text:
7 of the top 10 LEED® certified factories in Bangladesh
By Zulker Naeen
Bangladesh is grossing a silent revolution by setting up continuous eco-friendly factories. About 7 #green#infrastructures for factories among highest 10 are in now Bangladesh for scoring the highest standard. And each is #garment industries.
U.S. Green Building Council, #USGBC gives the LEED® certificate for green industries. #LEED stands for 'Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design'. Recently, #USGBC has published the updated list of LEED® certified Green #factoryconstruction, though newly industries are getting their enlistment regularly.
Top 10 LEED® certified factories in the world:
1st Position | 97 point |Remi Fashions.
2nd Position | 92 point |Plummy Fashions.
3rd Position | 90 points | Vintage Denim Studio Ltd.
5th Position | 85 points | SQ Celsius 2.
9th Position | 81 points | Genesis Washing.
9th Position | 81 points | SQ Cole Blends.
9th Position | 81 points | SQ Birichina Ltd.
To receive LEED® certificate, every factory has to meet 9 requirements. Those building materials have to be used, which emits less #carbon. Even, for further construction, the materials of brick, cement, steel also have to meet that standard. Within 500 sq. feet distance from the factory, there should have the residence, school facility, market, transport stands for the workers. This facility takes the workers less time to come at factories, which also helps to reduce fuel use as well as carbon.
To energy conservation issues, use of proper sunlight, solar power, energy saving bulbs has to be used. The factory arrangement should avoid the use of underground water by saving the rain water and water saving tap. A minimum free space should be kept also. The work environment should be friendly and up to date equipment should be used for manufacturing.
There is a total of 110 points to fulfill 9 conditions. 80 points on the 'Lead Platinum', 60-79 points for 'Lead Gold', 50-59 points for Lead, Silver, and the 40-49 points for 'Lead' in the certificate match. From Bangladesh, so far, about 32 factories has earned LEED® certificate for infrastructure environment. Many industry entrepreneurs are approaching to develop of #eco-friendly factories. In this case, however, RMG Industry is ahead of this rights.
#Green Factory Certification needs more branding, which may raise competition among the factory owners. They need to be aware of the LEED® #certification, as a lack of maintenance may also void the certification. It is heard that UGSBC may start their own office in our country or they may deploy a dedicated institution for this responsibility.


text:
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Reaching for the Sun
SmugMug Daily Link
I'm posting a shot I took Thursday that was in my blog yesterday and which several folks commented on. I just had to fix a few spots on the flower, so I did not just copy over the original but have uploaded the fixed version. Thanks so much for the encouragement that this one was worthwhile.
I was back beside the tobacco/corn field yesterday taking more morning glory and other wildflower pics. It's become an addiction this week. A determination to take advantage or the flowers while they are there before their blooms slip away to fall and then winter. The tobacco and corn are close to harvest, the morning dew is starting to form on the plants each day, and the butterflies and other insects continue to do what comes natural to them.
I kept hoping I'd startle a deer from the fields and one would run past me, but no such luck. With my camera set for close-up flower stuff, I probably would have missed the shot, like I did with the hawk, anyway but still I hoped.
I did take this combined corn and morning glory shot yesterday that I like much better than the one the day before. Still, it needs 2-3 more flowers clustered in the shot I think. At least today they are all looking at the viewer which is what I determined was not right in yesterday's shot.
SmugMug Daily Link
For papamuggger and webstersway, here's what I think is a cucumber beetle. In larger sizes, you can really see the pollen on his head/mouth. I've also been seeing a lot of sulphur butterflies up there, but they are so incredibly FAST. I have not focused much on capturing them. Maybe they'll slow down and I'll get lucky. (Note: papamuggers says probably a Soldier Beetle goldenrod s. b.)
SmugMug Link
For a few minutes yesterday, I was in love with how the stem on this morning glory curled away and into the frame. BUT, there's this huge shadow behind the flower that I never saw when I took the photo. Yuck! I spent 5 minutes trying to figure out in PSE if maybe I could fix it but no luck:-(
SmugMug Link
I kept noticing how beautiful the grasses were in the light and dew yesterday too. The number of interesting things on that small stretch of country road is limitless to me. I am only held back by time and poison ivy:-) I've been taking the kids to school a few minutes earlier the past couple of weeks. Really, we're back on time as over the last school year we kept slipping later and later. This new found time is giving me the chance to stop and take morning photos again. Still, it's always a rush to finish and get on with what I'm supposed to be doing!
SmugMug Link
Most of the shots this week have been taken in manual mode. It requires a bit of effort to control the light bouncing around off the dew and at that time of day. I love the backlight here, but somehow the petal details and color still seem not right. Another shot I thought I might love back on the computer but didn't...at least not for a daily.
SmugMug Link
Posted by Maryann Miller at 8:28 AM 2 comments:
Friday, September 9, 2011
Beauty Is in the Eye of the Beholder...
SmugMug Daily Link
I think with this shot I found a way to include a dried up Queen Anne's Lace in a pretty format:-) The geometry of those flowers lasts through their entire growing season I think. In the background is of course a morning glory.
When I took this shot, I thought I was going to like this the best and want to post this for my daily, but I was disappointed back at the computer. I had to crop it. I wanted to get closer, but there was a ditch with briers between me and the flowers.
SmugMug Link
I do really like this morning glory shot:
SmugMug Link
As well as this one:
SmugMug Link
which was my 2nd choice as a daily today.
This yellow beauty was close by. So many of the wildflowers blooming right now are yellow. This is common evening primrose:
SmugMug Link
I was excited by the insect on this yellow flower( wingstem or yellow ironweed):
SmugMug Link
As I was taking the shots, I clearly heard this red-talled hawk flying my way and then overhead. I reacted as quick as I could but not quick enough:-( This is the 2nd shot. In the first one his head is just into the frame. He continued on over to the woods a short distance away, and I could hear him but not see him.
SmugMug Link
Oh, and there was one last shot I wanted to show...the location:
SmugMug Link
It's rare for anyone to bother me out there. Sometimes folks on bikes go by and wave. I'm probably going back this morning. I really need my knee high boots!
I used this link to identify the wildflowers.
Posted by Maryann Miller at 7:01 AM No comments:
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Bitterweed (or Yellowdicks or Bitter Sneezeweed)
SmugMug Daily Link
This yellow flower is growing in all the fields in my area in central North Carolina (NC) right now. This shot was taken early yesterday morning when it was a bit cloudy out. Just as well to give this shot a bit of a softer and dreamy feel.
Apparently if cows eat this week their milk can taste bitter.
A continuing shot in my unofficial series of things that grow beside a tobacco (or corn or soybean) field:-)
Hoping the sun comes out today. We're at the point in the year where it takes a while after I get up to tell. Missing those mornings where the sun was already up when I got up. 64 degrees here this AM. The humidity is gone. No temps over 90 degrees in the 7 day forecast and night temps in the 60s too. Fall is coming!
Posted by Maryann Miller at 8:02 AM No comments:
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Tobacco Field View
SmugMug Daily Link
On the way home from dropping the kids off at school this morning, I stopped to take some pictures of the morning glories beside a tobacco field. I'm kindof bored taking flower pictures (hit me in January when I am dying to take flower pictures) wishing I had more opportunities for people shots or at least barn settings. I've been looking at this barn for years...daily. It's not much. I saw this one sole morning glory up high enough where I could get it and the barn in the shot and though I'd try to take some bracketed images for HDR and see what I could do with them. I've seen so many wonderful settings on SmugMug by other photogs where they compose some foreground object in front of a gorgeous background scene. I knew this would not be quite that but wanted to try anyway.
So, tonemapped, straightened, cropped, and a stray piece of grass removed, here you go.
SmugMug Link
My second choice:
SmugMug Link
With TD Lee past us, the sky was fantastic!
SmugMug Link
My favorite morning glory shot of the morning:
SmugMug Link
Posted by Maryann Miller at 11:35 AM No comments:
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Candlelight and Flowers
SmugMug Daily Link
I made a special dinner last night, and the table included a new vase and a new candle holder from the thrift store plus some flowers from the grocery store. Dinner (bottom round roast, broccoli, mashed potatoes, yellow squash and onions plus a no bake cheesecake) was yummy, and the candlelight sure was pretty. The new candle holder is a tall tube shape that you put water in with marbles/beads and flowers (submerged) if desired and float a candle on top. So, after enjoying the pretty light at dinner, I got to taking pictures of it after dinner. The flower I used in the tube was lantana that I cut from my mailbox flower bed, and some of the tiny flowers ended up breaking off and floating around the candle at the top. At any point, 100 shots or so later, I stopped and went through the bunch to pick out a daily and a few back-up shots. In the daily, those are 'mood' lights on top of my entertainment center providing some additional light in the background.
SmugMug Link
Poster Edges
SmugMug Link
SmugMug Link
When they say soak the bottom of the pie plate in hot water for 30 seconds before trying to cut and serve, they mean it;-)
SmugMug Link
I only note .5 inches in the last 24 hours. The rain from Lee is mostly staying west of Raleigh.
SmugMug Link
I am done with my week of being on call for work. Woo hoo!!!!
Posted by Maryann Miller at 7:58 AM No comments:
Monday, September 5, 2011
The History of a Statue
SmugMug Daily Link
I was taking picture of a writing spider yesterday, and this statue was closeby, so I snapped a few pictures of it too. I always wondered what the origins of these statues were and suspected that they were offensive and inappropriate, but I really didn't know. Back at the computer last night, I found myself really liking the contrast on this shot. It looks good to me in both color and B&W:
SmugMug Link
Maybe that in and of itself means something too. I thought, though, that I can't post it because the last thing I want to do is offend someone or post something that goes against my feelings that we are all equal regardless of skin color, religion, place of birth, etc. However, after reading the origins of these Lawn Jockey statues on Wikipedia, I decided to go ahead and post with the history so that we all might understand. Some of the origins are indeed associated with prejudice, however, others are a bit more noble. I'll let you read for yourself what Wikipedia had to say:
A lawn jockey is a small statue of a man in jockey clothes, intended to be placed in yards. Most today are white jockeys, but historically black jockeys were commonplace. The lawn ornament, popular in certain parts of the United States in years past, was a cast replica, usually about half-scale, of a black man dressed in jockey's clothing and holding up one hand as though taking the reins of a horse. The hand sometimes carries a lantern or a metal ring suitable for hitching a horse. Two traditional lawn jockey styles are produced, commonly known as "jocko" and "cavalier spirit". The former is of stockier build, with a hunched posture; the latter is generally slender and erect. Typically these statues are made of concrete but are also made of other materials such as poly resin and aluminum or cast iron. Despite being controversial, lawn jockeys are still in demand. Both styles are still manufactured and sold.
The black lawn jockeys often had exaggerated features, such as big eyes with the whites painted in, large red lips, large, flat nose and curly hair. These pieces were typically painted in gaudy colors for the uniform, with the flesh of the statue a gloss black. These statues are widely considered offensive and racially insensitive and many remaining samples have now been repainted using pink paint for the skin while the original sculpture's exaggerated features remain.
However, some accounts of the figure's origin cause some to see the statue as representing a hero of African American history and culture. According to the River Road African American Museum the figure originated in commemoration of heroic dedication to duty: "It is said that the 'lawn jockey' actually has its roots in the tale of one Jocko Graves, an African-American youth who served with General George Washington at the time that he crossed the Delaware to carry out his surprise attack on British forces at Trenton, NJ. The General thought him too young to take along on such a dangerous attack, so left him on the Pennsylvania side to tend to the horses and to keep a light on the bank for their return. So the story goes, the boy, faithful to his post and his orders, froze to death on the river bank during the night, the lantern still in his hand. The General was so much moved by the boy's devotion to his duty that he had a statue sculpted and cast of him, holding the lantern, and had it installed at his Mount Vernon estate. He called the sculpture 'The Faithful Groomsman'." The most frequently-cited source for the story is Kenneth W. Goings in "Mammy and Uncle Mose" (Indiana University Press), though he regards it as apocryphal. The story was told as well in a 32 page children's book by Earl Kroger Sr., "Jocko: A Legend of the American Revolution." Moreover, there is a 13-page typescript titled "A Horse for the General: The Story of Jocko Graves" by Thomas William Halligan in the archives of the Alaska Pacific University/ University of Alaska-Anchorage consortium library.
Charles Blockson, curator of the Afro-American Collection at Temple University in Philadelphia, claims that the figures were used in the days of the Underground Railroad to guide escaping slaves to freedom: "Green ribbons were tied to the arms of the statue to indicate safety; red ribbons meant to keep going ... People who don't know the history of the jockey have feelings of humiliation and anger when they see the statue..." Blockson has installed an example of the statue at the entrance to the University's Sullivan Hall.
Neither the Revolutionary War nor the Civil War legends are corroborated by historical records. Mount Vernon's librarian Ellen McCallister Clark wrote in a letter to Baltimore's Enoch Pratt Free Library: "No record of anybody by the name of Jocko Graves, nor any account of somebody freezing to death holding Washington's horses, exists in the extensive historical record of the time." Nor do any of the many historical inventories and descriptions of Washington's estate mention any such statue. Moreover, stories about the Underground Railroad using lawn jockeys as signals are rendered suspect by the fact that red and green as signal colors meaning "stop" and "go" (or "danger" and "safe") were standardized by railway signals during the World War I era.
End of Wikipedia Text
I think I like that this statue has the paint faded and that is has not been repainted. There is a blending of new and old.
Other things going on yesterday at our house were homemade pizza and oatmeal cookies and kids playing Smurf Dance Party on the Wii.
SmugMug Link
SmugMug Link
SmugMug Link
Vanishing Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
I used dried cranberries (Craisins) instead of raisins. Yum! And they did vanish and quick!
As for the writing spider...well the shot was just ho hum I thought:
SmugMug Link
Posted by Maryann Miller at 9:56 AM No comments:
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Glistening in the Noonday Light
SmugMug Daily Link
I took a ride down my favorite dirt road, John Adams, yesterday. In any season, there is always something interesting to take a picture off. I heard a red-tailed hawk but never did see him. The swampy area was very low on water as you would expect in September, but there were still a few dragonflies. I saw several wildflowers that I thought were very pretty too. The tiny size and delicate look of the blooms on some of them amazes me. This collage shows a picture of the best of what I saw:
SmugMug Daily Link
I thought the triangular tri leaf composition on the lower middle was really interesting.
The grapes are from Adams Vineyards. I hope to go back when the light is better!
Also noticed that the kudzu flower is blooming right now. If you don't look close, you'll miss it, but kudzu does have a flower:
SmugMug Link
I really appreciated Donnie being willing to accompany me on my photo trek yesterday and the good volleyball and dinner with the Kidd family too. These are the shots that warmed my heart yesterday:
This video is a real winner IMHO too:
YouTube Link
Posted by Maryann Miller at 11:35 AM 1 comment:
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)

subset: commoncrawl


text:
In a tiled-grating system, it is difficult to make two tiled gratings strictly coplanar. We propose and demonstrate for the first time, as far as we know, a simple method by which the longitudinal piston error between two tiled gratings can be reduced below , close to the influence of the environmental factors. The alignment precision of the method increases with the tiled-grating system's stability to environmental factors.
© 2007 Optical Society of AmericaFull Article | PDF Article
OSA Recommended Articles
Zhaoyang Li, Guang Xu, Tao Wang, and Yaping Dai
Opt. Lett. 35(13) 2206-2208 (2010)
Marco Hornung, Ragnar Bödefeld, Alexander Kessler, Joachim Hein, and Malte C. Kaluza
Opt. Lett. 35(12) 2073-2075 (2010)
J. Qiao, A. Kalb, M. J. Guardalben, G. King, D. Canning, and J. H. Kelly
Opt. Express 15(15) 9562-9574 (2007)


text:
Brett BEYER (AUS) was the first winner announced today, successfully defending his 2007 World Championship crown in the Standard Apprentice Master finishing the final day with a win and a second place. "I'm very happy. There wasn't much wind, maybe 10-12 knots, and the racing was very close as usual," said BEYER on winning an unsurpassed sixth Apprentice world title.
BEYER finished the nine-race series on ten points, remarkably finishing only once outside a top two results. In the two races sailed today, the Sydney sailor scored a win and a second. Rohan LORD (NZL) placed second on 20 points after his third and fourth places this afternoon, while Finish sailor Jyrki TAIMINEN was third on 22 points.
Orlando GLEDHILL (GBR) missed out on a podium finish, despite winning the final race, finishing the series on 29 points for fourth place. The Brit was runner-up to BEYER in the last two Worlds.
"My closest competition came from Rohan, Jyrki and Orlando. It was hard to spot the marks today," the 41 year old Sports Scientist said.
Was it a tough win? "Well, this is my best scorecard, so I guess that makes it look easier than it was. It was hard close racing, so the scorecard is a bit deceptive," said BEYER who trains hard throughout the year on top of undertaking Olympic coaching duties for Singapore, which qualified for the Beijing Olympic Games at the Laser Worlds sailed last week. BEYER was justifiably proud.
"I am happy with my series; it was close all the way through and a lot of fun. The racing was especially close with Brett and Rohan," said TAIMINEN, who went on to explain: "I haven't done a World's for three years. The first one I finished sixth, then fifth, then fourth. Now I am third, so next time I should be second," he laughed.
Jan 'Clogs' SCHOLTEN Wins Standard Master Worlds
After leading the fleet all week and going into day with a five point lead, Brad TAYLOR (AUS) was done out the Master World title today when Jan 'Clogs' SCHOLTEN (AUS) steamed home in third place to TAYLOR's fifth in race 8 and won race 9 in which TAYLOR finished sixth, to claim the World Master title.
This is SCHOLTEN's first time at the Laser Master Worlds but, as he explains: "I competed at a Laser World Championship during the 1980's, so I'm back to doing what I used to do many years ago."
CLOGS, who will turn 47 next month, said of winning: "I stuck to my programme. My starts were conservative. I got to know my rig and got better boat speed as the week went on, which allowed me to then concentrate better on what was going on around me.
"I was basically confident I had a chance after sailing at the Laser Nationals and Asia Pacific Championship, but I didn't know the internationals and I didn't know Brad. Having the breeze pick up in the last couple of days helped too," said SCHOLTEN, whose business Contender Sail Cloth supplies one of the Laser sail manufacturers.
"I have to thank my wife, as she has been so supportive of me doing this. We just had our third baby girl three months ago, so she has had to sacrifice quite a lot. I've also had a good support base from the Alfreds [Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club]. All our competitors shared a house here in Terrigal and we are all good at something - it's been a real team effort," he said.
No newcomer to winning, in the past SCHOLTEN, a well-respected helmsman and tactician, has won three Hardy Shield's (sailed in the Yngling), the 1999 Etchells Nationals and a Sydney Hobart win aboard Sagacious with Garry APPLEBY in the 1980s.
In a coup for Australia taking away the top three podium places, SCHOLTEN finished the regatta on 18 points, TAYLOR in second just two points behind and Peter CONDE, a Laser Open Worlds runner-up in 1979 was third, a further seven points adrift on 27 points.
A disappointed TAYLOR told: "I got to third place in race 8 and had a close tussle with Jan - we had a great tacking duel. I tried to get right, but he held me to the left and I finished fifth. In the second race I had a good start and went right, but there was more pressure on the left. I did well to get back up to sixth. I had a really good regatta though."
Andy ROY (CAN) won race 8 and scores second in race 9 for fourth place overall. "It was really nice, really beautiful waves, and up to 14 knots of wind. It was perfect conditions and I've loved this regatta. The committee and organisers have been very helpful and we've had great volunteers - well done. I'm glad I came to Australia," he said.
Mark BETHWAITE Retains Standard Grand Master Crown
Mark BETHWAITE (AUS), a 1972 and 1976 Olympic sailor today retained his Stand Grand Master crown following sixth and second places in the final two races. Second place has gone to Wolfgang GERZ from Germany who was only one point behind BETHWAITE going into racing today.
"It was a day of nips and tucks," said BETHWAITE, whose win this afternoon gave him his fifth Masters World crown.
"Wolfgang was after me at the start of the first race. It was a day of trying to stay clear at the start. It was exciting racing. I turned the tables on him and the hunter became the hunted. He came at me again on the last run, but I got him on the last reach. I gave him dirty air to hold him out and put two boats between us by the finish. That enabled me to win. Of course I am very happy," the 59 year old said.
BETHWAITE, from Sydney, finished his regatta on 20 points, GERZ was second on 22 points and Jack SCHLACHTER, in winning race 8, placed third on 31 points, just in front of regatta chairman Rob LOWNDES who was thrilled with his second place in race 8 that brought him home fourth overall on 39 points.
Peter HEYWOOD Wins SECOND Grand Master title
Peter HEYWOOD (AUS) the reigning Radial Grand Master World Champion has won his second world crown this afternoon after winning four of the nine races sailed, including the final race 9 this afternoon.
The Sydney sailor's worst result was a fifth in the one race drop series. He was not available for comment this afternoon, but said yesterday afternoon "I've got to keep scoring top three's if I'm going to win," and he stuck with that game plan.
With a final score of 16, HEYWOOD defeated his nearest rival, Brian WATSON, also from Australia, by a resounding 11 points. Peter WHIPP (GBR) managed to scoot home third on countback to Lew VERDON (AUS). Both finished on 40 points, but WHIPP had the upper hand with two wins on his scorecard.
Gill WAITING from New Zealand was the only female competitor in the Grand Master fleet and so wins the Women's World Championship. WAITING finished the regatta 23rd overall from 33 competitors with 173 points.
Peter SEIDENBERG Wins Three Great Grand Masters In A Row
American sailor Peter SEIDENBERG did not need to start today's one race in the Radial Great Grand Masters to win, but he did. "The conditions were too beautiful not to," he said. The 70 year-old American has won the past two World titles from Australian Kerry WARAKER - and that's exactly how it stacked up on Saturday too.
"I'm just so happy we got the conditions yesterday and today that we all imagined we would get here. I'm very happy with my win. I very much enjoyed the regatta. I expected Kerry to be my main competitor. He beat me in Brazil [2005], then I beat him in Korea [2006], Spain [2007] and now here. It's a very nice rivalry between us and I hope it continues," SEIDENBERG said.
SEIDENBERG finished on nine points, 11 clear of WARAKER with an amazing seven wins from nine races, including the final race 9 - the best score of anyone in the series. WARAKER did not get the hoped for heavier winds which suit him better. New Zealand's Tom SPEED came home third with a total score of 37.
James LIEBL Takes Home First Apprentice Radial World Title
An excited James LIEBL (USA) has won the Apprentice Radial word title on his first attempt at Terrigal today.
From the Florida east coast town of Titusville, the likeable LIEBL won the last race 10 of the series for a final tally of 12 points, beating second place John JAGGER (AUS) by a massive 18 points following two race drops. Richard BOTT (AUS) was third on 41 points.
"This is fantastic. It's a great place to sail and I want to come back! I didn't think I'd win; I actually came out here to work on my heavy air sailing, we don't get much of that where I come from. In retrospect, I'm glad it was mostly light, otherwise I know I wouldn't have won," he said.
"I rounded the weather mark in eight position and I saw Richard BOTT [the leader] carve his way upwind. I happened to be behind him, because none of us could see the mark, but Richard did and I followed him up and came back to fourth place [his worst race of the series], so you just say thank you and realise how lucky you are," said LIEBL who sailed so consistently he won five of the ten races sailed.
"I just want to say a big thank you to everyone involved for making this such a fantastic regatta. I got lucky a lot of times and I want to come back here and sail again," he said.
Alison CASEY Outstanding Apprentice Radial Women's World Champion
Another newcomer to the Masters Worlds, Alison CASEY (AUS) finished an impressive eighth overall in the Radial Apprentice to cart off the women's World crown.
CASEY, from a famous Queensland sailing family had sailed around 20 times in the past six years and came to the event with no expectations, but gave her rivals, both male and female, a run for their money, at one stage filling out third place overall.
With a final score of 60 points, the 36 year old beat her nearest women's rival, Justine ELLA, a local from Wamberal, by 26 points. Third place went to Swede Yvonne MALMSTEM (139 points), who finished runner-up last year.
"I was first to the top mark in Race 9, but couldn't find the mark [many had this problem in the big swell], then I got black flagged. I knew I had to fight back in the second race to have any chance and I finished tenth.
"It's been a fantastic event. I didn't want to peak too early - I peaked at just the right moment. I'm not the loser in the family anymore, I have my own world title," CASEY laughed. Both her brothers Stewart and Brendan, an Olympic campaigner won world titles in their teens.
"I was mentally prepared to do well, but I didn't know where I would slot into the scheme of things, not having competed for so long. My family has been very supportive and Brendan has been great helping me onshore every day. I think all the stars were in alignment. It feels brilliant to win," she said, "especially when it all comes together so well."
Mark ORAMS Wins Tough Battle For Radial Master World Title
A bit of Kiwi magic came to the fore today when New Zealander Mark ORAMS won a tight three-way battle for the Radial Master World Championship.
The quietly spoken ORAMS came home strong with a third and a win to claim the trophy on 12 points from his two greatest rivals, British sailor Stephen COCKERILL (17 points) and defending champion and 2006 winner Greg ADAMS (AUS) on 25 points.
"I feel relieved. It's been tough sailing all week. It's nice to win with a win! It was a bit stressful, because I couldn't find the bottom mark. I stood up in the boat for a while looking for it. I had a huge lead at the time, but the swell was so big, that unless you and the mark were on top of the swell at the same time, you just couldn't find it. It didn't help that the mark was orange and sun was right in your face," ORAMS said.
"It was good close racing. Steve [COCKERILL] won the first race of the day emphatically, and had he beat me in the second race, he would have won on countback with two race drops. I had to give myself a stiff talking to. I decided to just sail a good race and not worry about anyone else or where I was in the fleet," said ORAMS from Torbay in Auckland.
Christine BRIDGE Overcomes Reigning Champ For Women's Masters Crown
Christine BRIDGE (AUS) an Olympian from the 1990s and mother of three overcame six-time world champion and fellow Queenslander Lyndall PATTERSON to win the Women's Radial Master World Championship.
While PATTERSON, a mother herself, looked set to claim the title once more, BRIDGE, the 2006 Radial Apprentice world champion, started her regatta slowly, but took the lead in race 5 when she scored a fourth place in open competition.
Finishing ninth overall, BRIDGE's scorecard read 75 points, PATTERSON's 108 and 13th overall. Vanessa DUDLEY, recently returned to the class following an absence of over 20 years, finished a very credible third women's and 15th overall with a total of 112 points.
"I finished fifth and sixth today. I felt I should have beaten Lyndall. We are friends. She is good competition and very supportive. We train together and are living together here in Terrigal," said the mother of three.
"It was fun mixing it with the boys, because they were using boy tactics. I had to start thinking more strategically and I failed! I couldn't work out what I was doing wrong, so I rang my husband Rob and he set me back on the right track.
"I don't know if I can defend my title next year, as I have to get a leave pass from my husband every two years to do this event. We'll see…," she said.
Race Officials were put through their paces as breezes shifted between south and southeast, but it was a beautiful day in Terrigal, sunny blue skies and nice sailing conditions. Many were black flagged and disqualified today, having difficulty finding their correct course marks.
"We had 26 starts today, a record," said Principle Race Officer Tony DENHAM, following a number of general recalls and black flag starts.
In all, 367 sailors competed at the Laser Masters Worlds. Thanks go to the NSW government, sponsors, the participating clubs and the volunteers who do their job with a smile each day.
For all information on the Gosford Sailing Club hosted Laser Masters Worlds go to: http://aus08.laserinternational.org/


text:
All You Need To Know About Online Branding
Effective online branding can be established through a number of mediums including blogs, websites, and social media. However, in order to successfully build and grow your brand, you must create a consistent brand image for each of your online mediums.
One of the most important parts of online branding is to keep a consistent image across all of your online accounts so that no matter what path a visitor takes, they will always know when they're faced with your brand.
Guide People to Your Profiles
Avoid hiding your social media presence; instead, flaunt them by putting social media icons on your website and blog allowing visitors to see you are active on social media. By placing the icons on the header, footer or menu bar, you can be guaranteed that visitors to your website will see these and will be more likely to engage. If you send emails or newsletters regularly, add social links to your signature.
Be Search Friendly!
You want people to be able to find your social media pages and blogs with ease. Therefore, if someone was to Google 'Twitter' and your brand name, they should instantly be able to find your Twitter handle in the search results. For this to happen, make sure that the name of your brand name is the same as the handle or username of your social media profiles.
Engage with your Followers, Fans, and Subscribers
To build a strong presence on Twitter and showcase your brand's authority in your industry, you need to get involved with those who follow you. Some ways to engage include monitoring brand mentions include the use of Hootsuite which constantly update you with any mentions of your brand. This can be slow to start out with, however, by keeping posts consistent by asking for retweets, you're following will soon become loyal to your brand.
Create a Blog with Great Content
Blogs are an excellent and easy way to rank on search engines. The better the content of your blog is, the higher the traffic will be. Consider using tutorials, videos, guides and even interviews to draw readers to your blog posts. You want to know like you know what you're talking about, so don't write a blog on a subject matter that you're not confident about – readers will quickly pick up on this. Instead, you may want to hire a professional to research and write your blogs for you, providing you with spare time to focus on other areas of your business. Also, much like social media, if readers comment on your blog posts, ensure to engage with them by responding.
Use Customer Testimonials to Your Advantage
If customers have left good reviews of your businesses products or services, you can capitalize on these by featuring them on your website and even social media. Having real clients share real experiences instills confidence in prospective customers and gets your brand name out there.


text:
2 Corinthians 9 International Standard Version (ISV)
Why Giving is Important
9 I do not need to write to you any further about the ministry to the saints. 2 For I know how willing you are, and I boast about you to the people of Macedonia, saying[a] that Achaia has been ready since last year, and your enthusiasm has stimulated most of them. 3 Now I have sent the brothers so that our boasting about you in this matter may not prove to be an idle boast, and so that you may stand ready, just as I said. 4 Otherwise, if any Macedonians come with me and find out that you are not ready, we would be humiliated—to say nothing of you—in this undertaking. 5 Therefore, I thought it necessary to urge these brothers to visit you ahead of me, to make arrangements in advance for this gift you promised, and to have it ready as something given generously and not forced.
6 Remember[b] this: The person who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the person who sows generously will also reap generously. 7 Each of you must give what you have decided in your heart, not with regret or under compulsion, since God loves a cheerful giver. 8 Besides, God is able to make every blessing of yours overflow for you, so that in every situation you will always have all you need for any good work. 9 As it is written,
"He scatters everywhere and gives to the poor;
10 Now he who supplies seed to the farmer and bread to eat will also supply you with seed and multiply it and enlarge the harvest that results from your righteousness. 11 In every way you will grow richer and become even more generous, and this will cause others to give thanks to God because of us, 12 since this ministry you render is not only fully supplying the needs of the saints, it is also overflowing with more and more prayers of thanksgiving to God. 13 Because your service in giving proves your love,[d] you will be glorifying God as you obey what your confession of the Messiah's[e] gospel demands,[f] since you are generous in sharing with them and with everyone else. 14 And so in their prayers for you they will long for you because of God's exceptional grace that was shown to you. 15 Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!
International Standard Version (ISV)
Copyright © 1995-2014 by ISV Foundation. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED INTERNATIONALLY. Used by permission of Davidson Press, LLC.
You'll get this book and many others when you join Bible Gateway Plus. Learn more
Starting your free trial of Bible Gateway Plus is easy. You're already logged in with your Bible Gateway account. The next step is to choose a monthly or yearly subscription, and then enter your payment information. Your credit card won't be charged until the trial period is over. You can cancel anytime during the trial period.
Click the button below to continue.
You've already claimed your free trial of Bible Gateway Plus. To subscribe at our regular subscription rate, click the button below.
It looks like you're already subscribed to Bible Gateway Plus! To manage your subscription, visit your Bible Gateway account settings.
Upgrade, and get the most out of your new account. An integrated digital Bible study library - including complete notes from the Believer's Bible Commentary and the Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible (NIV and NRSV) - is just a step away! Try it free for 30 days.
Three easy steps to start your free trial subscription to Bible Gateway Plus.


text:
2019 UK Golf breaks from £79
Plan your 2019 getaway at one of our four Championship golf course hotels with breaks starting from £79* per person including dinner, bed, breakfast and two rounds of golf.
Set in acres of countryside all four of our hotels offer excellent dining options, modern amenities and challenging courses making them perfect for a relaxing golf escape.
*Offers are subject to promotional room & rate availability and date restrictions will apply. Prices quoted are per person and based on a Sunday night stay with two people staying in a twin room. Individual hotel prices may vary, please see specific properties for further details.


text:
"Next to trying and winning, the best thing is trying and failing."
L. M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables
L. M. Montgomery was a huge part of my childhood, I utterly devoured the entire Anne Shirley series and I'd easily say that Anne of Green Gables remains my all time favourite book to this day.
Anne's bookish and eccentric personality resonated with me in a big way, because in a lot of ways we were the same person. Though I wasn't quite as outgoing as Anne (read: completely introverted) I loved to read, use colourfully big words and daydream and throw into the mix that I was a slightly awkward, freckly teenager and you can see how I was able to relate to Anne so well.
My favourite thing about Anne is how unwaveringly optimistic she is. Though she is melodramatic and prone to bouts of despair at her core Anne looks on the bright side of life, no matter what the world pits against her. She isn't afraid of hard work and, in fact, seems to greatly enjoy it. Just look at her competition with Gilbert to be the top of the class, though she swore she would hate Gilbert forever, she relished in having the drive to push herself harder and, in the end, it allowed her to admit that perhaps Gilbert wasn't quite so terrible as she had first thought. How could he be, after all, if he was her equal match?
This quote, in particular, resonates with me, especially in recent months when I spent a lot of time debating whether or not to leave my last job. I did, in the end, but not because I was sure I would succeed – I had no idea if radically changing my lifestyle would be for the better or worse, but it was something that had to be done. In a world where we're constantly pressured to constantly be 'on' whether it's in the workplace, or on social media, I think it's important to hit pause and remember that real life isn't rose-tinted and sometimes things suck and they just don't work. It's what you take from those experiences that is the most important thing, whether you'll use that opportunity to learn from the lesson, to adapt, progress and grow.
All of this is hugely relevant to my life at the moment as well, I recently left the hospitality industry behind after 10 solid years of working full time. Now I work on a part-time basis, and last month I worked fewer hours in the entire month than I used to work in a single week in hospitality. Isn't that mind-boggling? So what do I do with my free time? Well, this actually. I decided that my change in career would be the perfect time to launch this blog and, simultaneously, I was slowly chipping away at getting work as a freelance writer. It is utterly terrifying and it might not work, this might crash and burn and maybe I'll return to hospitality – but after spending the majority of my life wanting to be a writer, it's worth a try if nothing else!
So what quotes resonate with you? Is there something you read in your childhood that has stuck with you this whole time or was it something in your latest impulse Waterstones purchase?
Lemme know by commenting below!


text:
Eco Update: Sri Lanka
The most common, and most fun, method of transportation around here is the auto rickshaw, also called a tuk tuk or a three wheeler. It's kind of a hybrid between a golf cart and a motorcycle and transports a driver and up to three passengers. I've had several tuk tuk rides since arriving in Sri Lanka so I was curious to find out how efficient and eco-friendly they are (or aren't.)
Since they are so much smaller than standard vehicles, they get much better gas mileage; typically 35 km/liter (or 82 mpg) of petrol and their CO2 emissions are about a third less. Older models have two stroke engines, which cause a lot of particulate (soot) pollution. Newer models with four stroke engines more thoroughly burn the fuel and are more efficient. The Sri Lankan government actually banned two-stroke engines in 2007 to reduce air pollution so most of the tuk tuks here should be four stroke, but I'm sure the old ones still slip through the cracks. (Source)
So overall, I can confirm are much more efficient and also cost much less than traditional taxis. And did I mention, they're just so much fun to zip around in? They effortlessly swerve right around busses, bikes, pedestrians, cows and whatever else happens to be on the road.
Living in the beach house sans air con, hot water and basic appliances also saves a lot of energy. They also cook in bulk for the house and the food seems to be pretty local. Lots of rice and noodles and pineapple. Sri Lanka has the best pineapple I've ever tasted by the way; the perfect mix of tangy and sweet. I also avoid buying a bunch of plastic bottles and just keep refilling the same one with the filtered water that is provided for us.
However, there is no recycling anywhere in the country. I seriously cringe and possibly even twitch every time I have to scrape food scraps onto plastic bottles in the bin because I am such a serial recycler at home.
The turtle compounds are 100% natural and sustainable as far as I can tell because all we use is sea water, sand and coconut husks to clean the turtles and the same plus a few tools to clean the tanks. I confirmed with our coordinator, Isuru, that the fish we feed the turtles is caught by local Sri Lankan fisherman. (I even get to feed some leftover fish to a smart, little kitty that I named Latte since she has milk and coffee colored fur.) The only environmental concern I can discern is the paint we use to add to the hodgepodge murals on the walls.
The garbage that accumulates on the surrounding beaches does the most immediate damage, so I bought some garbage bags in town and initiated a clean up effort. In around an hour, we filled five bags, mostly with plastic bottles, orphaned flip flops and pieces of styrofoam. Most people are just apathetic or ignorant or both here and there is trash everywhere. Each time I try to think about a solution for one problem here, it invariably leads to thinking about more problems and more possible solutions and can become an overwhelming and vicious cycle.
The only thing I was caught off guard by was a boat tour on the Madu River that we did last week. The boats are old with really crappy engines that smell and spew fumes into the air and water. And I know they're just perpetually running all day taking groups of tourists through the mangroves and to have their feet nibbled by fish. They also exploited a baby monkey and a baby crocodile for pictures (in hopes of tips), which I didn't like.
There is definitely lots of progress still to be made in Sri Lanka but I think I am staying pretty true to my sustainable traveling philosophy here.


text:
That's what the weather said. You know what 1 degree feels like? Cold, hard, bitter tears of pain. Your face will crack off. Your pinkie toe might not make it home. Permanently matted hair from pulling your wool cap down to your nose. Suicidal thoughts deepen when your dog has the runs and you have to take her out three times in the middle of the night. For the first time ever you wished you owned a pair of UGG boots. Florida actually sounds like a fun place to go. Shall I continue?
Beautiful snow-covered Water Mill
Arrow and Trudie on the opposite coast also enjoying the snow


text:
FREE SHIPPING ON ALL ORDERS!This handy set comes with a bucket caddy* made from durable poly all weather material featuring interior loops to secure longer tools and 30 outside pockets ranging small to large, to organize and store all your gardening essentials, including the transplanter, hand rake, gloves, and plant markers that come tucked inside. The 10 quart bag of PittMoss Plentiful Organic Potting Mix and 8" Boem planter in vibrant Calypso are guaranteed to make the recipient eager to get growing!
The PittMoss Garden Bundle Gift Set Includes:
Our New Product Is Now Available!


text:
Berta Sarrà
Hi, I'm Berta, I'm thirteen years old, I live in Barcelona and I study in Virolai school, I'm in 2nd of ESO. I was born on 20th of september. My parents name are, Ester and Xavier. I have one sister called Mireia, she has 17 years old, she also studies in Virolai school, but she's her final year.
I like listening to music, meeting with my friends and watching TV.


text:
Promote Your Company's Purpose, Values, and Vision
Of course, it's not enough to say where you want to go. You also have to develop a strategic plan to get there. This includes allocating the necessary resources — people, money, paper clips, what have you — to get where you're going. Most organizations develop a new strategic plan every three to five years. Building a strategic plan involves the following key steps:
Conduct a SWOT (short for "strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats") analysis of your current business position.
Identify the market(s), customer(s), and geographical area(s) you're focusing on.
Outline the objectives — between three and eight — you want to accomplish over the next three to five years.
Decide on the specific goals and actions to accomplish your objectives.
Budget for and allocate your resource needs, including human resources, capital resources, system requirements, acquisitions, and so on.
Develop your measurement tools.
Install a communications protocol.
Okay, you've identified your purpose, values, and vision, and developed your five-year strategic plan. Now what? Promoting, that's what. Promoting your purpose, values, and vision is key to developing your line of sight and fostering engagement.
Four Seasons hotel, for example, did not accidentally stumble upon the fact that the Four Seasons has a service culture. Instead, the Four Seasons understood the importance of promoting its purpose, values, and vision.
So, what is your company's purpose? What are its values? What is its vision? Can all your employees articulate these? Is there consistency? To boost the stickiness of your organization's purpose, values, and vision, consider adopting these best practices:
Build an internal promotion campaign with your purpose, values, and vision as the theme. The campaign should be repetitive (employees don't "hear" something unless they've been exposed to it 13 times) and employ all forms of communication: written, oral, videos, blogs, social media, mobile applications, town hall meetings, lunch and learn, posters, and so on.
Depending on your culture, make the campaign fit who you are. For example, Harley Davidson might include themes of adventure or rebellion, use earthy tones, and so on.
Sponsor a "Why We Work Here" video contest, in which employees create their own short films that incorporate the firm's purpose, values, and vision. Generation Y will love this idea.
Print your company's purpose, values, and vision on the back of everyone's business cards.
Boost your co-branding efforts by combining your marketing and sales efforts with your employment branding efforts.
Leverage tri-branding, linking employees, customers, and other key stakeholders.
Create a four-quadrant value barometer with "Performance" on one axis and "Commitment to the Firm's Purpose/Values/Vision" on the other. Use this barometer when evaluating an internal candidate for a promotion, raise, bonus, or pay increase.
Hire people who display specific behaviors and traits that reflect your values and culture. For more about pinpointing these key behaviors and traits.
Make your firm's purpose, values, and vision the centerpiece of its onboarding/new hire orientation program.
Incorporate questions in your employee engagement survey that not only reinforce your purpose, values, and vision, but also gauge employees' familiarity with your purpose, values, and vision.
Suggest that all organizational meetings include a "line of sight" agenda item, with purpose, values, and vision embedded into a discussion of the firm's business results.
Identifying your organization's purpose, values, and vision is an important part of defining your employee value proposition (EVP).


text:
Crags Health Care Tel: 01909 808082
Creswell SurgeryTel: 01909 809079
The surgery will now open 2 evenings and one early morning each week:
Monday 6.30pm to 7.30pm at Creswell
Wednesday 6.30pm to 7.30pm at Whitwell
Tuesday 6.30pm to 7.30pm at Whitwell
These 3 sessions each week are for prebooked appointments only.
During annual leave these surgeries may be subject to change.
Out of Hours Please telephone the surgery or you may prefer to ring the direct line number 0844 412 1105. Please have a pen and paper handy to take down instructions.
Test Results Results are available between 11am and 2pm. Please contact the surgery between these times
Flu Vaccination
For details of this years flu jabs please see the Practice Information link.
How we use your informationInformation about you and the care you receive is shared, in a secure system, by healthcare staff to support your treatment and care.
It is important that we, the NHS, can use this information to plan and improve services for all patients. We would like to link information from all the different places where you receive care, such as your GP, hospital and community service, to help us provide a full picture. This will allow us to compare the care you received in one area against the care you received in another, so we can see what has worked best.
Information such as your postcode and NHS number, but not your name, will be used to link your records in a secure system, so your identity is protected. Information which does not reveal your identity can then be used by others, such as researchers and those planning health services, to make sure we provide the best care possible for everyone.
You have a choice. If you are happy for your information to be used in this way you do not have to do anything. If you have any concerns or wish to prevent this from happening, please speak to practice staff or download the opt out form below, complete it and return it to the practice
We need to make sure that you know this is happening and the choices you have.
Derbyshire Information Sharing link:
You can find out more on the NHS England Care Data website
Copyright 2006 - 2019 My Surgery Website | Privacy & Usage | Edit | Staff Home | Site Map | Accessibility | Site T&C's | Service T&C's


text:
China Fleet Club HK - Post War Years
The China Fleet Club Hong Kong
The Post War Years
The China Fleet Club in the 1950's
COMMANDER C.S.B. HICKMAN, the former Secretary and Treasurer of the Club, who had been a prisoner-of-war, had volunteered to stay on in Hong Kong to assist with the reorganisation of the base and advise on the future of the Club. He felt that the N.A.A.F.I. with their greater resources should run the Club for a year while it was getting back on its feet.
This feeling was not generally supported and a meeting of representatives of all the ships present was held in the Club on Saturday 6th October 1945. The Flag Officer, Western Area, opened the Meeting personally, and explained the position of the Club before the war. He particularly stressed the importance of any decision made by Officers and Men present at the meeting. Their decisions would affect not only the welfare of their ships then in harbour, but the whole future of the China Fleet Club. Admiral Fisher then turned the meeting over to Commodore D.H. Everett, C.B.E., D.S.O. The Chairman explained the duties of the Committee which had assembled at Flag Officer Western Area's direction.
(a) That the Committee should be the Port Canteen Committee and deal with the China Fleet Club in addition to its other duties.
(b) That the Committee should merely be the emergency Committee of the China Fleet Club.
These proposals were voted on and the second was carried on the casting vote of the Chairman.
After further meetings and discussion it was unanimously felt that the Club should be run as pre-war: "by the Fleet for the Fleet". It was hoped that voluntary work would be done by ships' companies and that Canteen Committees would vote funds to help rehabilitate the Club. Admiralty was then approached for a loan of £10,000 for this purpose, but regretted that they could not provide financial assistance since it was the policy in wartime for N.A.A.F.I. to run Service clubs.
Following that news the sub-committee issued a report on Saturday 13th October saying:
"If the Admiralty will do the same for the Fleet Club as they will do for N.A.A.F.I., and the Commander-in-Chief will give shipping space for the Club, similar to that given to N.A.A.F.l., it seems practicable for the Fleet to run the Club". With this report adopted, a General Committee was formed, and the Club was back in action.
The N.A.A.F.l. had started selling beer in mid-September, although that was rationed to 11000 bottles a day. Tickets were allocated to each ship and beer sold to the lucky ticket holders.
The kitchen and restaurants were the first to receive attention by the "volunteer force" and started serving meals at the beginning of November. Towards the end of November local beer came on the market and sales increased by leaps and bounds, though spirits were not available until Christmas the following year.
The China Fleet Club was back in business!
Junior Sailors Restaurant
The following years saw a marked improvement in the financial state of the Club and redecoration, refurbishing and modernisation were the order of the day. It had been feared in 1948, that a reduction of income would come with the reduction of the Fleet, and Singapore becoming the Far East Naval Headquarters. But then the "Korean situation" blew up at the beginning of the 'fifties, and the Club found itself looking after large numbers of naval (including allied) personnel.
In 1952 the land between the Club and the Missions to Seamen was purchased for HK$230,250, and the building erected there became known as the Coronation Annex. It was opened on the 5th April 1954 by Rear Admiral G.V. Gladstone, C.B. The total cost of the annex was $861 ,068, which involved a considerable overdraft at the bank. But with typical farsightedness, good business soon cleared the overdraft.
The ground floor of the Annex was a large godown, which was initially rented to San Miguel Brewery. It served as their Hong Kong depot for seven years until 1961, when San Miguel had to move to the New Territories when the Club was forced to terminate the lease due to reclamation of the land in front of the Club. It was too difficult to transport beer across the harbour once the junks no longer had direct access to the godown.
The Fleet Club 1960's
On the first floor a four-lane bowling alley was installed and was immensely popular. The 2nd floor contained the Club's shopping arcade and the 3rd, 4th and 5th floors, Chinese Staff Living Quarters. The 6th floor contained the laundry.
It was in 1954, too, that the United States Navy Purchasing Branch approached the Club with the idea of opening a Purchasing Branch for American personnel visiting Hong Kong for recreation. Eventually the third floorof the main building was leased exciusivelytothem. The floor had previously contained dormitories, but with the reduction inthesizeof the British Fleetinthe FarEast, it was rarely used to capacity. The extra income was lust what was needed at that point in time.
1955 saw that well known San Miguel Brewery neon advertising sign go up on the roof, at that time, the largest in Hong Kong. "Long John" Whisky added their neon sign in 1960 - more income for the Club!
Renovation and redecoration continued yearly. In 1961 the exterior of the Club got a new coat of paint and colours - Desert Sand with Terracotta Bands and the 25th Anniversary of the opening, on 21St March 1959 was celebrated at a cocktail party in the presence of Sir Robert Black, the Governor of Hong Kong, Admiral Sir G Gladstone, Commander-in-Chief, Far East Station, Lt. Gen. Sir E Bastyan, Commander, British Forces, Hong Kong and Air Commodore T Holder, Air Officer Commanding, Hong Kong. Sir Michael Turner, Chief Manager of the Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank, and a Trustee of the Club was present together with the Honorable Hugh Barton, Managing Director of Jardine Matheson, and also a Trustee of the Club. The Commissioner of Police Mr A.C. Maxwell attended and Commodore G.D.A. Gregory, Commodore-in-Charge, Hong Kong and its Senior Trustee. Commanding Officers of all H.M. Ships in Port, Ratings from those Ships, the General Committee and others connected with the Club were there to help celebrate.
During the installation of air conditioning in 1964 a live shell was found two feet below the Reception Room on the Ground Floor. The shell, Japanese, weighing 831bs and 3'2 long, was removed by the Police Ballistics division. Doubtless it had landed in the Club during the battle for Hong Kong back in 1941.
Fleet Club Theatre
By the mid-sixties the balconies on the first and second floors had been glassed in, and together with air-conditioning of all the lounges and bars this added a considerable amount of space in the Club. Around that time the theatre, which was also used as a cinema, was closed down and completely gutted. A new floor was built, and an eight-lane bowling alley was installed on the ground floor and an air-conditioned dance-cum-tombola hall on the upper floor. Two new automatic lifts replaced the old manually operated ones. That project cost the magnificent sum of HK$1,300.000. It was opened by H.E. The Governor, Sir David Trench on 21st September 1965.
Junior Sailors Main Bar
THE VIETNAM WAR, however tragic, meant virtually a decade of "boom" years for the Club. American and Allied personnel used Hong Kong exclusively for "Rest and Recreation", and the Club, on the edge of ever-popular Wanchai, prospered. And with prosperity came plans for a new Club.
During 1970 the General Committee decided that the present Club accommodation was becoming outdated and expensive to run and maintain.
Meetings were held with, sometimes, monotonous regularity. But as recession reared its ugly head, and Defence Cuts came into force twas finally decided in early 1976 to remain in the old building.
It was another three years before the possibility of rebuilding was raised again, in 1979. When the future of the Services in Hong Kong had been confirmed, the Trustees met to discuss the Club's future. It was felt that the Club was well patron ised by the Navy and their families and also by visiting RN and Commonwealth ships and that its facilities were undoubtedly very popular with everyone.
The New Club 1980 - 1992
The new China Fleet Club - note the San Miguel sign replaced by Foster's beer sign
EARLY 1980 BROUGHT the next step towards redeveloping the Club and it was decided to go to Tender for a new Club on its present site, the winning Tender to provide temporary accommodation for a period of 3.5 years. Four companies tendered, with Sun Hung Kai coming out the winner. Although Sun Hung Kai later withdrew their tender, they allowed the offer of temporary accommodation to stand. Hong Kong Land then offered to take on the redevelopment, and this was accepted.
The temporary Club, situated in Sun Hung Kai Centre was very successful, if with somewhat reduced facilities, for members. Nevertheless, long-standing favou rites like Tombola, Folk Shows, and of course Mollie's Music Hall, continued to make their appearance.
The new Club was opened by H.E. Sir Edward Youde G.C.M.G., M.B.E., the then Governor of Hong Kong, on 31st May 1985 and occupied the first nine floors of Fleet House, a 25 storey building in Wanchai, on exactly the same site as its predecessor.
The Club contained a magnificent array of facilities and was fitted out at a final cost of some $43,000,000. The facilities included (from the ground floor up), a Reception area for hotel bedrooms, a multi-purpose Auditorium, Jewelry, Naval Tailor and Gift shops, three bars, a splendid restaurant with seating for approximately 200 people two squash courts, a Bowling Alley and Snooker room and two floors of accommodation totalling 38 en-suite bedrooms. Also provided were a Ladies and Gents Hairdresser, a Video library/souvenir shop and two floors of 50 shops leased to the United States Navy Contracting Department.
No expense had been spared during the fitting out period. From the elegant marble floors of the foyer to the real leather arm-chairs in the Kelly Bar, everywhere was evidence of sheer luxury.
The Club continued its previous role of playing host to visiting warships of NATO friendly Nations, and over the following years thousands of sailors from all over the world made it their first port of call in Hong Kong.
Thanks to the foresight of the architects and the project management team, the Club was able to be a little more ambitious with regard to the production of shows in the Auditorium. Consequently, besides the perennial Mollie's Music Hall and plays by local drama groups the Club now attracted performers from around the world. Among those to appear were THE DRIFTERS, MAX BOYCE, BILLY CONNOLLY, GERRY & THE PACEMAKERS, THE SEARCHERS, CANNON & BALL, JIM DAVIDSON, THE SUPREMES, DANNY LA RUE, SHEP WOOLLEY, THE STYLISTICS and THE BARRON KNIGHTS. The list went on and on and the shows invariably played to packed houses.
The China Fleet Club was functioning as it was always intended to provide a service and entertainment to the Men of the Fleet.
The ever-popular Tombola sessions continued twice a week, attracting members of all denominations, many of whom had come along regularly since the end of the war. Some almost certainly still seeking their first house snowball!
Membership was extended to include a wider selection of the local community and at one point stood at some 2,500 Associate Members. This meant that the restaurant and bars were invariably filled to capacity and business was brisk indeed.
In early 1987 came the dramatic news from London that it was intended to withdraw the RN from Hong Kong by 1992. It was at this point that the Trustees began considering the future of the Club, taking into account the certainty that, in any event, it could no longer operate after 1997. After much discussion at many meetings it was decided that there was little choice but to investigate possible sale of the building. This was done, first with the Hong Kong Land Company, the building developers, and later by Tender to all interested property groups in Hong Kong. When the tenders were opened later in the year an offer of HK$160,000,000 with 5 years rent free occupation of the Club floors of the building was on the table, and after much deliberation by the Trustees, was accepted. The effective date of the sale and lease back was 28th December 1987.
The China Fleet Club now had some £11,000,000 in the coffers. The next big question was what to spend it on.
Throughout the whole of 1988 the subject was discussed around the committee table and gradually a plan to build another China Fleet Club in the U.K. began to take shape. Location was the biggest problem but eventually a suitable site was found in Saltash in Cornwall, just across the Tamar Bridge from Plymouth. Architects and project planners were engaged to present their ideas and work began with the ground breaking ceremony on 14th April 1989.
It became clear to those of us who had known the Club in Hong Kong for so long that the name CHINA FLEET CLUB would live on.
Meanwhile back in Hong Kong there was still much to be done. The Club continued its business of providing a friendly haven for the sailors and their families from H.M.S. Tamar and the patrol craft and also to the many visitors from around the world.
Gradually time slipped away however, and in late 1991 and the early months of 1992 the Trustee's investigated ways of saving the Club in Hong Kong. Many options were explored and one by one were rejected, until it became apparent that without the support of a wealthy benefactor there was no hopeof keeping the Club open. If the Club was to remain after 27th December 1992 it would have to pay floor rental charges equivalent to something in the region of HK$4,000,000 per month. This sum was simply beyond the financial resources available and could not be recouped from the day-to-day business of the Club. It was therefore decided on 24th June 1992 that the Club would close, in accordance with a previously arranged contingency plan, on 30th November 1992.
The death knell had been sounded. A magnificent chapter in the history of the navy in Hong Kong was coming to an end.
As many thousands of Sailors will testify, Tombola at the China Fleet Club was synonymous with a run ashore in Hong Kong. It was perghaps fitting then that the last programmed event to be held in the auditorium was a Grand Tombola evening on Sunday 29th Novmeberi It was 'empty the coffers' time of the snowball fund which had been built up over the years by the regular players.
And so to the last day. That well worn cliche "end of an era" was never more appropriate than in these circumstances. The China Fleet Club, which had been a national landmark in Hong Kong for nearly 60 years, had closed its doors for the last time.............
Webmaster's Note - The British Colony of Hong Kong was handed back to the Peoples Republic of China in 1997 which would have ended the China Fleet Club's existance in any circumstance.
A special thankyou to ex LSSIG 'Rip' Kirby for providing the source material for this article.


text:
Arts Carleton Place - Carleton Place ON
Volunteering Opportunities - Visual Arts Volunteering Opportunities
Listing Contact: Email: firstname.lastname@example.com Online: Website
Carleton Place ON K7C 2V0
Arts Carleton Place is a non-profit arts organization dedicated to empowering artists and area residents through the arts. They are planning a summer community fundraiser with artists and performers in an idyllic setting. Stay tuned for further details. If you want to get involved, join as a new member or volunteer your expertise to make it happen. We need you to support the arts!


text:
Did you know?...
Famous world leaders Napoleon Bonaparte, Alexander the Great, Julius Caesar, Theodore Roosevelt, Alfred the Great, Charles V of Spain, James Madison, Louis XIII of France, Martin Luther, Paul I of Russia, and Peter the Great all had epilepsy.
And so did famous writers Charles Dickens, Edgar Allen Poe, and Sir Walter Scott. As did famous philosophers Socrates, Pythagoras, and Aristotle. Even famous artists Vincent van Gogh, Michelangelo, and Leonardo Da Vinci.
The same is true of famous actors Hugo Weaving, Danny Glover, Bud Abbott, and Richard Burton. And famous scientists Sir Issac Newton and Alfred Nobel.
In fact, over three million people living in the United States today have epilepsy.
Who is your hero?
A comprehensive list of other notable people who have or did have epilepsy.
Channing's Heroes
Chanda Gunn


text:
, DARKNESS VISIBLE: A MEMOIR OF MADNESS by William Styron
Random House; 84 pages; $15.95
The characters in William Styron's fiction struggle with guilt, fear, self- loathing, performance anxiety and alcohol. The main character of Darkness Visible also battles these demons. He is the author himself, who now answers the question, What ever happened to William Styron? Since publication of Sophie's Choice nearly a dozen years ago, he has been among the estimated 1 out of 10 people who suffer through episodes of debilitating depression.
By Styronian standards, this is a mote of a book. It began as a speech at...
To continue reading: or Log-In


text:
MS Office 2013 Online Course
MS Office 2013 Online Courses in Angola
This 2KO Angola Office 2013 course provides students with the knowledge and skills that are needed to use the Microsoft Office 2013. 2KO International delivers consulting services, in the IT and Business space, as well as being a training provider for IT certification and user level courses. Training can be any blend of bespoke, classroom and online learning.
Register for an Online MS Office Course Here
Our Online MS Office 2013 Suite comprises the following courses:
Microsoft Office 2013 - Access
Microsoft Office 2013 - PowerPoint
Microsoft Office 2013 - Outlook


text:
*Hindu Rights to Survive with Dignity & Sovereignty *Join Hindu Freedom Movement to make Bharat Hindu Rashtra within 2025 *Jai Shri Ram *Jayatu Jayatu Hindu Rashtram *Editor: Upananda Brahmachari.
Upendra Bharti | HENB | New Delhi | Sep 7, 2016:: Uncountable gallons of blood will be flown over the streets and roads in India. The Muslims will join to festival of Cow, Camel and cattle killing in India. They will enjoy the Qurabani and will scream and dance around the dying animals. They will perform it in front of the underaged boys so that they also perform this barbaric act and nuisance in the public as a custom for them. Every law and order will be violated and sentiments of majority Hindu, Sikh, Vaishnavite, Jain and other people will be hurt. The blood, skins, carcasses, bones, other deposits, foul smells of the decomposing remains of the cows and cattle will fill the air and every nook and corner. India will be turned as a most inhumane hell during the hours of Bakar Eid. It will grossly harm the favourite Swacch Bharat Mission of of PM Modi. But, these will not affect the mind of Modi and he will not obviously take all these matters for his Mann ki Baat. Millions of cows and cattles will be killed in the single day of Bakri Eid this year also as a very common thing on 12 or 13 Sept. But, it will be not the concern of any political party to save the precious animal resources of this country.
But, some Hindu activists and animal lovers have been united in Uttar Pradesh to stop this 'Qurbani Menace' in Bakar Eid and knocked the door of Supreme Court of India.
A PIL has been filed in the Supreme Court questioning the sacrifice of animals on Bakr-Eid and the validity of a provision of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, saying the practice was "cruel, inhuman, barbarian" and cannot be protected in the name of religion.
The PIL, filed by seven Uttar Pradesh residents, has sought the court's direction to ensure that no animal is killed during the festival, called the feast of sacrifice, which is to be celebrated early next week.
"Issue a writ, order or direction or declaration to the effect that the practice of sacrifice of animals on Bakr-i-Eid day is unconstitutional and same cannot be resorted to by any member of the public," the petition said.
The plea, filed through lawyer Vishnu Shankar Jain, has challenged the constitutional validity of Section 28 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act which exempts the killings under religious practices and reads: "Nothing contained in this Act shall render it an offence to kill any animal in a manner required by the religion of any community."
Shri Vishnu Shankar Jain is a promising, young Hindu and practicing lawyer in the Supreme Court of India and son of veteran lawyer Advocate Harishankar Jain. Hari Shankar Jain is famous for his Ramjanmabhoomi case and was the counsel for VHP in this regard.
"Issue a writ, order or direction striking down Section 28 of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 as unconditional, being ultra vires to Article 14,21 and 25 of the Constitution," it said.
The PIL has made Ministries of Home Affairs, Law and Justice and Environment and Forest and Animal Welfare Board of India as parties.
"Tendency to sacrifice animals, even on roads and public places, are developing fast every year on Bakr-Eid in the most uncouth and inhuman manner and litres of blood is spread at public places affecting the sentiments of public at large," the plea said.
"It is most respectfully submitted that animals sacrifice on Bakr-Eid day is cruel, inhuman, barbarian, decency and morality and the same cannot be protected in the name of religion as such practice is in violation of Article 14, 21 and 25 of the Constitution of India," it said.


text:
Click for larger image
- Details
Bamboo soft feel black T-shirt with Panda design and Biffy Clyro logo on the back.
- Mehr
- Bamboo soft feel T-shirt
Please visit our FAQs page to see if your question has already been answered.
There is a link to our contact us form at the bottom if you still need your question answered.


text:
You should be conscious of many details about the Gem Resi before you purchase it. Make sure that you are making the right choice about a Gem Residences by knowing as much as possible. This short article will provide a wealth of information that you could use to guarantee that your Gem Toa Payoh buying experience will probably be positive and productive instead of a complete disaster. The following general directions can assist you become a proud Gem Residences owner.
In the event that you're thinking about obtaining land, it is a smart thought to dependably be sure that you comprehend what you're getting yourself into. Even though acquiring Gem Resi is one way to accumulate wealth, you have to consider that it will cost to maintain your investment. This is especially true when unexpected issues like repairs and plumbing come into the picture, and there's no landlord to turn to. It is a perfect idea to have a savings for a rainy day.
What can the internet gives you a clue about property purchase?
Even though the internet gives buyers an unprecedented access to the Gem Resi listings, there are mostly newer buyers who are extremely urged to use a professional agent. If you could find one, hire an exclusive buyer agent. To help with approaches during the bidding process, attempt to find an agent who will have your best interests at heart. You do not want to commit any obvious errors, because buying a Gem Residences is a significant decision.
It's not a great idea to make huge purchases or move your money around 3-6 months before you decide to buy a new Gem Resi. It's also not smart to take big chances when it comes to your credit profile. In order to get you the very best loan possible, moneylenders will want to know that you're dependable and will need to see a complete paper trail to see that. If you do things like opening up new accounts, or buying expensive items, it'll get you far away from a loan approval.
Get a rough idea on the costly on Gem Resi
To understand your insurance charges, think about the area that you plan on living in. You can call an agent to find out more info about insurance fees. You won't be required to have the insurance and you will probably be left with a firm idea of your estimated payments with this Gem Resi. Knowing the differences between local tax law can have an impact on your purchase.
Try not to focus on trying to time the market and comprehend when is really the best time to buy. It is tricky to attempt and figure the right economic situation. It's optimal to buy when you find a Gem Resi that you both love and can afford. The Gem Residences cycle is usually going up and down, so remember that today's situation can change drastically tomorrow.


text:
It only takes a lollipop moment to impact someone's life. Whether it is a negative experience or a positive experience, a moment is all it takes to make an impact. Even if one is impacted negatively, it often turns into a moment that may shape our lives for the better!
My lollipop moment that changed my life…..
Roughly two years ago I lost a friend that was near and dear to me. He went before his time and it was truly unfortunate to lose such an amazing person on this earth. At the funeral, a person got up and spoke about our friend. I remember feeling moved by the way in which this person was speaking about our friend. This person's life was forever impacted and changed as my life was changed in this exact moment. For the first time in my life I realized that I was not living up to my potential and that somewhere deep down inside me there was passion and purpose waiting to be discovered.
The next day, I pulled myself together and went to work. I was a business manager for a wealth management firm in Denver. I was on my way to the top! If I stayed focused and kept working hard I would be making a very nice salary in no time. What an amazing future right, wrong! There was a void in my heart that was becoming more and more prominent. A voice inside me kept saying, this isn't you. That very day, there were other (negative) moments in the office that shaped my decision to change the direction of my life. I knew I was a person that did not exist for others and that I could no longer feed the ego of a man whose boastful character clouded his sense of humanity. I quit, and never looked back.
"What greater wealth is there than to own your own life and spend it on growing." Atlas Shrugged
Currently, I am the owner of SMASH Beauty Bar that specializes in makeup artistry in Denver, Colorado. Our mission is to enhance your natural beauty that radiates from within. By striking a balance between mind, body and spirit, we capture the essence of femininity in its purest form. Our technique allows us to illuminate individual style, drawing from your strength, courage, confidence, and inner light. Smash beauty bar isn't about covering or hiding your face; it's about bringing your truest self to life and celebrating the beauty that is you.
It takes a fair amount of courage to change your life in such a drastic manner. To stop climbing the corporate ladder and to do something you know in your heart to be honest and true, takes an endless amount of courage that cannot be summed up in words. But if the fire is lit inside you, may you always keep it lit and never for any moment allow it to dwindle out. Life is not to be stumbled upon, rather it should be lived in the most honest and pure of intentions with a clear and conscious manner.
Now, you may be wondering why I am referring to this moment as my "lollipop" moment, right? There is a TED Talk regarding a lollipop moment that I want to encourage everyone to watch. Perhaps, this will be your lollipop moment and life as you know it will be changed forever.
What's your lollipop moment?…


text:
Download popular TV Show King's Game - The Animation season 1,2 complete, easy and safe, without torrents. | MKV AVI MP4 | Online stream
King's Game - The Animation seasons list:
TV Show King's Game - The Animation season 1,2 complete seasons with full episodes available for free download, no torrents and pop Ads, only direct download links are listed here, mobile and tablet support. AT-X,Tokyo MX,BS11 Episodes are uploaded in mp4|avi|mkv formats. Quality: 480p|720p|1080p Full HD | Free Stream
King's Game - The Animation screencaps
The events of the animated series introduce people to the Nubuck Kanazawa – a high school student, whose life has just changed significantly. This is due to the transfer to a new school and the ominous events that happened to him in the previous one. Classmates try to make friends with a beginner, but he does not admit anyone to himself, in an aggressive manner, making it clear that he is not interested in friendship. With one of classmates hero all -??? converges. This girl named Naziha who shows interest in him. At first her teen not accept, but after learning that the girl killed the parents, he starts a friendship with her. The situation with the mood Nubuck starts to become clear when the guys from his class receives a mysterious email of the user from an unknown sender, who calls himself King. Classmates laugh at the letters and Nubuck suddenly falls into a state of uncontrollable fear and trying to convince everyone that what is written is true. And if you do not comply with the order of the King, then you can expect severe punishment, up to death. The guy knows this firsthand: he has already participated in such a "game" and lost his beloved girl. But now to him no one listens, so victims avoid not tickles.
All Seasons of King's Game - The Animation by AT-X,Tokyo MX,BS11, download and watch online(stream) without registration1 seasons
King's Game - The Animation Season 112 EpisodesDownload


text:
Leaving Cert French, or any language subject can be a total nightmare if you're not a "languages person". I will admit, if languages are not your thing, you will find it hard to get a H1 in this but there are still ways of getting a good mark by just following some simple steps and studying effectively. If you are a languages person, then great! You have a great advantage and the tips and guide below should just ensure you get that H1.
If you dont have time to read all of this blog, you can now listen to the Studyclix Podcast, where Eimear and Nessa talk about how to get a H1 in French; from orals to vocab learning, they share all their top tips on how to succeed! Listen here:
Surround yourself with French
If you despise the language this might be torture for you but a great way of improving your French without even really trying is by just casually having the French language around you. For example having a French radio station on in the background or read a French news article. It doesn't have to be boring stuff that you don't care about, some French songs are actually really good and there are funny French Youtubers out there too that make the learning process easy and fun.
Realise that you have to do a lot of your own work
Languages different from other subjects in that you're always learning, there's no end to it or to learning certain topics off and that's it. You have to constantly maintain your level of French by practising otherwise you'll just forget it all. Therefore, it's not good enough to just do the classword and homework if you want to do really well in this subject. You need to take it upon yourself to keep up the practise and work at home and make sure none of your vocab or grammar skills slip.
Practice the Listening Comprehensions
Lots of students forget to properly prepare for the listening comprehension which takes up the first 40 minutes of the French exam in June. Check out the AURAL pages on Studyclix which will allow you to listen to the audio while you view the questions and answers. If you practice a few years worth of questions you will see the same vocabulary comes up over and over again.
Listen to yourself
Know how to study effectively
Because there's a lot to absorb, you really can't waste time with study methods that don't work. There are some tips in our other blog here and there are also many helpful students here on Studyclix that have lots to offer on their study methods, tips, etc. Check out our discussion forum here.
You can read my guide and tips on how to succeed in LC French by clicking the link below.
Good luck from me and the Studyclix Team!


text:
Elite Bridal Network goes back in time
EBN Does it again!
The 80s called. We answered. You may have missed it.
In case you did, the pictures from Douglas Lance aka Foto Noggin will give you the visual update.
The Pelican Grand Resort in Fort Lauderdale treated EBN'ers to a risotto station,
sushi station,
and delicious savory treats along with good old chocolate, vanilla, and passion fruit egg cream.
Mike Sipe Entertainment played old school tunes while everyone networked on Tranform Events comfy couches.
The South Beach Photo Booth Company came prepared with GIF's and photo strips true to the decade.
If you were tired, Café Ala Carte caffeinated us in traditional NYC blue paper cups (thanks Bonnie!).
Goody bags courtesy of PURE SPA at the Pelican Grand Resort. See you next month at Studio 23!


text:
The 'Burbs
As my husband and I seriously consider a move to a house with a little more space and a pool, I'm reminded of what the decorative compromises are when choosing to live in the suburbs. We choose to stay in our current neighborhood because this location and these neighbors are a great support to our family. But, how I wish the builders of these master planned communities would have given us a little more architectural detail rather than big boxes with soaring ceilings.
One easy fix is adding beadboard and beams:
Coastal Living
aaaaahhhhh....that's better.


text:
By clicking this button, you agree to submit your personal information to Stevens Van Lines and authorize them to communicate with you regarding your request and their services. Click here for our privacy policy.
(COLUMBIA CITY, Ind.)-Stevens International Forwarders is pleased to announce the arrival of our new Sales Executive, Kyle Gifford. Kyle brings with him several years' experience coordinating GSA and corporate relocations. His knowledge and industry experience will be of great value to Stevens.
In his new role, Kyle will be involved with nurturing existing relationships for Stevens as well as making new business connections. He will also participate in industry conventions and meetings in an effort to cultivate relationships.
Kyle's background includes time spent in a Senior Relocation Specialist role where he earned the distinction of being the number one provider for a well known, third-party relocation company. "We recognize Kyle as an extremely valuable asset to our team," said Lisa Beranich, Managing Director of Stevens International Forwarders.
Kyle graduated from the University of Northern Florida where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in History. He is a resident of Orlando, Florida and enjoys fishing, soccer, practicing Brazilian jujitsu, spending time with his two dogs as well as watching Jacksonville Jaguar and Florida Gator football.
Right now, get a free instant-quote when you book an In-Home Appointment on your long-distance move!
Get a free instant-quote when you request an in-home estimate for long-distance moving services.


text:
Suprise You-Tube superstar Susan Boyle has apparently been signed this afternoon to a multi-million pound recording contract following her performance on Saturday's "Britain's Got Talent" show.
Following the massive popularity of the singer since her appearance, it does come as little suprise that she would be snapped up with a large money offer.
What has come as somewhat of a suprise however is that the offer that the singer has accepted is to join a hugely popular band of Elvis impersonators in Las Vegas for the next five years.
It is believed that Ms Boyle will be playing the role of Elvis during the "Aloha from Hawaii" period of his life, starring in Cesar's Palace from July of this year.
"This is a dream come true" described the singer. "I have always been a fan of the King and now I have a chance to be him infront of thousands".


text:
We donate new smoke and Carbon Monoxide detectors to families in need by request. We also provide these detectors to Cottleville Fire Protection District crews, for distributing to families in need. Reach out to us if you believe that your detectors are older than ten years old and cannot afford to replace them.
The Cottleville Fire Protection District will also be happy to check your detectors for you to verify that they are working and not expired. You can set up an appointment to have them checked by calling 636-447-6655 ext. 8727


text:
Mkhuze Game Reserve Top Birding Destination in South Africa
Bordered by the uMkhuze River on its northern and eastern boundaries and forming part of one of South Africa's World Heritage Sites; the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, uMkhuze Game Reserve has a rich and diverse landscape which offers astounding bird-watching opportunities.
A look at uMkhuze Game Reserve, one of South Africa's top birding destinationsFirst opened to the public in 1958, the most prominent feature within the uMkhuze Game Reserve is the Lebombo Mountain range on the west of the nature reserve. Reaching up to 600 metres above sea-level the mountain range towers over the mostly flat landscape below it, as if keeping watch over all the wildlife below. The rest of the safari park is predominantly flat, with the freshwater wetlands of the large Nsumo Pan, Nsumo River and Umsunduze Rivers dominating the south east reaches.
Trumpeter Hornbills, Trogans and Pel's Fishing OwlsuMkhuze is considered to be one of South Africa's top bird watching destinations. Each of the diverse habitats within the nature reserve is said to have its own unique 'special' species. There are 450 species of bird recorded in the safari park.
Guests can go on a guided-walk through the fig forest near to the Nsumo Pan in search of Crowned and Trumpeter Hornbills, White-eared Barbets, African Green Pigeons and Narina Trogons. Gazing up into the trees one might also spot a Pel's Fishing Owl. The waters of the Nsumo Pan are home to South Africa's only breeding colony of Pink-Backed Pelicans and a visit to the hide located there is guaranteed to be very rewarding.
A Bloody HistorySpanning across 40 000 hectares of land, Kwazulu Natal's uMkhuze Game Reserve was first proclaimed a protected reserve in early 1912 but was de-proclaimed in 1939 until its proclamation again 1954. The period between 1944 and 1949 saw massive blood-shed as over 38 000 heads of game including Buffalo, Kudu and other wildlife were slaughtered in an attempt to eradicate the nagana (a tsetse-borne cattle disease). The carnage only came to a haltwhen more successful methods such as aerial spraying of pesticides were introduced.
Spot the Elusive SuniToday the wildlife park is home to some 90 species of mammals including 4 of the Big Five (there are no Lion in the reserve) and is noted as one of the best places to see Nyala. One of South Africa's rarest antelope, diminutive Suni, is found amongst the sand thicket area and patient game-viewers may be lucky enough to spot it. Visitors can also search for Black and White Rhinos as well as Plains Zebras and Giraffe while wandering slowly along the 100 kilometres (62 miles) of road network in the reserve.
Many of the animals can often be seen sauntering down to the watering holes, especially in the morning between 09h00 and 12h00 and visitors will do well to hide out in one of the 4 game-viewing hides where excellent game-viewing and bird-watching opportunities can be had. Visitors should not forget to look closely at the banks of the rivers and pans as this is where reptiles such as Nile Crocodiles can be seen basking in the sunshine.
Enquiries / Questions


text:
That would imply Samsung is letting go of nearly 10,000 people.
The company is reportedly targetting workers in areas such as human resources, finance and public relations. Beyond this, the company is looking to cut expenses next year as the pressure mounts.
Samsung recently "adjusted" the prices of the new Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge phones after demand was not as strong as previously anticipated. According to Bloomberg, Samsung's global smartphone share fell by three percent in the second quarter.
The company's sales sat at around 206 trillion won ($171 billion, £111 billion) in 2014 but are expected to fall to around 200 trillion won ($166 billion, £108 billion) this year as Apple releases another iPhone and updated tablets which continue to be strong performers globally, eroding Samsung's share of the market.


text:
WASHINGTON — Ken Salazar, a man of unnaturally sunny disposition in an often gloomy town, may be the happiest person in the Obama administration these days. He is going home to Colorado next week, provided his successor as interior secretary is confirmed as expected.
"I've had a glorious and joyful run," he reflected on Thursday about his four years at the top of the Department of the Interior and, before that, his four years in the Senate. "Coming to work, I've just been living the dream every day."
Mr. Salazar, 58, took over an agency that had been the scene of rampant financial scandal and political malpractice in the Bush administration and succeeded in restoring a measure of ethics and morale. He had the good fortune of suffering his greatest setback — the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico that laid bare persistent flaws in the agency's regulation of offshore oil and gas operations — relatively early in his tenure.
He hired an experienced former federal prosecutor, Michael R. Bromwich, to revamp the discredited Minerals Management Service, whose mission was to prevent such drilling disasters. Its successor agencies, although still short on money and staff, have tightened oil and gas permitting and regulation and have managed, so far, to remain scandal-free.
Mr. Salazar also escaped without serious harm from a second serious miscalculation — allowing the Shell Oil Company to begin exploring for oil and gas off the North Slope of Alaska before it had the equipment, personnel or management skill to handle the challenges of working in the Arctic environment.
Though Shell had repeated accidents and delays, no one was injured and no oil spilled, in part because the regulators at the Interior Department blocked them from drilling into oil-bearing zones.
"We told Shell that we were proceeding with the utmost caution and would be watching them every step of the way," Mr. Salazar said in a farewell interview in his expansive corner office. "The 2012 season was one in which much was learned but where we also stuck to the bright line of their meeting the requirements of their permits."
Shell has announced it will not be returning to the Arctic in 2013 while it repairs its drill rigs and beefs up its safety systems. The Interior Department has said the oil company will not be granted permits to resume operations in Alaska until it proves it has adequate oversight and equipment in place.
Mr. Salazar said, however, that the Obama administration remains committed to exploration in the Arctic, even as it tries to assure that it can be done safely. "It's important for us to know what resources are out there, and that's what exploration can do," he said. "But it's a long way from drilling exploratory wells to full-scale development."
He said that the greatest immediate challenge facing his designated successor, Sally Jewell, the chief executive of Recreational Equipment Inc. in Seattle, will be dealing with the impacts of the mandatory federal spending cuts known as sequestration. Those cuts will reduce the agency's budget by more than $250 million over the next six months and require reductions in Interior Department operations across the board, Mr. Salazar said.
"It will have an enormous impact," he said. Already, hours and services are being cut back at national parks and other public lands, and the department's summer youth employment programs will be cut to 15,000 workers from 22,600 last year.
Ms. Jewell, who skated through the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee on a 19-to-3 vote on March 21, is expected to win confirmation from the full Senate as early as next week. An avid outdoorswoman who has never held public office, Ms. Jewell is already at work in a transition office at the Interior Department, where she is being briefed on her new responsibilities.
Mr. Salazar said that among the unfinished items on his agenda was an effort to expand the public lands under permanent protection. Bruce Babbitt, interior secretary under President Bill Clinton, criticized President Obama in February for lagging behind his predecessors in setting aside lands for conservation. Last month, the president designated five sites to be protected as national monuments, including parts of the San Juan Islands in Washington State and 240,000 acres of the Rio Grande del Norte in New Mexico.