle world of image and presentation is a tricky road to travel but, with a little thought, we don't have to follow the drastic decline of Gerald Ratner. Get it right and the world is your oyster, get it wrong and we all know how that ends.
The first big question is what image do you want to portray? David Ogilvy, the 'Father of Advertising' was reported to have said "You now have to decide what 'image' you want for your brand. Image means personality. Products, like people, have personalities, and they can make or break them in the market place." We don't all have the budget to hire a high-flying advertising executive but we can take something from his insight. Knowing your products will help you bring out exactly what you want your customers to see. A clear idea of your message is the image you want to present.
Of course the image you want to create is only the beginning of the process. The next step is spreading that message. Digital marketing is a key component of any marketing campaign with its speed and lower costs. However these clever technological advances cannot replace the benefits of human interaction. When conducting business, face-to-face contact is still an essential element to being successful. In meetings, there are a number of opportunities to promote your brand before you have even spoken! The business card handed out before you all sit down, the printed presentation folders left out on the table for the delegates to peruse; these all sell your image before you have said the first good morning.
Vital Concept Print can help you create professional, high quality business cards for a range of budgets ensuring your business cards present the exact image you want to project. As with all branding it is very important that the image remains the same for all who contact your company. With that in mind, Vital Concept Print can create a number of printed stationery products that promote your brand with a consistent design. The compliment slip should not be forgotten as these versatile slips of paper can be used in a variety of ways and should always carry the company brand. Alongside professionally printed letterhead paper and printed envelopes, Vital Concept Print can ensure that all your stationery products work to promote your image not dilute it.


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Mancunian MC Sangy releases his debut solo EP through Bare Noise Records, and 'Second Best' is a tight, concise and energetic project. The EP highlights a variety of electronic influences in the production, courtesy of Jack Red Eye, and Sangy's laid-back delivery, which is still powerful and decisive, makes for a unique sound storming out of Manchester's thriving underground.
Sangy sets things off with the EP's title-track, and the subtle electronic production and passionate hook make for an early ear-grabber. The Mancunian spitter raps "It's raining, that's just Manny. 'Round here there's no sun laddy. Northern, nothing like Max and Paddy. It's more like rats and cats and alleys", and his calm delivery makes his words land with impact and force over the textured instrumental. The intense, upbeat 'Blind' is great too, and Sangy demonstrates an impressive songwriting skill set with an effective and memorable chorus. The minimalistic electronic influence in the Drum & Bass-esque beat allows for him to convey the energy in his vocal performance, and the vibe is flawlessly executed.
The dancefloor ready 'No Place Like Home' is a standout; it's great how Sangy mixes the energetic production (which has definite crossover appeal) with gritty, deep lyrics and a hard-hitting chorus delivered with a low tone and gravelly delivery. He spits "'round here's full of bad lagers, absent fathers and Manc martyrs", and he represents his city proudly and honestly throughout the 'Second Best' EP. The grimy 'Scumbag' is an aggy, low-resonating banger with dirty synths and hyped vocals, and the EP closes with 'Why', which features solid cool production and guest vocals from Ruby-Ann Patterson.
With a consistent, bassy vibe with crisp, professional mixes as the icing on the cake, the 'Second Best' EP is a really impressive project. Sangy brings a distinctive voice in a busy market, and his unique perspective on electronic-driven hip-hop is refreshing and captivating. His delivery stands out, and his sharp writing is executed with classy, varied flows. This is one that will be in regular rotation for a while to come, and Sangy is definitely one to watch.
By Sam Bennett


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Non-standard Plastic Rollers Of Various Types Of Technical Analysis
In the traditional design of the conveyor, most of the production enterprises are using standard roller conveyor parts, to carry out production operations, the standard drum is usually in accordance with national standards issued by the standard specifications for the production of the drum. According to the production enterprises in the conveyor line on the layout of the production and production operations and other factors, the production enterprises can be in accordance with their own transport equipment required for the standard roller design drawings to be redesigned.
In recent years, to meet the needs of mining, metallurgy and other industries. Conveyor equipment is increasingly moving towards large, long distance and high operating rates. The reliability and economic requirements of large conveyors are also increasing, so the conveyor equipment, key accessories, such as conveyor belts, rollers and other accessories also put forward higher requirements.
Non-standard Plastic Rollers type of accessories are more classified, mainly based on the conveyor equipment to be divided in the production enterprises are common to: non-standard belt line series, non-standard speed chain series, non-standard chain plate series, non Standard Plastic Rollers line series, non-standard drying line series, non-standard assembly line series and non-standard automatic plane series. Non-standard Plastic Rollers conveyor equipment mainly for rivets, industrial ovens, drilling machines, lifts and other conveyor equipment.
Non-standard Plastic Rollers design is not as traditional process design standard equipment so simple, the standard roller design, is based on the production enterprises to produce the material to the specific provisions of the general design process can be completed by the production process. Rather than the standard Plastic Rollers is required according to the production enterprises in the production operations, is based on the production enterprises need to use the specific production sites, industry characteristics and the use of production materials, the standard drum to carry out an independent design, so non-standard Plastic Rollers Design, there is no specific design reference model.


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This is one of our favorite Christmas crafts – a Shiny Brite Topiary! We made ours in a Christmas teacup, but you could "plant" it in a holiday tin, a painted terra cotta pot, or just set it out with no pot at all. How To Make A Christmas Teacup Topiary Tools & Materials StyrofoamRead More
Shiny Brite Christmas Topiary
Vintage Yardstick Christmas Tree
We love primitive style so we couldn't wait to make our own prim Vintage Yardstick Christmas Tree from old rulers and yardsticks. We simply cut the rulers and yardsticks with a handsaw to make the tree, painted the rulers with chalky colors, then "decorated" the tree with brooches and buttons. Here's how we did it!Read More
Teacup Christmas Scene
We love making teacup gardens, so with Christmas coming, we decided to make a Teacup Christmas Scene! We found a cute little deer and the perfect sized bottlebrush tree. Then we looked for a teacup that would be just right. Here's how we put it all together. How To Make A Teacup Christmas Scene MaterialsRead More
Peppermint Soy Candle In A Tin
Looking for a terrific handmade gift for Christmas? Try Peppermint Soy Candles! We love making candles with soy wax. The soy wax melts in the microwave, so this craft is fast! And making the candle in a tin makes it a perfect Christmas gift or stocking stuffer! When we make candle tins, we always printRead More
Magnolia and Pinecone Holiday Wreath
We love making wreaths, especially for Christmas. It's the perfect time for a big, glittered showstopper wreath! Because we make so many wreaths, we've learned a thing a two. So we've got some great tips to share. One of our favorite tips for a big fancy wreath is choose three different sized decorations: something beautifulRead More
Shiny and Bright! Christmas Teacup Topiary
Make a Christmas teacup topiary with shiny ball ornaments! We love vintage Shiny Brite ornaments! We collect them at the flea market and find the at thrift stores too. You can never have too many, we think! If you don't have real vintage ornaments, you can still make this vintage style teacup topiary with anyRead More
Dreaming Of A White Christmas Shadowbox
It doesn't snow where we live, but we love the idea of a white Christmas — so we made it snow in a little holiday shadowbox! Create a vintage Christmas scene with an old-fashioned Santa amid drifts of faux snow. Materials & Embellishments Unfinished wood shadowbox, 5"x5" Artistic Appliqués small floral wood appliqué, 5½"x1" Full-ColorRead More
Purty Birdy Christmas Apron
This Christmas bird apron is so simple it doesn't even need a pattern. And that birdy pocket turned out so cute! Cook up a birdy little apron chock full of holiday cheer! Materials & Embellishments White cotton fabric, 1 yard Christmas print cotton fabric, 1 yard Red cotton broadcloth, 2/3 yard Red thread Green threadRead More
Oh Christmas Tray!
Turn old holiday china into a dashing mosaic tray! We love using old chipped china from the flea market to make beautiful mosaics. So when we found this Christmas tree plate for $2, we knew we needed to make somethin great for holiday entertaining. Oh Christmas Tray! How To Make A Broken China MosaicRead More


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09/09/09 is the last of the single digits for quite a while.
What a good day to celebrate, and to look forward to a day that will, literally, be dressed to the 9's.
The day itself falls on a Wednesday and both Wednesday & September have 9 letters.
The last of the single-digits dates for quite a while – 92 years to be precise.
It represents the last set of repeating, single-digit dates for almost a century (until January 1, 2101) or a millennium (January 1, 3001) depending on how it is counted.
According to numerologists, as the final numeral, the number nine holds special rank, and is associated with forgiveness, compassion, and success on the positive side as well as arrogance and self-righteousness on the negative.
Just for fun, take note of where you are, who you are with, and what you are doing when 09:09:09 am and 09:09:09 pm rolls around, and log it in a journal . . . or time capsule!
Here's hoping your day is the whole nine yards while you feel like you're on cloud nine.
Thanks for stopping by…


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ArtLung Posts tagged with frank-zappa
- While situating the new computer room (Sep 02, 2001)
While situating the new computer room, I find myself compulsively listening to two radio shows online (in RA)– Air Sculpture pt.1 pt.2, and Anthropology pt.1 pt.2 — from FZFAN. Frank Zappa's insights into the Award Shows, the Music Business, and MTV are as apropos as ever. He talks specifically about MTV as the point where…
- Q: What is AAAFNRAA? (Jun 11, 2001)
Q: What is AAAFNRAA? A: Anything, anytime, anywhere, for no reason at all See: Time Magazine Frank Zappa Obituary
- I really wish that Frank Zappa were not dead. (Feb 25, 2001)
I really wish that Frank Zappa were not dead. He was an American Original. He was an artist, a businessman, a writer, and an American who was always true to himself. One of his complaints about the culture of the United States is that we celebrate mediocrity. Zappa's theory was that the masses delude themselves…


text: Komandir RKKA #1 Posted March 11, 2012 My friend bought this medal, but I have some doubts about it. I'm not an expert on Turkish awards and quality of medal looks strange for me. Will be appreciate for any opinions about. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites


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Archived Maps of Germany
The country of poets and thinkers, Germany has given the world such greats as The Grimm Brothers, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, and Albert Einstein. Its mountains are as beautiful as they are majestic.
Though fraught with conflict at times, Germany has emerged from two World Wars as a leader in progress and innovation. Its automobiles are some of the best in the world. It's people are creative and industrious, and it is home to some of the world's most amazing places.
People come from all over the world to see the wonder and history. Our maps give you snapshots in time of that history. Boundaries shift, and are later redrawn through the centuries. If you did not know any better you would think you were looking at a completely different place depending on the year and date of publication. That speaks to the volume we have in our comprehensive Germany Maps collection. Spend a while browsing while you sip a beer or enjoy some Schnitzel. After all, according to the Germans, Oktoberfest is a celebration of spirit more so than anything. Therefore any time is a good time to indulge in your favorite brew.
Select any of these images and Lisa will paint it just for you.


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The South African | Gordon Glyn-Jones:
African art has been front-of-mind with serious international art collectors for over five years now. With this relatively new, international-level curated show, the publishers of Art Africa Magazine have brought this energy home, with a view to making sure local artists and curators benefit from the movement. The Fair is curated by internationally recognised curators: Salimata Diop, Uche OkpaIroha, Pierre-Christophe Gam, Thembinkosi Goniwe and Ruzy Rusike, and provides a snapshot of emerging and established Artists from across the continent and the diaspora… Read more
Image: Supplied


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Earl Godwin
The Man behind the Character
by James Hanna
Earl Godwin was the 11th century, Anglo-Saxon, "New Man". In a time where station of birth largely fixed where you were in society, Godwin pulled himself to the highest rungs of power. His daughter was crowned Queen (to Edward the Confessor) and his sons would become powerful and respected earls, while his eldest, Harold was also crowned as King.
Godwin was an accomplished warrior and politician. And he was clever - his cleverness brought him and his children to the summit of power.
His exact birth date is unknown but we can reasonably put it in the 990's. The son of Wulfnoth, a minor Thegn (a freeborn minor nobleman) and grandson to Thorkell (grandmother unknown). His descent was more from the Scandinavian orb than the "English" sphere, perhaps with as little as two generations in England itself. {note from Helen: Is it possible that his ancestors came over with the Viking invasions that gave Alfred the Great, King of Wessex such trouble?]
His early life was shaped by watching the incompetent King, Æthelred II (known as the Unready) fight a losing battle against the raiding led by King Sven Forkbeard of Denmark. Æthelred's major mistakes were trusting unreliable advisors, who sought power and status for themselves, and in paying the Vikings to go away. The initial huge sum doubled, then trebled with each new invasion.
Æthelred took in marriage Emma of Normandy, probably little more than 13 years old to his mid-thirties, the alliance intended to put a halt to the raiding. Norman is a corruption of the word "North Man" (i.e. Viking) – for the Normans were indeed of Viking descent.
The intention failed, nor, it seems was the marriage a happy or successful one. Their firstborn son was Edward – who as a boy was sent to Normandy for safety. He was to remain there until his early thirties. There, he would have met and known William, the illegitimate son of Emma nephew, Duke Robert. William – known to us as William the Conqueror - defeated the English, and Godwin's son, King Harold II, at the Battle of Hastings in October 1066.
After Æthelred and Sven Forkbeard had passed the mantle of leadership onto their sons, Godwin makes his first appearance on the world stage fighting against Cnut alongside Æthelred's illegitimate son, Edmund Ironside, in 1016. (Edmund was born to a concubine "common law" wife, but in English law he was not seen as illegitimate, although the crowned and anointed Queen Emma's two sons took precedence. They were still young children in 1016, however.)
England became divided by the "Danelaw" as a result of the stalemate that ensued. By 1017 Edmund was dead, possibly of wounds received in battle, and Cnut was the King of all England, as well as Denmark and later Norway and Sweden. In a shrewd political move, Cnut became a Christian and took the widowed Queen Emma as wife. It was remarked by his contemporaries that he very quickly "became more English then the English".
Recognizing talent, even in one who was previously an enemy, Cnut elevated Godwin to Earl of Wessex and permitted marriage to his Danish half-sister, Gytha.
Opponents of Godwin and his son Harold like to point out that they had no royal blood in them - English blood from the line of Alfred the Great, no, but Godwin was married into Scandinavian nobility – therefore Harold had Danish royal bloodlines.
[note: in Helen Hollick's novel Harold the King – US title I Am The Chosen King – she writes that Godwin claimed a watered-down blood line from Alfred the Great, a small touch of poetic licence.]
|Holy Trinity Church, Bosham
Until his untimely, though natural, death of a heart seizure in 1053, Godwin was Cnut's most trusted advisor, presiding over the most powerful Earldom, Wessex. Cnut gave Godwin a wealthy manor house on the south coast near Chichester – situated opposite to one of his own manors. Bosham (pronounced Bozzum) remains an evocative place to this day, and parts of the church that Godwin built remain standing.
Cnut's young daughter, believed drowned in the mill race was buried in the church. A stone marks her grave and a there is a statue dedicated to her.
|Queen Emma & King Cnu
Cnut died unexpectedly of natural cause in 1035 at Shaftesbury in Dorset, still a relatively young man. During the chaotic months that followed, it was uncertain if Cnut's son by Emma, Harthacnut, would return to England from Denmark to claim the crown, meanwhile, Cnut's firstborn son, Harold "Harefoot" positioned himself as the next King.
Again this was a case of a son born to a concubine common-law wife taking precedence over a son born to a Church Blessed union. Both Harthacnut and Harold Harefoot were legal contenders for the throne. The strongest man would claim the title – but for some reason, Harthacnut remained in Denmark.
Queen Emma was in a most precarious position, though as the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle states, "...Earl Godwin was her most faithful man." During this time, the blackest mark on Godwin's career occurred; he handed Alfred, one of Emma's sons by Æthelred to Harold Harefoot.
Emma had written to her two sons who were exiled in Normandy, and were, by this time, grown men, pleading for their assistance. Edward arrived in Winchester (the Queen's Dower Town) with only one or a few ships. Alfred headed for London with a small following. He was refused entry into the capitol so continued on a march southward – where he met with Godwin and his men.
Did Godwin hand the young man over to Harold in all innocence, believing he would be treated with honour as befitted a King's son? Or tired of waiting, had Godwin already changed sides from supporting Emma and her son Harthacnut? England was in a fragile state, and Æthelred had been a despised King – his sons would not have been welcomed.
Edward fled back to Normandy, and Alfred was subsequently blinded so cruelly that he died. This event would subsequently haunt Godwin until his death, but to have conspired with Emma and Alfred would have amounted to treason; he was truly in a no win situation.
With Harthacnut adamant that he had no interest in England, Emma fled to Bruges, and Harold was crowned as Harold I of England. He did not reign long, for died at Westminster in 1040, the circumstances are lost but it is believed he choked on a fish bone.
This time, Harthacnut returned to England, arriving in triumph with his mother, Emma, and his half brother, Edward. Godwin continued to be the closest advisor to the King until Harthacnut died, just two years into his reign, resulting from what might have been a congenital disease or simply from over-drinking at a wedding feast
Thus, in 1042 Godwin was to see his fifth King, Edward – later, in the twelfth century to be canonised and known as 'The Confessor' - take up the English crown.
Although Godwin was no longer the "trusted advisor" as he had been, but he was too powerful for Edward to ignore. His two eldest sons Swegn and Harold were made Earls, and his daughter, Edith, became Edward's Queen. Simply put, by 1050 Godwin was the most powerful man in England.
The blame for Alfred's death sat between Godwin and the King, however, and an uncomfortable situation came to a head in 1051 when King Edward had Godwin and most of his family exiled on a basis of treason.
There had been an unpleasant incident at Dover (the port was under Godwin's jurisdiction) when men of Count Eustace of Boulogne, a Norman who had been visiting Edward, got into a brawl with local men. Houses were burnt, there were several deaths.
Godwin was ordered to punish those English who had been responsible, but he refused, saying Boulogne's men had started the hostility.
The argument escalated and siding with his Norman friends, Edward released Godwin and his sons of their earldoms. With the intention of gathering aid, Godwin, his wife and younger children sailed to Bruges, Harold and his brother Leofwin went to Dublin, while Swegn went on pilgrimage to Rome (he died on the journey home) Edith was set aside and incarcerated in a nunnery.
It was during this time that proponents claim that William of Normandy visited Edward in England. Childless and therefore heirless, Edward promised him the succession crown, giving him two of Godwin's family members as hostage. There is no historical evidence to support or argue against this visit, although two members of Godwin's family were indeed transferred to Normandy - an event that would have implications later on.
[ from Helen:
1. It was not in Edward's power to grant the succession. At this time, Kings were elected – chosen – by the Governing Council. It was not necessarily the eldest firstborn son who inherited, but the man most suitable for the job. Again – implications for the future.
2. It is possible that William came to England. With the Godwin's gone the way was open for him. His great Aunt, Emma, was now elderly and dying – through her he claimed his entitlement to Kingship, so he very probably wanted to be seen. Also he was attempting to bargain an agreement of Marriage with Matilda, the daughter of Count Baldwin of Flanders. The marriage had been forbidden by the Pope, but William was determined to gather support. As his first cousin – and with his relationship to Emma, William would have very much wanted Edward and Emma on his side. I see no reason to doubt that he did NOT come to England. H.]
After attacking various King's manors along the south coast – Harold was doing likewise in the west Country (Devon, Somerset, Gloucestershire) in 1052, Godwin sailed up the Thames, with supporters from Wessex swelling the ranks, to meet with a stand-off with Edward and his other Earls.
In a moment that could have changed the course of English history forever, King Edward demanded that his army should attack Godwin.
His Earls refused. Civil war was a step too far, and maybe Edward's blatant over-indulgent friendship with Normandy was a step too far. Edward had to capitulate and re-instate Godwine and Harold as earls of Wessex and East Anglia. He also had to take Edith back as wife and Queen. If there was any doubt who was the true power in England before, now there was none.
On April 12th, 1053, during a royal feast (the close of Easter) Godwin had a seizure that would take his life three days later. Popular narrative claimed that this happened just after he swore an oath to the King that, as God was his witness, he'd had nothing to do with the death of Alfred.
From obscure origins Godwin Wulfnothsson climbed the ranks to the pinnacle of power in the late Anglo-Saxon England to become the father of five Earls, father to the Queen of England: father -in –law to the King, and father to the man who was crowned king after Edward died – Harold Godwinsson, Harold II, who died at Hastings fighting the invading army of the Normans led by Duke William.
History takes many views on Godwin, indeed he can be seen in many different lights depending on what view to take of his various actions. Was he a man who would stop at nothing to gain power? Or was he a man who held his responsibility to King and Country in high esteem and honour?
His meteoric rise to greatness, political impact and military power were all to have a significant effect on the last years of Anglo-Saxon England. That, and the fact that he was a remarkable man, is beyond question.
Earl Godwin is to be played by UK actor Lewis Collins in the 1066 movie.
Collins is mainly known for playing "Bodie" in the UK TV 1970's drama series "The Professionals"
You can read more about Earl Godwin in Helen Hollick's historical novels
The Forever Queen (US title) A Hollow Crown (UK title)
Harold the King (UK title) I am the Chosen King (US title - published in the US March 2011)
Helen is co-scriptwriter of the UK movie 1066 - and it was Helen who originally suggested that Lewis Collins could be just right for part of Earl Godwin.
Comments taken from original blog post :
- Helen is dead on with this book, with the exception of William the Bastard meeting King Edward in the early 1050's; they probably never met but "probably" indicates that there is a chance... and a little artistic liberty in making them meet adds to the story line. As an avid student of this period in time - I have read dozens of books on this period of time and the significant people involved (Godwin, Harold Hardrada, William the Bastard, the various Earls of England and their blood feuds etc... the politics of this ear rivals that of 1st century Rome) - I can say with certainty that while this is "Historical Fiction", Helen does an outstanding job in representing history as we best know it beyond the Norman "Propaganda Machine" - her words that I agree with . On that note, what is historical fiction? It is taking what we know, or what we think we know, and filling in the blanks... that is all. 1,000 years after the fact, centuries of lies and distortions (history is written by the winners and political slants to justify our actions after the fact are as alive today as they were back then) and ignoring the popular view - Helen uses hard and fast history as the backbone for her story. With that as the skeleton she does a first rate job filling in the blanks to make a story. Again, this is a novel - based on real historical facts - but still a novel. You are not reading a history book, but a story. And here too Helen succeeds in telling her story in an engaging manner that never misses a beat. You will be engaged from page one the the end... and the final pages will leave a tear in your eye and a picture in your mind that will not soon leave. I highly recommend "Harold the King" to anyone interested in history for it's own sake, those who want an alternative view (and very accurate) to what we have been "fed" about how 1066 happened or those who just want a good read. You will NOT be disappointed. -JNH Long Island, New York
- It is possible that William met with Edward in 1052 - that would have been the only opportunity for Edward to have "promised" him the English throne (as William claimed)- but I had a no choice situation. In the interest of writing a readable book, the meeting had to take place. Thank you for the support James!
- COMMENT MOVED FROM ORIGINAL POST made by - ANNE GILBERT William may have met Edward "the Confessor" in 1052. Or some have suggested he sent Odo over. I don't know. I do know, however, that Edward more or less promised the throne to anybody suitable who more or less stood around and listened long enough. William wasn't the only "candidate". So was Magnus of Norway. But that's another story. Ninety percent of the eventual tragedy of Hastings was Edward's fault. And it's just too bad the Good Dr. Freud wasn't around in the 11th century, because if he had been, Edward should have been "on the couch". Because, IMO, the guy was a definite "case". So was William, in his own way, as you have indicated, but that's another story. Anne G
- The very fact that Edward did (suposedly) promise the throne to William seems to me that he DID come to England. Like a child Edward was so easily swayed. The person who had the savvy to visit him in person, talk prettily and flatter him got the job. Godwine's mistake... he wasn't a backside licker! As for Bill & Eddie - Freud would have had a field day with the pair of them! :)
- COMMENT MOVED FROM ORIGINAL POST made by EDWARD I think you write well, Helen, on a fascinating era. I also think that the 'Anglo-Saxon' propaganda machine is currently going into overdrive today- part-driven by the extremist elements who enjoy hijacking 1066-era history for their own 'political' ends and street thuggery, despite not knowing much about history, which gets forgotten. But that's current flag-waving and 'nationalism' for you. Duke William probably didn't even meet Edward in England in either 1051 or 1052 (when Godwin returned to power), the Normans (William of Poitiers and even duke/king William himself) never stated this was the case, and were strangely silent on the matter. Only one strand of the ASC says he did visit in 1051, but which was oddly quiet for another, related, vital year- 1064?
- I just finished reading Chosen King and I absolutely loved it! It was so well written that it pulled me in and I couldn't put it down. I love how the story was told from the English perscpective and gave the reader the other side of the story. I don't know much about this period in history but after reading this book I am looking for more to read on the subject. I have also read Forever Queen and loved it as well. I look forward to any new books that will be written during this time period.
- comment from Facebook post .... Hi Helen was just reading your blog about Godwin and was wondering about his genealogy. I have read a book by Frank Barlow on the house of Godwin and he seems to be of the impression that Godwin's grandfather was an 'ealdr man of the western province's called Aethelmaer Cild and furthermore, their lineage could be traced bac k to Aethelred 1, Alfred the greats elder brother.He also lists Godwin as having a brother , Aelfiwg, the abbot of New minster and a sister Aethelflaed. Is this somethign you turned up in your research or did you discount this after further research? regards Paula
- I actually agree with you Paula - the evidence for Godwin's family being English in origin is stronger than a Danish connection. Sorry James!
- P.S from Paula.... if Barlow is right, Harold had a greater claim than ever to the throne, than William. Do you think the family would have known about this? It is never mentioned in the chronicles anywhere
- Is this a case of later chroniclers removing the evidence I wonder? After all - all evidence of Harold being legitimately crowned was removed (he as only mentioned as Earl, not King) It has often struck me as odd that there isn't any cntemporary cries of "but he wasn't of royal blood" Noticable by its absence?
- From Paula .... well there were some pages missing from Edith's encommium wasnt there, from the pat where she was talking about her family. Perhaps that is one of the basis the witan used for chosing Harold in the first place. Goodness we have stumbled onto something havent we!
- I'm just curious to know why you thought of Mr. Collins for this role. I think he's a brilliant choice (but I am very biassed).
- Hi Orphelin - I will ask the producer to answer you, but he's unavailable at the moment. I think the main reason is because the producer is looking for known actors who can make the part their own. From what I gather, Mr Collins is very interested in Saxon history, and I agree - he's perfect for the part! (And as an aside, it was me who originally suggested him to the producer *grin* - I'm biased too!)


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A boy walks up to you and shoves you. What do you say?
1. Why did you shove me?
2. Ow! That hurt!
3. What the heck was that for?
4. Uhh…I would appreciate if you didn't do that again!
5. Teacher!
If someone looked at you and just started laughing, what would you say?
1. Yeah, I knew that I looked funny today…
2. Uhm…Hello? What's wrong?
3. I'll just ignore him.
You and two of your friends are sitting at your lunch table, chatting about your favorite ice cream flavor. Another kid comes down and sits at your table. You realize it's your classmate from second period, the kid that always bullied you in elementary school, and still does. He insults you about your hair, shirt, and face, and one of your friends laughs. What do you say? Do you speak to your friend? The bully? Both? Type up your answer.


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Kids love 1 2 3: Sesame Street Slide And Learn Flash Cards. This unique book is a pleasure to read. My daughters who are ages 12 and 6 came home with a copy of 1 2 3: Sesame Street Slide And Learn Flash Cards from the school book store and after reading it together we wanted to share with you this evaluation.
Written by Sesame Workshop and it was published sometime in August of 2009 by Hinkler Books, Ideals Publications. The children's book is 15 pages long.
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Caroline invites to you to review her many testimonials and positive reviews below for each of her Makeup Master class and wedding makeup services:
I attended one of Caroline's make-up master class, I couldn't have been more impressed. Caroline covered so much more than I expected. She spent time to explain each step so carefully and was so willing to give her time to each person at the end of the class to give advice. I would HIGHLY recommend doing Caroline's master class, and look forward to Level 2 ! Thanks Caroline.Marita Sullivan
Caroline was so accommodating and fantastic on the morning of my wedding. She was waiting, set up and looking fab, when I arrived in my venue. She went above and beyond, even fixing my hair at one stage, and was a pleasure to have around! Delighted to work with her and will look forward to doing so again. Thanks Caroline!Lisa Tynan Quirke
Caroline was great on our wedding day. My make up was beautiful & lasted all day. I would highly recommend her to other brides.Georgina Ring
Caroline Bourke is one of my favourite makeup artists I look up to. She is an amazing makeup artist with a fabulous technique and her time management is on point ! Not to mention her style, Caroline's style is only divine . Never does she dress down on the job! She is so devoted, enthusiastic and about her job , you can tell by the pictures posted online and if you had the privilege of meeting her . She is always bang on trend with makeup and style and is always upping her skill(for example airbrush) I couldn't highly recommend Caroline enough!Vali Dilloughery Hooly.
Thanks a million Caroline. From the start of the day where you woke me up... Massive thank you! Caroline really made the day stress free and relaxed. My make up was wonderful so natural but so elegant and lasted all night too. You truly are a talented person and with such a professional manner and expertise in makeup. From the bottom of my heart thank you so much.Karena O'Neill
I've known Caroline for 14 years now ! Worked with her doing weddings and delighted to be back from London to work with here again ! Her makeup is amazing and we have so much fun working together ! See you soon Car for a busy year ahead.Aisling O'Mahony
I did one of Caroline's makeup master classes in the Cork International Hotel recently and I would recommend it to any women interested in makeup. I learnt loads of tricks and tips. Looking for to doing level 2 of the course next year.Martina Crowley
Hi Caroline! I appreciate you sharing with me your expertise advise on make-up techniques, all of which will be put into practise with Estee Lauder. Caroline Bourke make-up artistry is an ideal choice for those who are contemplating a career in the make-up industry. Thanks again Caroline.Sharon Houlihan
I attended a makeup class at my friends hen party by Caroline and found it to be very informative and accommodating . She had great tips and showed us clearly how to do our makeup. She did my makeup and found her to be precise and gave me great tips and is so friendly. I also attended her makeup master class and again informative and really enjoyed it. She was organised, friendly, went through everything with us. She even informed me if I'd any issues to contact her outside of class and she was willing to help. Her master class is worth going to and would highly recommend it to anyone who has interest in doing make up. She is lovely and cares about you the client in what you want and need. I'm going back to her next class and anyone else interested should too. You won't be disappointed.Elise Mc Mahon
Very informative class with Caroline. Was shocked to learn that after almost 20 years of daily make up wearing I had so many of the basics wrong!! The following morning I followed Caroline's tips for a 'flawless face' and even without buying any new products I noticed a difference in how my make up looked. Just by knowing the correct application techniques I was able to improve my look! Looking forward to attending more of Caroline's classes :-) Thanks a mil, you really know your stuff!Eileen Keane
Caroline is so good at what she does, her master classes are well worth taking the time out to do! Loads of helpful tips, tricks and advice! Had a problem with buying the wrong foundation in a shop, staff were unwilling to help so Caroline stepped in and got a satisfactory result from them! She went above and beyond! Look forward to her level 2 Master class!Ruth Carol an
Found Caroline's make up master class excellent last night in the Cork International Airport Hotel. Got loads of tips and product information which will be very useful. I highly recommend this class, which was also a very nice relaxing fun girlie evening.Lisa Marie Walsh
Hi Caroline-I attended your makeup master class this evening in Galway and was highly impressed both with your presentation of applying makeup from start to finish and the excellent tips you shared with the class in purchasing different products! Highly recommended!Sinead Codyre
Caroline also extends her thanks to the following ladies for placing their 5 star reviews on face book:
Maggie O' Doherty
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Marlies Reen
Lorraine Brady


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DETROIT – General Motors Corp. says it will offer optional radios with USB ports for personal music players on some of its 2009 models.
The new radios will allow customers to play music from iPods or MP3 players while charging many of the devices through a USB port like the ones found on most computers.
The new radios are available now on the Chevrolet Cobalt and HHR and the Pontiac G5. By the middle of the model year, they will extend to the Pontiac G6 and Solstice, the Saturn Sky and Aura, and the Chevrolet Malibu.
On many music players, including inexpensive ones, customers will be able to browse through the player's library using the radio controls and electronic display.


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Adults Only
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text:
Justly Mercy Humbly - Greeting Card
Justly Mercy Humbly - Greeting Card
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"Do justly, love mercy, walk humbly. Micah 6:8" with hand painted leafy illustrated elements
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Company offers superfast CAT16 technology
KUWAIT: Zain, the leading telecommunications company in Kuwait, announced the launch of BOLT Hotspot device for the first time in Kuwait, offering the latest superfast CAT16 network technology on its most advanced nationwide network. Zain's introduction of this all-new device comes as part of the company's developmental strategy, through which it seeks to keep up with the latest innovations witnessed by the Telecommunications and Information Technology sector around the world.
The company, being the leader in providing the latest tech products and services, is committed to offer the most advanced technologies to the Kuwaiti market. Zain customers can now enjoy the advanced CAT16 network technology with the all-new BOLT Hotspot device, which is offered for KD 1 only with unlimited Internet through the KD 16 plan, for KD 2.5 only with 2 TB through the KD 13 plan, or for KD 5 only with 1 TB through the KD 10 plan.
The new BOLT Hotspot device is the latest addition to Zain's existing portfolio of the most advanced Internet devices. Back in June, Zain launched the BOLT router that supports the revolutionary CAT11 technology, and now customers can choose the device that best suits their usage needs, whether professional or personal. Zain is keen on introducing the latest and most innovative services and solutions in the market to elevate its customers' experience and offer them convenience while meeting their unique lifestyles.
The company is also committed to introducing them with the latest and most competitive offerings, and will always aim at providing a superior experience on its most advanced network. The introduction of this offer highlights Zain's eagerness in keeping pace with the ongoing changes of needs and wants of its customers. With this latest announcement, Zain strengthens its leading position in providing special services and offerings designed for heavy data users.


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WalleyeThe best walleye fishing recently has been offshore from Lorain to Huron in water over 40' deep. The sandbar and the deep water to the west of the sandbar have been productive, along with 42 to 44' of water from Vermilion to Huron. Many of the fish being caught have ranged from 15 to 18" from the 2003 year class, but a few larger fish up to 11 pounds have been reported. Spoons or crawler harnesses trolled deep with dipsy divers, jet divers or downriggers have produced the most consistent catches.
Yellow PerchThe best yellow perch fishing has been 2 to 3 miles N of Geneva, 2 to 3 miles N from Ashtabula to Conneaut in 52' of water, 3 mile NW of Euclid Creek in 42' of water, and 5 miles N of the Chagrin River in 53' of water. A perch spreader tipped with shiners is the most popular set-up. Fish have ranged from 8-12 inches.
For up-to-date steelhead fishing information visit: http://www.ohiodnr.com/wildlife/Fishing/fairport/steelhead.htm
Lake Erie surface temperatures range from 55 to 60 degrees.


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GERMANTOWN, Tenn. -- Police are looking for the person who ransacked a Germantown condo and got away with jewelry.
The burglary comes at a time many of us are heading out for our summer holiday vacations.
"In broad daylight at noon when people are home, I work from home I actually, had just taken my dog out for a little loop around the block and he was able to do it within the time frame of me looping the block," said Allie Gay, who lives in the complex.
Barbara Ezekiel saw the commotion at the condo complex off Kimbrough Road, Monday around 1 p.m.
"I come out and I saw a police car and my next-door neighbor told me they had had a break in," said Ezekiel.
According to a police report, a Germantown Police officer showed up after receiving a burglary alarm call. He found the door forced open, debris on the entryway floor.
"Our neighbor had a security system and they were still able to knock the door down and unplug it, and that was concerning to me as well," said Gay.
The homeowner told police some of her Tiffany's jewelry was gone as well as some less expensive pieces.
While the break-in is unsettling, residents aren't living in fear.
"I've been here over two years, and that's the first incident we've had. I mean I'd rather it not happen, but it did and of course that's this world we live in," said Ezekiel.
This burglary and another theft from a home off Riverchase Drive Germantown Police are investigating come right at the busy summer travel time.
To help homeowners, the department does vacation checks; officers will drive by a home to make sure everything looks normal, and they'll check what cars are there and who should be there.
Gay says to help monitor her condo community, she's friendly.
"I like to know about my neighbors so I can help them if they're in need but also just so I know for my own personal safety."
While it's important to have alarms and other plans to protect your home when you go out of town, Gay had advice we often overlook: Stay off social media.
"I see so many people make the mistake of posting where they are or where they're going," she said.
Leaving your empty home a target for crooks.
If you know anything about this break-in, give the Germantown Police Department a call.
If you live in Germantown and are interested in a home check, click here.


text: 5 out of 5 star Rating Christmas presents By Dendy2 on January 5, 2014 I was intrigued by the twisted wire. I bought 2 of everything (7 different gauges, metals in all). One each for my daughter and one each for myself. So she got them as a Christmas present and so did I! Was this review helpful to you? Yes or No Flag as inappropriate


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- amynormanAsked on February 18, 2014 at 11:45 PM
Is it possible to change the number of submissions accepted on a form after there has already been one submission? I had two people sign up for my event in another way, so I need to change the form so that less people can sign up online.
Thank you!
- JotForm Supportashwin_dAnswered on February 19, 2014 at 02:22 AM
Hello Amy,
Yes it is possible. You can set the submission limit of your form. The following guide should help you: http://www.jotform.com/help/137-How-to-Limit-Submissions-in-a-Form
Say you have already received 1 sign up/submission and allow 10 more people to submit your form, you need to set the submission limit of your form to 11. Changing the submission limit of your form to 11 will allow 10 more people to sign up and after that you form will be disabled automatically.
Hope this helps.
Thank you!


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Yesterday I decided that i had sat around on my butt for too long and needed to go do something. So after radio check in I headed off up Kaiaraara Road for about 5km and headed in towards the Kaiaraara Hut down Forest Road.
As I left Akapoua Bay the views were wonderful. Started with a look at the campsite from the other side…
then as the road climbed the views got better and better…
After turning the corner at the top of the hill and starting to descend into Kaiaraara Bay …
After checking the website it appears that the Spirit of New Zealand was sailing this way.
As I wandered over the hill later she sailed out of the bay and away towards Little Barrier Island.
So on towards the hut and on the swing bridge I stopped to take some pictures of the destruction.
From the hut I took the Bush's Beach Track …
which meanders nicely along the foreshore and up over the ridge. Some of the slips along the way were huge!
From there I headed off on the Kiwiriki Track and then left that and headed up (and I mean up) the Line W track.
The first part f the track was straight up what appeared to be a washout but was nice and dry but a huge slog straight up, but once that was over it was a very pleasant trip through to the Forest Road Track. Seeing some of the HUGE slips on the side of the hills really sheeted it home to me the amount of utter devastation that was wrought on the island in June of 2014.
From there a nice amble down Forest Road back to the Kaiaraara Hut for a bite to eat …
And then a leisurely wander back to Akapoua Bay….
On the way back I heard on the radio the DoC HQ calling to one of the DoC staff and getting no reply. Suddenly DoC HQ called me and on reply, it seems that the missing DoC staff were heading up to Warrens Creek looking for an injured walker and that if I saw them I was to relay to them that the injured party had been picked up by the nurse from my campsite and taken back to the clinic. On arrival back at the campsite I saw that the DoC vehicle was still up the track so I headed up to relay the message. I met the two staff on their way back and passed on the message. The DoC staff member, who shall remain un named to protect the not so innocent, said that she really should have picked up her radio on the way out the door! Anyway have not heard anything more about the injury and did not hear the chopper come in so he/she must have been ok.
So another group of kayakers arrived yesterday. a group of 6 circumnavigating the island. Having a great time and enjoying it. Again an older group of very experienced sea kayakers. They are taking a rest day here today and have just headed up the Warrens Creek to the waterfall.
A washing day today so all done and hanging out in the glorious sunshine. not much breeze today so might take a bit more than 45 mins to dry today!
and while I have been writing this I didn't notice that I had acquired a little friend.
These little guys are so friendly and inquisitive. I am really impressed with them, they make some weird very un-duck like noises but are cute.
Looking to go for a paddle this afternoon and maybe catch a fish later!
Safe travels everyone.