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Aurora Charter Oak Hospital accepts most major insurance plans, including Medicare.
Special note if you have Medi-Cal as your primary insurance plan:
Medi-Cal does not cover treatment at Charter Oak if you are 21-64 years old.
Medi-Cal only covers treatment at Charter Oak if you are under the age of 21, or age 65 and above.
Regardless of your age, Medi-Cal does not pay for certain services at our facility such as detox, outpatient programs, and our Recovery Center (RTC).
If Charter Oak is not a provider for your insurance plan, we will either make arrangements for a special rate, or arrange for transfer to another facility covered by your insurance plan. For individuals without insurance, our business office will work with you to make self-pay financial arrangements. Credit card payments can be made online.
Please call our Assessment Center at 877-674-7781 for questions about insurance coverage. It is important to know that Medicare, Medi-Cal and other health insurance plans all have strict guidelines for admission as well as what services will be covered in a hospital setting.
Our insurance plan contracts include the following:
- Aetna
- Anthem Blue Cross
- APS Healthcare
- Beacon Health Strategies
- Blue Cross
- Blue Shield
- Care 1st Health Plan
- Caremore
- Central Health Plan of California
- Choice Physicians Network
- Cigna
- CompCare
- ComPsych
- First Health
- Healthcare Partners
- Health Net
- HealthSmart
- Heritage Provider Network
- Holman Group
- Humana
- Inland Empire Health Plan
- Inter Valley Health Plan
- Kaiser
- LifeSynch
- Magellan
- Medi-Cal (ages 13-20 and 65+ only)
- Medicare
- Molina
- MultiPlan
- Optum
- PacifiCare
- PrimeCare
- SCAN Health Plan
- SecureHorizons
- TriWest
- United Behavioral Health
- UHC Military West
- UnitedHealthcare
- ValueOptions


text: [William J. Rugen was an employee of the Long Island Railroad Company who pursued photography in his spare time. He traveled throughout the United States and Canada photographing trains, and trading pictures with other railroad photographers. The images in this collection include Rugen's own photographs, and images he acquired from other photographers and collectors. Most of the photographs in this collection are of the Long Island Railroad., The photographs are located in the Archives at Queens Library, 89-11 Merrick Blvd., Jamaica, NY 11432, in boxes N45, N166, N167(negatives); P51, P52, P54 (prints); the digital images are available online., http://queenslibrary.org/research/archives]

subset: commoncrawl


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A chorus of fascinating and mostly thoughtful voices reflects on the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.
Kentucky native Hansen, a retired emergency room nurse and grandmother of 11, joins forces with her daughter, Laura, in the assembly of responses to a letter the elder Hansen dispatched in 1978 as a "quirky and idiosyncratic" homage to the Kennedy tragedy. The missive invited thousands of addressees to submit their thoughts on that fateful day and how the event impacted their lives. The response was overwhelming. Presented as graphically reproduced originals on the page, the book highlights the best of these letters. Canvassing such a wide spectrum of "famous, infamous, and ordinary people" resulted in a kaleidoscope of opinions and memories as well as a nostalgic glimpse back to an age of hand- and typewritten communication. Leading the anthology is poignant poetry contributed from a member of the Oglala Sioux Indian tribe, followed by vivid reminiscence from such luminaries as Edward Albee, Steve Allen, Ed Koch and Mary Tyler Moore. These sit alongside heartfelt verbatim exchanges from Minnie Pearl and prolific Southern author Erskine Caldwell and lighter moments from Walter Matthau and Nobel laureate Roger Wolcott Sperry, who heard the news as he was performing experimental brain surgery on a test monkey. The authors curiously include a less-sincere form letter from then–Vice President George H. Bush and omit a delusionary handwritten rant received from Charles Manson. They include dismissive declinations from Art Buchwald and William F. Buckley Jr. and a rather indifferent reaction from Academy Award–winning costume designer Edith Head. An unexpectedly riveting paragraph from Julia Child joins somber remembrances from state senators, governors, mayors, college students and distinguished actors such as Foster Brooks, George Burns, Claudette Colbert and Danny Thomas. With profound respect, the Hansens offer posthumous appreciation for an iconic American leader taken too soon. Other contributors include Arthur C. Clark, Ned Beatty, Hal Holbrook, Bob Hope and Pete Seeger.
A moving, wistful, uniquely entertaining tribute.


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Step outside next Friday morning, and you might notice dogs barking, birdsong disappearing and an atmospheric twilight passing over Scotland. Beginning at 8.30am on March 20, a partial solar eclipse is due to occur over northern Europe, blotting out much of the morning sunlight for around two hours.
This rare phenomenon, which occurs when the moon passes between the sun and earth, will be visible from a number of countries. Scotland offers some of the best locations for solar spotters, with maximum obscurity ranging from around 93% in Edinburgh, Glasgow and the Scottish Borders to an impressive 98% in the Outer Hebrides and Shetland.
Not only the largest of its kind visible in the British Isles since 1999, Friday's eclipse will also be our last chance to see a solar eclipse of this magnitude until 2026. Find out how and where to view this one-off spectacle and make sure you don't miss out.
Photo by Anders Knudsen via Flickr | Creative Commons
How to watch a solar eclipse
The number one rule when watching a solar eclipse, whether partial or total, is never look directly at the sun with the naked eye, with sunglasses, or through binoculars or a telescope. This can cause serious and permanent damage to your vision, even when the sun's rays don't seem strong. Don't risk it!
The safest way to enjoy this fascinating phenomenon is to buy CE-certified eclipse glasses or solar viewers, or to make your own pinhole camera, where the sun's rays and the moon's shadows are reflected onto a piece of paper or card, shifting shape as the eclipse progresses.
Photo by Stuart via Flickr | Creative Commons
When and where to view the solar eclipse
This year's eclipse will begin at 8.30am and last for two hours, peaking at about 9.30am. The exact time of maximum obscurity depends on your location; find out when you can expect to see it at the British Astronomical Association website.
With good conditions, the eclipse should be visible across all across Scotland. Keen astronomers might want to take a trip to the stunning islands of the Outer Hebrides, Orkney or Shetland, where obscurity will reach 97-98%. Cruise and Maritime Voyages will be taking three ships of passengers to the islands to witness the spectacle, and Sumburgh Head Lighthouse Visitor Centre and Nature Reserve on Shetland will host a viewing event from the foghorn platform and west seabird viewing platform. Be sure to pop into Frankie's in Brae, recently named the UK's No.1 Fish & Chip Shop in the National Fish & Chip Awards, for a special 'Eclipse Platter' afterwards!
In Dundee, the Mills Observatory will be open from 8am until the end of the eclipse at around 11am, offering a number of viewing options to help you view the eclipse safely, while the Torry Battery in Aberdeen offers an excellent vantage point to watch the spectacle. The Dark Sky Park in Galloway Forest Park, the only one of its kind in the UK, is naturally another ideal location for budding astronomers. Watch the solar eclipse from the park, or join the experts at Kirroughtree Visitor Centre later in the day for their regular stargazing event – you might even spot Jupiter.
Keep your fingers crossed for clear skies next Friday 20 March, and don't forget share your photos of the solar eclipse with us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram using #brilliantmoments!


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PISCATAWAY, N.J. (AP) -- Devine Redding gave Indiana the lead with a 34-yard touchdown run late in the third quarter and caught Richard Lagow's third touchdown pass of the game in the fourth as the error-prone Hoosiers rallied for a 33-27 win over Rutgers Saturday.
Lagow was 28 of 40 for 394 yards. He hit Ricky Jones for a 36-yard score and started the second-half rally for Indiana (5-4, 3-3 Big Ten) with a 40-yard TD toss to Camion Patrick.
Zander Diamont added a 59-yard touchdown run for Indiana, which turned it over four times, missed three field goals and two extra points.
Gio Rescigno, who went 19 of 36 for 258 yards, threw a 68-yard scoring pass to Andre Patton and scored on a 1-yard run for Rutgers (2-7, 0-6). The latter gave the Scarlet Knights a 24-13 lead in the opening minute of the second half. Darnell Davis also scored on a 75-yard fumble return.
Rutgers, which lost its sixth straight, led 17-13 at halftime - its first lead after 30 minutes since Sept. 17 against New Mexico. It took advantage of a fumble on the second-half kickoff to expand the lead.
Indiana's defense shut down Rutgers the rest of the way to beat the Scarlet Knights for the first time in three meetings.
David Bonagura added a second field goal for the Scarlet Knights in the closing seconds, but the Hoosiers recovered the ensuing kickoff to ice it.
There were 399 total yards in the first quarter with Indiana taking a 13-10 lead on Diamont's run and Jones' catch and run. The Scarlet Knights needed only one play to respond to Diamont's run as Rescigno hit Patton on the long pass.
The second quarter was all defense. Rutgers forced three turnovers with Davis scoring after a Zander fumble to put the Scarlet Knights ahead. >> Read more at SNY.tv...
© 2016 by STATS


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The Volunteer: One Man, an Underground Army, and the Secret Mission to Destroy Auschwitz (Hardcover)
"Superbly written and breathtakingly researched, The Volunteer smuggles us into Auschwitz and shows us—as if watching a movie—the story of a Polish agent who infiltrated the infamous camp, organized a rebellion, and then snuck back out. We are squarely confronted with the other human truth: ordinary people will happily risk their lives to help others. Fairweather has dug up a story of incalculable value and delivered it to us in the most compelling prose I have read in a long time." —Sebastian Junger, bestselling author of The Perfect Storm and Tribe
The incredible true story of a Polish resistance fighter's infiltration of Auschwitz to sabotage the camp from within, and his death-defying attempt to warn the Allies about the Nazis' plans for a "Final Solution" before it was too late.
To uncover the fate of the thousands being interred at a mysterious Nazi camp on the border of the Reich, a thirty-nine-year-old Polish resistance fighter named Witold Pilecki volunteered for an audacious mission: assume a fake identity, intentionally get captured and sent to the new camp, and then report back to the underground on what had happened to his compatriots there. But gathering information was not his only task: he was to execute an attack from inside—where the Germans would least expect it.
The name of the camp was Auschwitz.
Over the next two and half years, Pilecki forged an underground army within Auschwitz that sabotaged facilities, assassinated Nazi informants and officers, and gathered evidence of terrifying abuse and mass murder. But as he pieced together the horrifying truth that the camp was to become the epicenter of Nazi plans to exterminate Europe's Jews, Pilecki realized he would have to risk his men, his life, and his family to warn the West before all was lost. To do so, meant attempting the impossible—an escape from Auschwitz itself.
Completely erased from the historical record by Poland's post-war Communist government, Pilecki remains almost unknown to the world. Now, with exclusive access to previously hidden diaries, family and camp survivor accounts, and recently declassified files, Jack Fairweather offers an unflinching portrayal of survival, revenge and betrayal in mankind's darkest hour. And in uncovering the tragic outcome of Pilecki's mission, he reveals that its ultimate defeat originated not in Auschwitz or Berlin, but in London and Washington.
About the Author
Jack Fairweather has been a correspondent for the Washington Post and the Daily Telegraph, where he served as the Baghdad and Persian Gulf bureau chief. His reporting during the Iraq War earned him Britain's top press award. The author of A War of Choice and The Good War, he splits his time between the UK and Vermont.
Praise For…
"Superbly written and breathtakingly researched...Fairweather has dug up a story of incalculable value and delivered it to us in the most compelling prose I have read in a long time."
— Sebastian Junger, bestselling author of The Perfect Storm and Tribe
"Such an amazing story, it would be impossible to believe if it were not so meticulously researched and clearly told. The book succeeds as a page-turner, a remarkable inside view of the Holocaust, and also as a testament to all that is best in the human spirit."
— Mark Bowden, bestselling author of Black Hawk Down and Killing Pablo
"This is a riveting account of human heroism in the face of overwhelming odds, and Fairweather's storytelling is simply masterful."
— Jon Lee Anderson, New Yorker writer and author of The Lion's Grave: Dispatches from Afghanistan
"As riveting as any page-turner and as profound as any great work of literature as it reveals humanity's capacity for both courage and savagery."
— Elliot Ackerman, author of Places and Names and Waiting for Eden
"Fairweather tells this tragic tale in gripping fashion, bringing a new angle to the literature of the Holocaust."
— Publishers Weekly
"An inspiring story beautifully told."
— Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
"Drawing Pilecki's witnessing of appalling crimes into a forceful narrative with unstoppable reading momentum, Fairweather has created an insightful biography of a covert war hero and an extraordinary contribution to the history of the Holocaust."
— Booklist (starred review)
"Hours of reading passed in what felt like moments … This is a story that has long deserved a robust, faithful telling, and he has delivered it."
— Wall Street Journal
"An extraordinary story."
— The Times (UK)
"What distinguishes The Volunteer is Fairweather's meticulous attention to accuracy … if it sometimes seems as though there is nothing left to uncover about the Holocaust, Fairweather's gripping book proves otherwise."
— The Spectator
"A searing account … a fitting memorial to one of Poland's greatest war heroes and a shaming indictment of the western allies' failure to act."
— Sunday Times (London)
"Witold Pilecki is one of the great―perhaps the greatest―unsung heroes of the second world war ... Jack Fairweather's meticulous and insightful book is likely to be the definitive version of this extraordinary life."
— The Economist


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From feminism to...stroller aerobics?
Michael noticed it first, when we were a little ways away. "Look at that," he said. "Push ups."
Sure enough, there were a bunch of brightly-dressed people in the grass up ahead of us, doing push-ups.
As we got closer, they stood up, and each woman walked to a stroller. One woman was directing the group, sounding more like a drill sergeant than an aerobics teacher. As we watched in shock, they each pushed their strollers a few steps; and then, while holding on with one hand, each woman turned sideways, stood with their legs spread and their knees bent, stuck their butts out, and made some jerky, bouncy movements as they shuffled forward.
"It's the [Name] Park baby moms," Michael said.
"What is this, the 1950s?" I responded.
After a few feet they walked facing forward for a short while, and then turned and did the same thing on the other side.
We reached the cluster of park benches where we normally take a break, and continued watching the women as our dogs rested. After doing their Sir Mix-A-Lot shuffles on the other side, they stopped and parked the strollers. A grade-school-age child counted out ten push-ups.
"It's like something you film and post on YouTube," Michael said, sounding slightly shocked.
To put this into context, I guess I should mention that this is park is located in a rather yuppy, urban neighborhood. These are the types of women who, before they got pregnant, were probably seen jogging in designer exercise clothing or sipping lattes on a coffee break while wearing an Armani suit.
When we got home, I Googled "stroller aerobics." And what do you know, this is actually a big deal! Unbelievable. One site I clicked onto talked about how difficult the extra weight is to lose post-pregnancy, yadda yadda.
The extreme focus on image just blows me away. First off, these women were NOT overweight, not even close. And don't tell me it's because of the stroller aerobics, because I have never seen a more useless collection of "exercises" in my life. I mean, seriously, what exactly is sticking your butt out and shuffling along sideways going to do for your figure? Whatever happened to good, old-fashioned jogging, swimming, or cycling? (All of which are popular in this area, I might add.)
Second, the fact that they are holding these sessions at the park -- and that all of the women were dressed in stylish aerobics clothing -- tells me something. They are not doing it for their health. It's all about status and appearance, which I find mildly disgusting but also a little confusing. I'm not sure what exactly their intended message is to the others in the park -- is it, "I'm a mom, I'm rich, and I look good in a leotard"?
Don't get me wrong -- I enjoy eating healthy and dressing attractively as much as the next person, but this seems rather obsessive and superficial to me. It's amazing how we have backslid, going from discussing a woman's right to earn equal wages to exercising (no pun intended) her right to wear spandex.
Labels: funnies, Michael, miscellaneous


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60% of organizations are facing a shortage of readily available leadership skills.
Aberdeen Group Report
How does your management team stack up?
One of the main reasons organizations are successful is due to the impact of their leaders. Whether they are executives, hold mid-level management positions or are front line managers, they have a significant impact on the ongoing success of the organization.
In order for your organization to compete in our fast paced, ever-changing environment, managers must learn to lead and:
- Create an environment that attracts and retains the best and brightest employees, and
- Possess the leadership skills to move the organization into the future.
Imagine having all of your managers on the same page, setting clear direction and leading teams of motivated employees. Picture them providing regular coaching and feedback and building high-performing teams. This is the recipe for delivering sustained performance and achieving success.
Managers must learn to lead
People in management positions are often taught to manage, not to lead. With the volume of changing business and customer requirements, and the competitive challenges organizations face today, they must have managers who are effective leaders.
As you reflect on your management team, think about the impact of the following critical success factors on the effectiveness of their leadership.
Managers need to:
Embrace the changing role of the manager
The role of the manager has changed significantly over the past few decades in response to increased competition, greater customer sophistication, and the need to do more with less. This shift moves away from a command and control management style to one of employee participation and inclusion.
The move to flatter organizations, decisions being made closer to the customer and the development of self-directed teams drives the need for stronger leadership at all levels. As a result, managers need to embrace their leadership role to ensure their team delivers performance, and in turn grow more leaders.
Set clear direction
Highly effective organizations share a common sense of purpose. Leaders ensure their employees understand the direction, participate in determining how to get there and know how what they do contributes to success. These organizations achieve their success through a collective effort focused on outcomes that matter.
With organizational strategy in hand, departments and teams establish their goals and develop and implement plans and actions based on the roles they play. They establish metrics to gauge progress and success, and make course corrections as they are required.
Communicate effectively
Communication is one of the most important roles managers and leaders have, yet it poses significant challenges for teams and organizations. When you look closer at communication, you'll find that active listening is generally at the top of the list of challenges. Without effective communication, employees are unsure where they should focus, their imagination takes over, and they lose faith in their leaders and the organization.
Communication is the foundation for providing clarity and building relationships and trust. It provides the basis for all interaction and understanding whether you are talking to a customer, negotiating with a supplier, or working with your employees. How leaders choose to deliver the information, the tone of the communiqué, and regularity and timeliness, all influence how the receiver perceives the content and importance of the communication.
Lead change
Change is a way of life in business today. Organizations need leaders who anticipate versus react, and who effectively respond to changing conditions. When change is considered part of the fabric of the organization, and employees are involved in the change process, it provides the flexibility and agility needed to compete in our ever-changing environment.
In organizations where managers lead change efforts and employees regularly find new and innovative ways to improve how the work is done, they achieve a higher degree of success. By initiating change rather than having it imposed on people, there is less resistance, greater ownership and increased overall effectiveness.


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I'm interested in tools that measure/monitor social media activity, partly because they can potentially be used by the authors of such activity (ie I can learn something useful for myself!) but partly also because of the prevailing wind of performance measurement by numbers. What do the numbers tell me?
I've previously looked at Twitter & tools for measuring that. But now I'm looking at my blog, and I'm starting with what WordPress can tell me about it, what I think is worth measuring and how it can direct my future social media activity. You can get a flavour of my discoveries by just reading the stuff in bold!
Number of views
The WordPress dashboard features a graph of recent activity, but also a "Site stats" link on the left-hand menu. Clicking on this presents me with a nice clear blue bar-chart with a snapshot recent view numbers, on a daily basis. I'm much more interested in the monthly view: this is where I can check trends and see how consistently my blog is doing. In general, because there is more content over time, I should be accruing more views over time. I ask myself, what if it doesn't? Would I stop blogging? Yes. Am I happy with the number of views I have, and the growth rate? Well, I don't know what to compare it to, but perhaps I could compare it to my most viewed month.
I can look on the bar charts for anomalies and WordPress also tells me my "best ever" day, in terms of views, which has clearly influenced one particular month. Such a spike seems worth investigating: why did my blog suddenly accrue more views on that day? I think I know why: it was a great blog post title and it accrued a lot of Twitter activity in terms of re-tweeting, including by influencers on Twitter. This was partly because I was blogging about a presentation by one of those influencers, and also because I made a point of tweeting at him to tell him, so that he re-tweeted! This sort of context could tell me how to accrue more views in future.
I'm also aware though, that views can be anything from a long sit-down and read with a cup of tea, to a glance and click away…
Referrers to my blog
Below the graph and headline numbers, I can see referrers to my blog: I clicked on "summaries" to investigate these, and once again I can choose the time period to view. I chose "all time" and I would estimate from the numbers that nearly 50% of views come from search engines (I looked into this and the vast majority of these were from Google), and about another 40% come from Twitter. Another significant referrer is my old blog, and I can see the URL of an event I presented at, too. I got 4 views each from comments I made on influencers blogs. These stats tell me less about the success of my blog, and more about the influence of my other activities.
Given how many blog views come from Twitter, it seems to me to be worthwhile continuing my presence in Twitter. I'm sure that I could build on Twitter's effectiveness in driving traffic to my blog, by more direct tweeting at influencers. However, I'm not only seeking views of my blog as pure numbers!
I'm particularly pleased to see the number of views from the event I spoke at, because I know the audience from that event: these are people who I know I want to reach! So I can consider further speaking engagements as a wise investment of my time, in terms of driving traffic to my blog (especially if, as with that event, it is widely publicised and links are made to my blog and/or online profile).
What the stats don't tell me is why people followed the link and what they thought when they did: is my blog reflecting well on me? I think so, because after that event I had a number of enquiries, but I don't know for sure. All I know is that the event was effective as a way of raising my online profile.
Commenting on influencers' blogs is considerably less effort than speaking at an event, and could also extend my reach to those with shared interests. What if I were to try writing less on my blog, but commenting more on others' blogs, as a part of my mini-strategy? In this way, I could get more views for content already written, but would people lose interest in my blog if I post less often? This is perhaps worth trying!
Search terms
For me, this was a fairly disappointing area, because although I can see that lots of views come through search engines, most of the search terms are apparently "unknown". And indeed, glancing through those that are known, many of them involve a search for my name or my blog name. I can take from this that my blog name is worth hanging on to!
This is interesting, because it suggests a level of engagement with my blog that goes beyond viewing it: presumably those who share it have at least scanned through the content! Their sharing might also bring more views. My most shared posts appear to be the ones that I consider to be most academic. Looking at the service that was used to share my post is also quite telling: Facebook is significant, with twice as many shares as Twitter, and I'm not a big user of Facebook. Perhaps I should be? I could investigate whether being active on Facebook makes a difference! But I confess: I'm not sure I have time to do that in the near future.
Followers & Comments
I can also see numbers of these on the main Site stats page, and I know that commenting isn't a big deal on my blog. Perhaps it would be if I commented more on others' blogs? Looking at top commenters is also not especially useful to me, since there aren't so many, although I like that I can see at a glance if I am following the commenters' own blogs. This is a space to watch if I do choose to comment more.
The summaries of these interest me, because a click also seems to be an interaction level deeper than a mere view. What are my blog readers clicking on? This might signify what they are interested in, and thus indicate what I could blog about in future. Lots of people have clicked on the link to my LinkedIn profile, which supports what I found in the search terms. There are clicks to Twitter: to a picture tweet of my leaving cake from Warwick. I already know that some of my blog readers are former colleagues! This makes me think though, are picture tweets more effective at attracting attention? Not one I can investigate in the near future, but definitely food for thought.
The clicks also reflect what I blog about, because there are lots of clicks to the site where my book chapter can be found, and to the BBK series at Humboldt Uni, since I have blogged about some of their seminars.
Reflecting on my goals, on impact and other sources beyond WordPress
My goal when blogging is partly to raise my profile, so that potential employers and customers know who I am and what expertise I have. Beyond that, others might be interested to read what I have learnt or benefit from my experiences, and I'm happy to share. I know I'm successful in that when I meet people who have either read my blog, or know of its existence, they tell me so. I don't get so many comments on my blog but I do get them in person. Perhaps I could gather such anecdotes if I were going to report on my blogging activity to others.
In judging my own success at this, I ought to reflect on how much time I spend on my blog, and consider the return on my investment, in comparison with other profile-raising activities. That's why I've started using some time management tools, so that I can add that dimension into my reflections.
What if I was explicitly trying to achieve "impact" through my blog? I would like to simplify "impact" into three varieties:
- A highly significant interaction with a small number of people
- Bringing information to a target audience, who engage with it in a moderately significant way
- Outreach to a wide-ranging, various and large population
Perhaps the first two varieties belong together, since they are essentially about things that are measured in a more qualitative way. WordPress' stats report gives me clues about where to look for more qualitative information.
What is "highly significant" about an interaction will of course be open to interpretation and vary widely from one field to another, but I feel it's beyond the scope of my blog. It is perhaps something that I could achieve through the sum total of my activity over a long period of time, or indeed through interactions with an individual.
What I mean by "moderately significant" is that the information given is actually read and interpreted or used by others, in some way. Perhaps my blog content gets re-purposed into some other librarian's guide for students, or it at least prompts such a guide to be written. The only way I'd know about this is if someone were to tell me, or possibly if they linked back to my blog and people clicked on that link, and I watched referrals. In the meantime, I know that I re-purpose my content myself, so that's a good start!
Which brings me to the "Outreach" notion, which is what I think most of these stats really indicate. It as a possible foundation for my second flavour of impact, and in any case, my profile does have a significant impact on my own life and career! What the WordPress stats do for me is they indicate the success of my blogging in achieving outreach, and they pointout where I should look for qualitative clues about deeper impact.


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Veteran anti academies campaigner and Islington NUT joint Secretary Ken Muller had an unexpected opportunity today.
He and some colleagues ran into Michael Wilshaw the head of government inspection service Ofsted. Ken who led the fight against the academisation of Islington Green school under the New Labour administration and was a founder of the AAA was able to put some questions to Sir Michael directly.
Ken challenged Wilshaw over his statement "If anyone says to you that staff morale is at an all-time low you know you are doing something right." Its seems that, at least according to Sir Michael, that this statement was taken out of context although by whom he did not say. Ken argued that Ofsted had introduced a climate of fear into schools that led to a rigid conformity by school managements as to 'what Ofsted wants'. This leads to teaching to testing regime and teaching to the test Ken told him. Wilshaw insisted that schools were better than 10 years ago.
As he left we took a vote, 'Should Ofsted be abolished?' Unanimously in favour!


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COURIER-JOURNAL / SEARCH: 0 Shelton Ln Radcliff, KY 40160
- $94,900 price
- 1496928 mls id
- Neighborhood: OTHER
- Status: Active
Come and tour this amazing property that is ready for your new dream home!! this 9.7 acre lot is ready for a new dream home or builders, ready for multiple new homes!! There is electricity available near the property and is conveniently located just minutes to schools, shopping, dining and Fort Knox. Bring you house plans and start building today!
Courtesy of: RE/MAX Executive Group, Inc.
Office Phone: (270) 769-1655
Listing Agent: Janet Perkins
Updated: 13th December, 2019 12:20 PM.
0 Shelton Ln Radcliff, KY
Real Estate | Courier-Journal Powered by Placester


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Editor's note added below.
We've seen Flip Video impostors (anyone remember the Creative Vado?), but Kodak's Zi6 is the first pocket camcorder that gives Pure Digital a run for its money. It shoots 720p video at 60 frames per second, and unlike the Flip camcorders, it has an SD Card slot that can accommodate cards as large as 32GB and the Zi6 can snap still images (with a dedicated Macro mode, to boot).
Sleek Design, Simple Interface
Compared with the Pure Digital Flip Mino, the 4.5 x 2.5 x 0.9-inch Zi6 is gigantic, but it's comparable in size to the older Flip Ultra, which was always more than light enough to carry. In fact, at 3.8 ounces, the Zi6 is lighter than many digital cameras and is similarly sized, if a bit longer.
But whereas the Flip Ultra looks kind of like a Fisher-Price toy, the Zi6 has the same sleek look as the upcoming Motorola Zine ZN5 Kodak Camera Phone. It has a satin black (or pink) back, a non-protruding lens, matte silver accents, and a sharp 2.4-inch display. Next to the lens is a button that pops out the built-in USB connector.
The interface centers around a five-way navigational pad, with a red joystick that doubles as a record button. Switching between VGA, HD, HD60, and still-photo mode requires pushing the joystick from side to side, which we found unintuitive. Flanking the joystick are buttons for deleting content, stopping playback, and entering/exiting playback mode.
On the left side of the camera are HD and AV ports, on the bottom is a tripod port, and on the left side is a sliding Macro mode switch and--our favorite part--an SD/SDHC slot that can take cards as large as 32GB. It has 128MB of internal memory, so you'll need an SD Card to record several movies, especially lengthy ones. At $260, the SanDisk Ultra II SDHC 32GB Card costs more than the camcorder itself, but luckily you don't need nearly that much storage. A more modest 2GB card will hold about 40 minutes of HD video at 30 fps and will cost you about thirty bucks.
Bundled Software
Like the Pure Digital Flip camcorders, the Zi6 has all its software onboard, so it installs when you plug the camcorder into your notebook's USB port. (Note that the camcorder needs to be on, so you'll be using battery power.) ArcSoft MediaImpression for Kodak automatically rotates photos and fixes red eye. Like Flip's software, it also allows direct uploading to YouTube, although you can't select the privacy settings beforehand, as you can with the Flips.
MediaImpression's biggest drawback is that you cannot edit movies, much less add music, as you can with Flip Video's camcorders. However, we were able to edit our footage using Adobe Premiere Elements 4. We also wish that the software recognized JPEGs by default. When you're installing the software, make sure to check the box next to JPEG when you get to the part about file formats.
Editor's Note: The Zi6 ships with a CD version of ArcSoft MediaImpression for Kodak, a more robust version of the onboard software. Our review unit did not come with a CD, however, and we initially concluded it had weak editing capabilities. After our original review posted, we tested the complete software and found that it allows for a richer editing experience than previously stated. Features include the ability to add titles, music, and transitions as well astrim movies. That's par for the course for pocket camcorders.
Video Quality
The Zi6 shoots video at VGA resolution or 720p HD at either 30 or 60 fps. Kodak offers both options because the 30-fps video takes up less space, but the 60-fps video is, of course, smoother. Kodak recommends the 60-fps option for action scenes in particular.
We filmed both a carousel on a sunny day and a robotic toy in a dimly lit room at 30 fps and 60 fps. In both cases, the 60 fps looked smoother (as you can imagine), but 30 fps still looked acceptable. The 2X digital zoom is a bit jerky but smoother than the Flip Mino's.
In the 60-fps videos, we could make out more background detail (neither was great at capturing detailed motion in the foreground). The sound quality was loud and lifelike in both clips. In short, 60 fps is best, but 30 fps is okay, too. Although we saw motion blur in both modes, the Zi6's video is still better than what the VGA Flip models have to offer.
Sharp Close-ups, Blurry Action Shots
The Zi6 takes 3-megapixel still photos (the Flip camcorders still don't do this). When it came to shooting moving and distant subjects, we found ourselves wishing for image stabilization and optical zoom (it has 2X digital). That said, we were impressed with the color and exposure, and love the way our Macro shots came out. As a camera, the Zi6 isn't as good as a typical standalone digicam, but as long as your subjects are close and fairly still, the pictures are adequate--and often good.
Battery Life
The Zi6 comes with two rechargeable AA batteries. Starting out with the batteries three-quarters full, we lost a bar of battery life after just a few minutes of shooting HD video at 30 fps and 60 fps. After we turned the camera off and back on, the icon showed better battery life. In any case, that HD video at 60 fps eats up more battery life is good to know when you want to make every minute count.
In this area, the Kodak Zi6 falls short of the $179 Flip Mino. The Mino, which shoots VGA movies, was still kicking after days of shooting dozens of short movies.
The Verdict
The Kodak Zi6 is lightweight, easy to use, and takes smooth HD video and crisp Macro photos. And it holds SD Cards, something the Flip Mino and Video Ultra don't do--all this for $179, the same price as the Flip Mino. The Mino has a more streamlined design, but we'd rather carry and use the Kodak Zi6, despite the lack of built-in video-editing capabilities.


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I haven't received any response from the donor I contacted about a week ago. As the days pass I'm more and more certain I will never hear from him. I am disappointed but not as dejected as I thought I would be. Sending the note gave me an odd sense of closure. My guess is that if he did not donate he would have sent a quick one line note saying "Sorry, you have the wrong person." So perhaps no response is a good response.
Contemplating the humor, ethics and truth of being the product of anonymous sperm donation.
Monday, December 12, 2011
Thursday, December 8, 2011
What Do I Want the Sperm Donor to Say?
The search for my biological father has entailed writing some extremely awkward notes to potential matches. Via DNA testing, I recently discovered the best potential match I've come across to date. Since e-mailing him yesterday I realize that while I often contemplate my initial contact, I rarely think about his response. This time around, however, I find myself asking, "What do I WANT him to say?"
I'm expecting the worse case scenario: no response. Imagining total rejection is relatively easy but envisioning a correspondence with him is more complicated. What am I expecting from this person? Will I be disappointed? What if rather than silence he returns anger or aggression? To distract my attention from an empty inbox I decided to have a go at the "best case scenario." His note would read:
Dear J----,
In response to your question yes, I did donate sperm in 1980 at Lenox Hill Hospital. Perhaps we should talk about what steps are involved in confirming our relation.
If we are related I am very glad to hear from you and see your picture. After donating all those years ago I've often wondered if you were out there and what you looked like. It's a delight to find out you are a beautiful and successful women.
I was young and inexperienced when I donated and in retrospect I may not have made the best decision. My thinking was that I was helping some great couple have a family at a time when having my own children was far off.
I now have a family and my wife is aware I donated sperm when I was young. If we confirm our relation I'd like very much for you to meet my family down the road after I have explained this a bit to my children.
All the Best,
Your Sperm Donor
Of course, the chances of receiving such a positive response are slim. I was surprised I was comforted by the idea he had thought of me and wondered what I looked like. One of the most troubling aspects of anonymous sperm donation is that it's possible he may not know I exist. On the bright side, even if he chooses not to respond I will know he is at least aware that I am out there.
Also, while I don't feel that I am personally "a mistake" I would be moved if he admitted he had not made the best decision. This is not because I am looking for someone to blame, its because hearing him take some accountability for the effect his decision had on my life would be validating. Half of the tumult of being the product of an anonymous donor is that its somewhat socially-unacceptable to mourn or be angry. As a result, we are awash in emotions for which we feel great shame .
I think wanting an apology is not about being ungrateful for the gift of life but having your loss and pain acknowledged. Sometimes I think my mother feels that if she admitted her choice to be inseminated by an anonymous donor wasn't the best idea, it means she was directly responsible for her child's pain. I can't speak for all donor-conceived adults out there but at least for me this isn't how I would perceive an apology. I would feel relieved and acknowledged if she told me "while I have no regrets on having you, it might not have been the best idea to use an anonymous donor. I didn't realize at the time you would want to know him."
Finally knowing that his family is aware and comfortable with his donation would be heartening. Based on the donors I have come to know and have read about, it is not likely the donor will have shared the truth with his family. I wouldn't expect him to have told his children unless they were my age but I would hope his wife was aware. I often wonder how a donor rationalizes anonymous donation as ok if it's not something they are comfortable sharing with their family. If an act is so troubling and or shameful, you can't share it with your spouse or parents it's likely not the best plan of action.
My inbox is still empty, which is troubling. I'll keep my fingers crossed for the best case scenario....or close to it.
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Our staff is available, upon our consumers' requests, to help empower persons with disabilities to obtain their personal, administrative and civil rights.
Peer Advising
We provide peer advisors who serve as role models and offer support in coping with day-to-day issues/problems and in social/personal behavior enhancement.
Information and Referral
Our information and referral service helps community members become aware of benefits, programs and services available for people with disabilities.
Assistive Technology
We provide our consumers with information about technology that can assist them in their daily lives. Assistive technology devices include everything from Velcro strips and mechanical grabbers to voice recognition software and vehicle hand controls.
Durable Medical Equipment Re-Use
Durable Medical Equipment (DME) Re-Use means more people having access to the medical equipment they need. Equipment is recycled by donations and places it in the hands of people who need it.
Senior Vision Program
Senior Vision Program is for those 55 years or older who are experiencing vision problems. Staff may provide you with services to maintain enjoyment and enhance your daily activities.
Housing has information, and strategies for people with disabilities to live as independently as possible. Housing Rental Listings are available on a weekly basis.
Provider Referral
We may recruit and refer providers for our consumers. Care providers assist with personal care, housekeeping, meal preparation, transportation or other needs.
Independent Living Skills Training
We provide individualized instruction on vital skills needed for self-reliance, such as money and household management, meal preparation and nutrition, and community service referrals.
Community Garden
The "Community Garden" is fun! We are looking for people who…
* like being with fun and friendly people
* want to learn agricultural business skills
* like to be outdoors
* like to learn useful gardening skills
The Garden: TBA
If you are interested in being a part of the "Community Garden" contact the Chico Center.


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If there's something wrong with channeling all the negativity in a person's life into dance, we don't want to be right. What else would we do with a whole lot of extra pent-up frustration and foiled ambition? Nothing could be as much fun as squishing it beneath the sleek and fashionable heels of our kneehigh go-go boots! In fact, every few months we like to take a trip to the local disco club and work out all our problems beneath a shimmering disco ball to some of the catchiest music ever recorded. We think that's a strategy that could make a lot of other people feel better, too, and we hope you agree.
But maybe that sounds crazy. Maybe you'd rather just sit around in silence, like so many other people seem to prefer. That's gonna make our mission a lot tougher! Help us help you by trying on this Sexy Disco Diva Dress and stepping out there on the dance floor. We're certain that with some matching boogie shoes or roller skates, an outfit like this will improve anybody's mood. And if it doesn't? Well, that hasn't happened so far, but we'd tentatively suggest cranking up the music and shaking it even harder. Sometimes all that bad stuff can be kind of sticky, you know?
Do us a favor: if our method works for you, would you pass it on? The only thing that would make us happier than one person wearing a Sexy Disco Diva Dress and dancing til they feel better is everyone putting on a Sexy Disco Diva Dress and feeling better together!


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This muscular, fiery-skinned man has flaming hair and spotted horns upon his brow.
Ifrit CR 1/2
Ifrit sorcerer 1
N Medium outsider (native)
Init +3; Senses darkvision 60 ft.; Perception –2
AC 13, touch 13, flat-footed 10 (+3 Dex)
hp 8 (1d6+2)
Fort +1, Ref +3, Will +0
Resist fire 5
Speed 30 ft.
Melee scimitar +0 (1d8/18-20)
Bloodline Spell-Like Abilities (CL 1st; concentration +4)
6*/day—elemental ray (1d6 fire)
Bloodline Elemental (fire)
Ifrit Spell-Like Abilities (CL 1st; concentration +4)
1/day—burning hands (DC 15)
Sorcerer Spells Known (CL 1st; concentration +4)
1st (4/day)—mage armor, magic missile
0th (at will)—acid splash, detect magic, flare (DC 14), prestidigitation
Str 10, Dex 16, Con 12, Int 13, Wis 6, Cha 17
Base Atk +0; CMB +0; CMD 13
Feats Eschew MaterialsB, Martial Weapon Proficiency (scimitar)
Skills Bluff +7, Knowledge (arcana) +5, Spellcraft +5
Languages Common, Gnome, Ignan
SQ bloodline arcana, fire affinity
Fire Affinity (Ex)
Ifrit sorcerers with the elemental (fire) bloodline treat their Charisma score as 2 points higher for all sorcerer spells and class abilities. Ifrit spellcasters with the Fire domain use their domain powers and spells at +1 caster level.
Environment any land
Organization solitary, pair, or gang (3–5)
Treasure NPC gear (scimitar, other treasure)
Ifrits are humans whose ancestry includes beings of elemental fire, such as efreet. Ifrits have pointed ears, red or mottled horns on the brow, and hair that flickers and waves as if it were af lame.
All ifrits are at some level pyromaniacs. Adoring fire in all its forms, they tend to be passionate and quick to action, with a predilection for striking first in any conflict—a trait which keeps them alive but doesn't make them a lot of friends. Ifrits generally seek out the company of either less-powerful minions who can be browbeaten into following orders, or calm, cool individuals who can balance the ifrits out.


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Childbirth Education
Expecting Arizona families value equipping their minds with knowledge, their hearts with confidence, and their hands with the tools needed to enhance their birth experience.
These private or group classes will leave you feeling savvy and conscious of the decisions you can make to cultivate your absolute best birth experience. If you're looking to feel connected to your partner, connected to the birth process and connected to your baby, take advantage of this fully customizable learning experience. Whether it's in your home, on your time or in a group setting while socializing with other expectant couples, you can trust you are getting an unbiased, holistic class approach.
Leanna is a childbirth educator with Flourishing Families because she believes your education should be as unique as your family.
Utilizing Your Birth Experience™ prepares you for an unmedicated birth, birth with medication or an epidural and even cesarean birth, without gimmicks or fluff. You will choose the topics that are relevant to your plans and together we'll bridge the gap between the unpredictability of birth and the options and feelings you value for your experience. Cultivating a class environment that fosters positive energy and mindfulness, Leanna sends you out, open to whatever unfolds and deeply engaged with your baby's birth.
Childbirth Education classes being held in:
Gilbert, AZ | Mesa, AZ | Phoenix, AZ | Showlow, AZ
Your Birth, Your Baby, Your Experience.| Missy Boudiette |
Because This is YOUR Experience, you will:
With my guidance, we'll discover aspects of you and your partner's personality and decision-making processes that will leave you with a deeper understanding of how to best navigate your choices. We'll use the Your Birth Experience™ Parent Guide to walk you through the unique facets of yourselves and your relationship that you're bringing to your baby's birth.
Mindfulness and positive imagery hold a lot of power during pregnancy and in the birth space. In this class, you will engage that power to create an uplifting birth vision statement and truly envision what a supported and satisfying birth looks like to you. You will engage with your unique goals and desires to bring your vision to fruition.
Throughout class, you will explore the physiological and anatomical process of birth, including the hormonal chemistry, what your baby is doing and what your body is doing. You will learn about all of the variations of normal in birth, what to expect from start to finish and what each stage of labor brings. You'll be prepared not only for the physical aspects of labor and birth, but also for the equally-important emotional side of things.
Once we have learned about you and what your goals are, we can find methods for relaxation and pain-coping tecniques that will match your unique childbirth style. We will practice comfort techniques, positions for rest and labor, and a variety of things to help you feel relaxed during your birth. These hands-on tools aren't specific to any one method and can often be used with and without pain medication during labor. They will leave you feeling confident in your ability to birth your baby and ready to experience this life-changing day with your partner and family.
Offering Childbirth Classes to Couples all over Arizona
AZ Childbirth Class Options
Private Class
Meet in a flexible and individualized setting and schedule at your convenience.
Your Birth Experience™ Parent Guide
Follow Up Phone Consult
Group Class
Held in a group setting where you can socialize and interact with other expecting parents in your area.
Your Birth Experience™ Parent Guide
5 Hours of Group Instruction
Private Follow-Up Consultation
Childbirth Education classes being held in:
Gilbert, AZ | Mesa, AZ | Phoenix, AZ | Showlow, AZ
Want Even More Valuable Information?
Leanna also offers Your Breastfeeding Experience classes and Your Baby Experience classes! To learn more about these informative workshops, call your Childbirth and Early Parenting educator at 480.369.0960 today.


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Helping the society reach its goals
Please consider a donation. The Society uses your contributions to organise various events, talks and programs which benefit all Society members (in particular young lawyers) in terms of developing their professional and ethical capabilities. Please use the slider below to select one of the preset amounts or enter your own figure by selecting the "Other" radio button.


text: STYLE Rambling Reporter 3:12 PM PST 2/10/2011 by Merle Ginsberg FACEBOOK TWITTER EMAIL ME Benoit Photo/AP Photo New in the MGM Stable Spyglass heads Roger Birnbaum and Gary Barber have their hands pretty full these days running MGM. But they still find time to run something else: a racehorse named Comma to the Top, which they own with Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group chief Kevin Tsujihara. In May, the three should be heading to the Kentucky Derby; their 3-year-old gelding is a shoo-in for the race after picking up enough earnings to qualify. "This is really Gary Barber's hobby, but they own Comma together," says the horse's trainer, Peter Miller. Sounds like Barber and Birnbaum took their 2003 movie Seabiscuit pretty seriously. Soho House to Get a Rival Watch out, Soho House: A second members-only social club is headed to town. The Norwood, which opened on West 14th Street in New York in 2007, is bidding on an L.A. space and will host talks, screenings and parties for its members. But owner Alan Linn denies recent rumors that a major Hollywood studio chief is funding Norwood. Can L.A.'s social scene sustain both spots? Or will it be a private-club rumble? Linn says he's seeking Angelenos from the worlds of art and music in particular. "We don't have celeb members," he says. "We have creative members." Channeling Billy Crystal? Newly minted Catwoman Anne Hathaway isn't taking any chances with her stint as Oscar co-host. She just bought two healing crystals for Oscar good luck at Melrose Avenue shop Crystalarium. She might need the positive vibes; few recent hosts have received stellar reviews. Gucci Does Grammy Since their celeb-stocked party at Cannes last year, we've noticed Gucci's stepping up to compete with the red-carpet likes of other Italian luxe labels Armani, Versace and Valentino. It was at Cannes that Gucci creative director Frida Giannini launched Gucci Premiere, the label's first private-client couture line. Then they procured James Franco as the face of their male fragrance ad; Jennifer Lopez with her kids for another. Now Gucci's in bed with the Grammys. Giannini is flying in from Milan to co-host a private pre-Grammy brunch Feb. 12 with original Gucci guy Jay-Z and his Roc Nation label. The day before, pal Lopez will present her with a special UNICEF award for the brand's support of the group's work in Africa; Mary J. Blige and Rihanna are among the names expected. On Grammy night, Giannini will attend the awards presentation. However, she won't be sticking around for the Oscars; her fall 2011 show is Feb. 23 in Milan. But that doesn't mean she won't leave a few dresses behind. Bening's Oscar Campaign Everyone knows you can't win an Oscar without wining, dining and wooing voters. And it might seem Annette Bening isn't trying that hard. But those in the know say the four-time nominee is simply going about it a different way. "If Natalie Portman's doing Audrey Hepburn, Annette's doing it like Katharine Hepburn," one Oscar insider says. "She's quietly hosting small dinners for voters, saying, 'It's all about the body of work.' " Next Gen Scripters To celebrate their company's one-year anniversary, the three former WME agents who are principals of Verve talent and literary agency — Bryan Besser, Adam Levine and Bill Weinstein — decided to head back to school: specifically, Linwood E. Howe Elementary in Culver City. On Feb. 4, they brought writer clients from Toy Story 3, Tron: Legacy and The Princess and the Frog to introduce the kids to storytelling. Look out for new scripts from 9-year-olds. "You're not used to watching agents give back to the community," quips Marvel writer, Rich Wilkes, who took part. [pullquote] POWER LUNCH Now that it's reopened after a short hiatus for renovation, Sushi Roku on 3rd Street is back as a go-to spot on the power-lunch circuit: Mark Wahlberg is a regular, as is Don Cheadle. Recently, the latter was spotted at a secluded table with Kristen Bell. … ICM's Doug MacLaren breaking bread with client and Oscar nominee Tom Hooper at Chateau Marmont. … Colin Firth catching lunch while staying at the Four Seasons on Doheny, across the dining room from Judi Dench. … House Speaker John Boehner spotted at BOA Sunset on the patio with friends. The group ordered oysters, the tableside Caesar salad and two bottles of wine. Ryan Seacrest also catching a leisurely meal at the steakhouse. … Kate Beckinsale and friends were observed at BOA Santa Monica, celebrating a birthday. Cuba Gooding Jr. grabbed a casual bite at the bar and took dinner to go. … e.baldi continues its power streak. Recently spotted: Ari Emanuel, Richard Lovett, Elton John and, together, Bob Daly and Brad Grey. Former First Lady Laura Bush even popped in. … Bruce Willis at Napa Valley Grille in Westwood for a Willis-style lunch: two vodkas, a pile of salad and dessert. … Jane's Addiction's Dave Navarro opted for a tame night at Delphine for a change, with a large group of friends having drinks at the bar. … Arnold Schwarzenegger dined at LA Market in the JW Marriott L.A. Live for a business meeting, where he ordered oatmeal and a banana. Now we know how he stays in shape. … Spied at Santa Monica's FIG restaurant in the Fairmont Hotel: CAA's Jae Goodman, director Leslie Iwerks, writer Brad Hall and Larry David. FACEBOOK TWITTER EMAIL ME Merle Ginsberg firstname.lastname@example.com Merle20


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|Neophyte Photographer : Francis B.
Enjoy the read!
How long have you been in the business of capturing the bride & groom's moments?
Artworx Studio has been in business here in Cambodia for 3 years now. Some of the photographers in the team have been doing photography work in Cambodia for more than 5 years. Personally, I am a neophyte in this niche. I have been exposed to the creative industry for quite some time now but previously, have not really been into capturing nuptials and ceremonies. *grin*
What is your area of photography specialty? Is it more Portraitures or you prefer Actual Wedding photography?
The entire team specializes on wedding photography. A great image is a great image, whether portrait or candid moments, but here in Cambodia, portraiture is a very big thing. They (clients) want everyone and every guests to have a portrait photo captured. Most couples would request that their wedding portraits be with the famed Angkor temples as the backdrop, and that is more important to them than the actual captured moments of the ceremonies. This is Cambodia we're talking about so it is different culture. And we at Artworx practise this : The couple's preference should always be the priority.
Do tell us what is the creative thought process that goes through a photographer's head when he sets about shooting his clients.
It is imperative to know the client. Know their love-story, their cultural orientation, and all will fall into its proper place. Be aware of what the client wants for an output, then imagine it, and capture it. The creative thought process shouldn't only involve the photographer but the clients as well. Third party opinions like "The Wedding Planners" is also a lot of help. (Ed. : Thanks for the mention, Francis!)
In your opinion, what is the learning curve for you as a photographer in this country?
Cambodia is a photographer's playground. Wonderful culture and imagery. There are so many things to explore and so many things to learn. Practice makes perfect. I do repeatedly photograph the same subjects to hone my skills. One day, I will be a specialist in that particular subject matter *laughs*
Do you think there is a great potential for the wedding industry in Cambodia to grow?
Definitely. And us, as industry vendors, we can say that we are experiencing the growth. It's not quick, but we'll definitely get there. To me personally, Cambodia and weddings will always be associated with each other.
How often do you work with other local Cambodian photographers? What are your thoughts on this?
There were several occasions that we have to work with local Khmer photographers. We had to look at things on a different paradigm. We enjoyed working with them, shared our knowledge, and the other way around, they have also imparted theirs to us. Besides, this is their country; they know their culture more than we expats do.
Before we part – can you share 5 Top Tips for the couple when choosing their Wedding Photographer?
· Assess your needs – figure out what you want and what you need. And how much you are willing to spend.
· Do a research – know your photographer, check out their portfolio.
· Your wedding, your choice – Not your parents, not your friends. It's your photo which will be taken after all. There are many photographers out there but make sure you choose the one that matches your preference.
· Do not bargain – Photographers are artists too. On your wedding day, the photographers will give their best and not bargain with you the quality of photo they will deliver.
· Sign a contract – Protect yourself. It's your photos. Know your rights.And THANK YOU so much for your time, Francis! All the best to Artworx Studio!!
|Dreamy Wedding Portraitures amidst the famed Angkor temple grounds.
Photography by Artworx Studio


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Why train with a small firm?
Whilst all trainee Chartered Accountants study for the same professional exams, their work environment and experience will vary considerably depending on the type of organisation with whom they train. The key aspects of training with a small general practice accountancy firm, like Richardsons, include:
- Broad work experience across a range of areas including audit, accounts preparation, corporate and personal tax work, VAT, management accounting, training and systems development, and forecasting.
- Early opportunities to develop your own client portfolio, working with both accounting staff and owner-managers.
- Opportunities to get involved in practice development.
- Becoming a valued member of the team, and making a significant contribution to both the firm's income and your clients' businesses.
- Meeting businesspeople from a wide range of industries and environments, and getting an insight into the challenges and opportunities faced by their businesses, and the ways in which they can be approached.
When considering the type of organisation with which you wish to train, it may be helpful to ask yourself the following questions …
- Do I want to work in a large organisation with a hierarchical management structure, or am I better suited to working as part of a smaller, more informally structured team?
- Do I want to work as part of a large team on major projects, or on lots of smaller assignments that I can manage myself or as part of a small group?
- Do I want to do lots of travelling, or would I prefer to be office-based with some days out visiting clients?
- Do I want to specialise in, say, audit or tax, or would I prefer to work across a wide variety of disciplines?
- Is it important to me to train with a firm that has a national or international reputation?
Next: What's special about Richardsons?
Back to: Job opportunities at Richardsons


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Thanks for watching.
Entries Tagged as 'American English vs. British English'
#163 – ant vs. aunt vs. aren't: A case of British vs. American English
May 30th, 2011 No Comments
Tags: a vs. au · American English vs. British English · ar vs. au
Episode #74 – dew, due, jew, you, Steward
March 17th, 2008 2 Comments
Per popular request I experiment with subtitles, let me know what you think.
Tags: American English vs. British English · ew vs. ou · ew vs. ue
Episode #73 – American English vs. British English: the "t"
March 2nd, 2008 2 Comments
Henry from Singapore asked about the pronunciation of "better". This episode is the answer.


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Powerful malware blocking. New, friendlier interface. Handy desktop widget. Includes hardened browser, DNS protection, sandbox.
Trashed installation of valid utilities. Firewall yielded to direct attack. Phishing protection ineffective. Noticeable slowdown in some performance tests.
Bottom Line
The free Comodo Internet Security Premium (2013) combines firewall and antivirus, and adds a number of advanced features that techies will love. Its Behavior Blocker earned a clean sweep in my malware blocking test, but that same technology trashed installation of valid programs. If you can't afford a commercial suite, you'll get reasonable protection from Comodo.
No Help from the Labs
While my hands-on malware blocking and cleanup tests give me valuable experience with an antivirus program, they're by necessity not as extensive as tests performed by the major independent antivirus labs. I always check the labs to see how well their results jibe with mine. In Comodo's case, they're not much help.
AV-Test and AV-Comparatives perform innovative tests that do their best to match real-world user experience, but neither includes Comodo in their testing. West Coast Labs and ICSA Labs certify Comodo for virus detection, but not for cleanup. And in all the times Comodo's technology has undergone testing by Virus Bulletin, it has receive the VB100 award just once. Just looking at the available results, it seems Comodo did better in my hands-on tests.
Please read How We Interpret Antivirus Lab Tests if you want more information about the labs and their tests.
Comodo Internet Security Premium (2013) lab tests chart
Some Effect on Performance
Comodo doesn't include the full range of components found in other suites, but it still had a measurable effect in some of my performance tests, more than its previous edition did.
My automated boot time test calculates the time elapsed between the start of the boot process (as reported by Windows) and the time the system is ready for use. When the system has gone for ten seconds with CPU usage at or below five percent, I call it ready. Averaging 100 runs with no suite and 100 runs with Comodo installed, I found the boot time increased by 25 percent. That's nearly double the average of current suites. On the other hand, you probably don't boot up more than once per day.
Real-time protection features in some security products slow down day-to-day file operations; not Comodo. My file move/copy test took 8 percent longer under Comodo's care, and the file zip/unzip test took 7 percent longer. The averages for those two tests are 22 and 16 percent, respectively.
I did identify another slowdown in my browsing test, which measures the time to full load 100 websites. With Comodo's various components working to protect my browsing activity, this test took 35 percent longer than with no protection, almost twice the average. I actually noticed this during my antiphishing test. I repeatedly launched websites near-simultaneously on three test systems, and Comodo's was frequently the last to load.
Even so, you needn't worry. The average suite these days doesn't have a big effect on system performance. While Comodo isn't as lightweight as, say, Webroot, you're not likely to notice a performance drag.
For more details on how I test security suite performance see How We Test Security Suites for Performance.
Comodo Internet Security Premium (2013) performance chart
Free Is Good
With its Behavior Blocker enabled, Comodo aced my malware blocking test, but that same feature trashed the installation of valid utilities. On the plus side, the plethora of popups from this feature in Comodo's previous edition have been seriously toned down.
Not everyone can afford $70 or so for a full-scale commercial security suite. If your budget won't stretch to paid protection, you can get the essentials from Comodo Internet Security Premium (2013), along with some features aimed more at techies than at the average user. But if you can scrape up the cash you'll be better off with one of our Editors' Choice suites. Norton Internet Security (2013) is a full-featured traditional suite, while Webroot SecureAnywhere Complete 2013 packs unusual protection into a ridiculously small package.
Virus removal:
Virus blocking:
Antispam: n/a
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2012 – Robert Pinsky – Selina Trieff
Robert Pinsky
During the laureateship and since, robert has arguably done more to engage the American audience for poetry than any other living poet. And yet, he insists that poetry doesn't need a spokesperson, that the art—the pleasures of a poem's sounds, the human hunger to experience things on an individual scale—advocates for itself.
Robert reads poems aloud with intensity, emphasizing plosives and sometimes rocking unconsciously on his toes at the podium. it's entrancing to see and hear him, in part because he seems to be speaking from inside the poems, his voice propelled by the force of words—whether his own or Wallace stevens's or Walter savage Landor's. to hear robert read is to hear a translation from shapes on paper to sounds in air, in the voice of someone who has no agenda but fidelity to the sounds as his ears hear them. in his reading style—its intensity and directness without pretension—one sees qualities of robert's more general presence and of his writing.
– Maggie Dietz
Selina Trieff
What's remarkable about Selina's work is how perfectly the paintings really are. Nothing is really moving, nor do the subjects of her paintings feel as though they ever moved. They are, in a way—and sometimes literally—living in the seal between the living and the dead. There's an almost imagined proscenium when you look into a Trieff painting—and that is its great reward. Those strange, compellingly long bodies that inhabit some of the paintings look as though they only live there in that world. There's nobody like that where I live, unless I look very hard for them. And so, ecstatically (for there is a kind of ecstasy here too), they're Selina's people. There's something very old and wise about her paintings, her use of color, and her subject matter: goats and other creatures, women who, at times, look like the artist herself at various stages (in her own past or as a visage of death or, most spiritually and in some far-fetched imagining, as an animal).
– Michael Klein
– Robert Pinsky
The Instrument of Voice: An Interview with Robert Pinsky
by Maggie Dietz
Keith Althaus on Robert Pinsky
by Keith Althaus
Michael Mazur's Vision of Dante's Inferno
by John Yau
– Selina Trieff
Selina Trieff: "I'm on a Quest"
by André van der Wende
Selina Trieff: A Husband's View
Bob Henry
Berta Walker on Selina Trieff
by Berta Walker
She Was There and I Was Late—Thinking About Selina Trieff
by Michael Klein
Lightspeed: An Interview with Francis Olschafskie
Raymond Elman
Robert Smithson and I
Peter Hutchinson
All rights reserved. © Provincetown Arts, and its Contributors.


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The results of a recently published study show that Angelina Jolie's mission to raise awareness, including publicising her decision to undergo a double mastectomy in 2013, has been successful.
A study from Austria shows how Jolie's actions and the publicity surrounding them have raised awareness and encouraged more women to consider different surgery options including mastectomies and breast reconstruction, primarily reconstructive surgery involving a woman's own fat tissue.
Furthermore, there is evidence of an increased awareness of reconstructive breast surgery using a patient's own fat tissue rather than synthetic implants.


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So your child is going to college. Commence worry about everything from how to pay for it to will my child be able to adjust to the new environment and work load. Whether you went to college yourself or not, it is a new and different world out there, and chances are unless you are a college professor or have older children already in college, you don't know what you or your child can expect. How in the world will you know what your student is going through and how to advise them when they call and ask for help?
Tag Archive for success
New Semester's Resolutions
So you are back for another semester. You have made your New Year's Resolutions to exercise more, eat less late night pizza, get together with old friends more often, and call your mom at least once a week. But what resolutions are you making that will help you toward your college success? The book Making College Count contains great tips and tricks to help you through a new semester, so get the book today! (It also makes a great high school graduation gift for your friends about to join you as collegians.) But until your book comes in, here are some resolutions you can make to help you on your journey to college success. Read more
Don't wait until it's too late
Don't wait until it's too late to start looking for a good high school graduation gift for the high school senior in your life. Now is the time to begin thinking who you will be giving high school graduation gifts to. As I talked about in the last post, making a list now may save you some heartache later.
If you start early, you won't make the mistake of getting your high school graduate a bad gift. You don't want to be the person who gives the photo album (we have digital cameras and therefore have digital photo albums—your gift will swiftly tossed into the trash), a laundry bag, or a book designed for children that won't help us any in our next step (and we will probably get a couple of copies of this one, so you are not alone if you have made this mistake before).
Making College Count is not outdated (the new version is out now) as a photo album may be, is useful, but less boring than a laundry bag, and infinitely more valuable than a children's book. Making College Count makes a great high school graduation gift because it provides tips and tricks for achieving college success.
So this year, don't wait until the last minute to make the list of who you need to get high school graduation gifts for, and while you are at it, get them something that will help them in college and beyond—Making College Count.
College Success: Experience Beyond the Internship
Making College Count author Patrick O'Brien shares advice about how to achieve college success both inside and outside the classroom.
College Success – Get Relevant Work Experience
You're working on college success but you need an internship to be in a position to get a job. Be creative and you can put yourself ahead of your classmates.
Participation Makes the Difference
Of course, showing up to class is one of the most important college tips that you can receive, but making college count is much more than just being present in class. Some classes in college have a participation component. The professor might encourage feedback from students during class. You may have to discuss the reading you had to do for homework, or participate in a class policy discussion. Take a closer look at your syllabus. Chances are there is a breakdown of the grading in the class and part of it (especially for smaller classes) is a participation component. This component of grading is no joke. It can take you from a B to an A or, from a B to a C, depending on whether you participate or not. Because of this importance, class participation is key to college survival. Read more


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P.O. Box 178
Eagle Lake, FL 33839
Deric C. Feacher, LLC d/b/a The Messenger Speaks is a company of professional, motivational keynote speakers for organizations, companies, churches, governments, youth, college students and the educators who teach them. The Impact Speakers talks are timely and so dynamic that, leaders, employees, members, students and educators will talk about long after the presenter has left! Deric Feacher, "The Messenger," is the motivational speaker you need! He works regularly with young people who face almost insurmountable challenges, but after hearing him speak, realize they have the tools to reach their full potential and they are just one small step from success!
If you are looking for a high school graduation speaker, Deric is the perfect motivational speaker to send your students to the next step in their life!
James Amps, President and CEO of AMPS International is also a motivational speaker. He states, "Deric is not just another 'positive thinker,' he is an action-oriented speaker and shows his audiences how to maximize their potential. He has wisdom, humor, innovation, suspense and joy all rolled up into one dynamic presentation. He is transforming lives with his talks!"
These are not your typical talks from behind a lectern wearing a suit and tie. These are impactful presentations on how to rise from mediocrity to excellence. Deric and other impact speakers will customize informational, inspirational, motivational and educational talks to meet the needs of the organization they speak to by having a pre-presentation phone conference to discover what the organization expects to get out of the presentation. The Messenger Speaks presentations will ignite a sense of responsibility in the lives of those individual who attend the presentation, training, workshop or visioning session. Deric's inspirational keynote speeches are life-changing because of how he intertwines his inspiring personal life story of going from teachers trying to label him as an ESE (Exceptional Student Education) and SLD (Specific Learning Disability) student during his middle school years. He has surrounded himself with other Impact Speakers who also have a great story that will help you organization and or an individual reach their full potential.
Deric keynote signature speeches are motivational, entertaining, and inspirational — they are not to be missed. Employee relations will be improved, youth will be inspired, student athletes will find their fire again and all will walk away feeling the wow factor!
The Messenger Speaks will provide powerful, relevant entertaining talks that will always Educate, Enlighten and Empower!


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Unali'Yi Lodge 236
Spring Ordeal '12
Newly Elected Lodge Officers
As many of you know at the most recent function, the Spring Fellowship, our lodge held elections for the Lodge officers. The following were the results of the election:
Lodge Chief: Christopher "Slinky" Mocarski;
Vice-Chief of Administration: Galen Helfter;
Vice‐Chief of Program: Hunter Gable;
Lodge Secretary: Noah Krechel;
Lodge Treasurer: Alex Jernigan.
These are the brothers who will be serving our lodge in key leadership positions for 2012-13. Please support them and advise them in any way you can
2011 Spring Ordeal
Our Spring Ordeal will be May 18-20, 2011 at the ever beautiful Camp Ho Non Wah. Please register as soon as possible if you have not done so yet. As our lodge has done in the past we will be having brotherhood ceremonies and Ordeal ceremonies for the candidates. Please preregister for the Spring Ordeal so that you do not have to worry about it while checking in (and the early bird deal isn't a bad motivator either). I hope to see each one of you at the Ordeal for friendship, brotherhood, and service
More than 8,000 Arrowmen will travel to East Lansing, Michigan, home to the 2012 National Order of the Arrow Conference at Michigan State University. Arrowmen will participate in a 6 day conference focusing on top notch training sessions, cool recreational opportunities, attending evening shows full of theatrics and special effects, and checking out the exciting programs NOAC has to offer. NOAC will be held from July 30 through August 4th, 2012 this conference only happens every 2-4 years. The NOAC experience has been compared to National Jamboree for fun and excitement. There are currently a few remaining spots to attend NOAC this summer, the cost is $695 for the full charter bus trip, lodging, food, patches, memorabilia, and an experience of a lifetime. For further information check out httpss://www.
coastalcarolinabsa.org/ and contact our Staff adviser at email@example.com or 843-261-4645. registration/calendardetail. asp?ActivityKey=1120893
Yours in brotherhood,
Alec "Goodies" Surrett
Lodge Chief 2010-2012


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New JOBO digital picture frame feature 1GB of internal memory capable of storing up to 4,000 images in optimum resolution and features USB OTG compatibility
Gummersbach, Germany (January 7, 2008) – JOBO AG announces the addition of a new ultra stylish, state-of-the-art digital picture frame to the growing JOBO family of digital picture frames. The new JOBO Photo Display PDJ151 features a large 15" high intensity luminous resolution and vibrant TFT-Color-LCD display designed to beautifully showcase digital images, a big internal memory for easy access to images and many other user-friendly functions.
This new JOBO PDJ151 digital picture frame is designed to keep memories alive by showcasing digital pictures in an automatic slideshow presentation giving precious digital memories new life. Additionally, this frame enables users to highlight their special photographic moments and easily share them with family and friends. This new JOBO digital picture frame feature a handsome Acrylic frame design and modern black trim to fit in with any décor in the home or office.
"We are pleased to add this new 15 inch digital picture frame to our family of products designed for digital camera owners," said Johannes Bockemuehl-Simon, JOBO's CEO. "This extremely stylish new JOBO Photo Display was created specifically to be the ultimate photo display to help consumers keep their memories alive and visible whether positioned on a tabletop or desk or conveniently mounted to a wall. With more consumers than ever using digital cameras to document events in their lives, products like our Photo Displays are the perfect solution for them to proudly showcase all their digital images that until now were just stored on home computers never to be seen again."
This new JOBO digital picture frame features a 1024 x 768 pixel resolution with a contrast ratio of 400:1. To view images on the display, users just insert their camera's media card into the frame to transfer the images to the frame's internal memory or they can download digital image files from their PC or USB device such as JOBO's line of image storage units onto the JOBO PDJ151 frame via the included USB OTG cable. This model feature USB 2.0 high speed capability and support all popular memory cards such as CF, SD, MMC, MS and xD. Easy to use buttons on the back of the frames support intuitive operation of all important functions. Also included with this model is a wall mount kit and remote control unit for convenient operation from any location in a room.
The 1GB internal memory of the new JOBO PDJ151 can store up to 4,000 pictures in optimum screen resolution turning it into a deluxe digital photo album. This JOBO model support picture browsing, thumbnail mode and slideshow with various transition effects. It also offers user-friendly functions such as Copy, Delete and Rotate photos as well as 4x zoom. This frame can also display a calendar and the time and feature an integrated alarm clock. It includes an AC power adapter and can be powered on and off automatically by a timer.
JOBO PDJ151 Specifications:
The JOBO Photo Display PDJ151 is available for $359 MSRP.
About JOBO AG JOBO is a family-owned company now in its third generation of family leadership. Having been founded in 1923, it has built up a reputation for quality, professionalism, and commitment. These core values remain their keys for continuous success in times of vast technological changes, growing markets, and globalization.
Through innovation and ingenuity JOBO has created standards within the imaging industry. For example, JOBO created the product class of small-volume, high-quality photo processors. And NASA pictures of the first flight to the moon (Apollo 11) were processed using JOBO equipment.
JOBO is also one of the first exhibitors of the most important photo trade shows in the world – photokina, founded in 1950. Since then, close interaction with photo dealers and end users has been critical in making JOBO an indisputable market leader in the world of photography.
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Forgive yourself for the times you wanted someone more than they wanted you.
Forgive yourself for the times you settled for a settlement you didn't deserve because you didn't want to lose someone you cared about and you wanted to be the bigger person.
Forgive yourself for the times you went after someone people told you to stay away from because they didn't understand your heart and they didn't understand you.
Forgive yourself for the times you broke your own heart by loving people who were wrong for you. Forgive yourself for believing there was more to them and for putting them on a pedestal they didn't deserve.
Forgive yourself for the times you thought you could fix someone or try to change someone by loving them and giving more than you're receiving.
But instead of blaming yourself for trying, applaud yourself for believing in love. For having hope.
Don't be sad, be proud.
Be proud of yourself for taking a chance, for doing something that scared you, for making the first move, for telling someone how you felt, for opening up to someone and for trying to win someone's heart.
Be proud of yourself for trusting your gut and following your heart even if it wasn't the right direction.
Be proud of yourself for being fearless when it comes to love — because love will always favor the brave, the ones who try, the ones who get heartbroken but still believe.
So forgive yourself for the times you forgot your worth, because you wouldn't have known your worth any other way. You wouldn't have realized what you really deserve if you weren't put in situations that reminded you of what you don't deserve.
Every heartbreak is a lesson for you not to settle.
Every heartbreak is a reminder that you deserve so much more.
Lost myself at Roamers
I woke up on this sunday morning, opened half asleep my balkony door and fell back into my cozy sheets and the loving arms waiting there for me. This morning i was watching the clouds passing by waiting for the sun to come out for the last time this year. As soon as she appeared i hopped on my scooter and went all the way to Neukölln to try out a new restaurant (sunday tradition). I could loose myself trying to describe how beautiful this place and the food is. I haven't had such a tasty avocado bread since my travels to indonesia. The staff definitely made this place even better. They were singing along all the time and the most friendly staff eeeeeever. Please just go there and make your own experience. Only recommendation, try to go there after 5pm or not on a sunday if you wanna enjoy the time completely. Otherwise it's super packed and loud.
Don't think twice, try it out.


text: Ariebs musical journey started as a child when he discovered that when he expressed himself vocally, people would pay attention. He picked up the guitar in his teens as a simple acoustic accompaniment for his voice. At the age of 19 he went off to Croatia and spent the next 13 years of his life there. He was one of the founders of the band Shamrock Rovers with whom he recorded two albums of a unique interpretation of Celtic music. Finally in 2005 he returned to Pakistan in order to immerse himself in the local music. Always nurturing a love for poets of Sufi and humanist literature, Arieb has now found an expression that he can claim as his own and recorded an album in Karachi.


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Click below to read on
We were invited by Novotel to stay at their York Centre hotel and it was just the excuse we needed to hop on the train and spend a few days with a change of scenery.
The first thing we noted on our arrival was how immediately family friendly the hotel was. The kids instinctively ran to the play area by reception and were building towers and reading books together within minutes. Such a good idea when you have children tired from a day of travel and you need to sort out checking in. Not only that but the receptionist wheeled out a cart of toys that the kids were able to pick, Wilf chose a funny straw and Mabli a turtle softie. Such a brilliant way of making them feel extra special.
We arrived at around 5 O Clock due to a late running train so we wanted a bit of a chilled evening. Luckily this hotel has a swimming pool so we were able to spend an hour splashing about before chilling out in our room and having an early night. We did intend on getting the kids to sleep then watching a bit of TV but as soon as the light were out we all fell asleep at eight, ha! Must have been the comfy beds.
The children area in the reception, there was also an area with a Playstation and Wii for older children as well as an electronic games table with games like Angry Birds (which Wilf is now obsessed with!). The kids areas reminded me so much of places I'd stayed with my family as a child, the games rooms I'd play board games with my brother with. Some of my fondest memories of trips were actually spent as the accommodation and I got such a sense of that here too. Wilf even made a little friend of his own and they chatted away over the electric table playing together. I love how kids can just do that so easily.
We whiled away an entire morning there and then headed out to wonder the beautiful cobbled streets (passing Diagon Alley) and stopping at a really family friendly pub with a courtyard garden. The staff were just so friendly and jolly, we kept saying how nice people were there.
Afterwards we headed to the Castle Gardens which were just so so beautiful. I'd been there as a child and I felt so strongly nostalgic about it. The kids were climbing on the ruins (the ones that didn't have keep off signs on don't worry) and having so much fun. At one point Wilf held his sisters hand and said 'don't be scared Mabli I'll help you' and I think my heart just about burst. These kiddos of mine.
The hotel is right by a really beautiful canal which is how we walked from the station to the hotel (abut 15/20 minutes) its a lovely walk and you're able to take in the gorgeous architecture along side it. I like to play the game 'I think I'd live in that house' whenever we go somewhere new.
We had such a lovely two days in York and Novotel made it so easy to do so as a family so a big thank you to them for the invitation!


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So, I decided to do something fun to celebrate! I'm having a givaway! I've never done this before, so I went to other blogs I read that have held their own givaways and got ideas of how to do it!
Five Christmas fat quarters from Loralie and a new book I just bought at retreat this past weekend- "Six Halves Make a Whole Christmas". It's got some really beautiful and easy to make quilts in it!! So, here are the givaway requirements-
1. For five chances to win, you must become a follower of my blog.
2. For an additional chance to win, leave a comment on this post and tell me your favorite season of the year and why.
3. For another additional chance to win, tell about my givaway on your blog or Facebook page with a link back to my blog!
The winner's name will be randomly drawn and posted on my blog on Monday, October 12th.
I hope you have enjoyed reading my blog and allowing me to share my love of all things "quilty" and more!! Good luck to all who enter! Maybe you will be the winner!!


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Sakura in Spring
Get Your Japanese Fix! Only $59 for a Eight Course Meal for Two People. Dine on Miso Soup, Chicken Spring Rolls, Fish Fillet, Ice Cream, Sake Shot and More. Valued at $149
- Highlights
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Craving Japanese? Head to Sakura in Spring in South Melbourne for a delicious eight course banquet for two people
Course One: Start with a bowl of miso soup each
Course Two: Vegetable salad, served individually
Course Three: Crunchy deep fried chicken spring rolls while the grill heats up for your chef's cooking display
Course Four: Sink your teeth into the first juicy morsel from the grill, king prawns
Course Five: Delicate fish fillet, seasoned perfectly with a special blend of spices
Course Six: Teriyaki chicken, braised and tossed in the house teriyaki sauce
Course Seven: Delicious fried vegetables that melt in your mouth
Course Eight: Finish with a sweet, subtle and refreshing treat, a serve of ice cream
Includes sides of steamed rice to pair with goodies from the grill
Complete the authentic Japanese meal with a shot of sake each
What We Like
Bring your favourite bottle of wine for a corkage fee of $9 per bottle
Book in with two vouchers to go with a bigger group
Check out the 'Fine Print' tab to see all terms and conditions that apply to this offer
Offer expires on 5 January 2016
Blackout Dates: Not valid 11 - 12 December 2015, 17 - 19 December 2015 and 2 January 2016
We strongly encourage bookings to be made by 22 December 2015. Bookings after this date cannot be guaranteed. If there are no available bookings after 22 December 2015, simply contact our Customer Support Team before 5 January 2016 and you will be entitled to a full credit back to your account
Bookings are absolutely essential and subject to availability. Please note, Saturday bookings are strictly limited so please book early to avoid disappointment
Bookings must be made at least 24 hours in advance
Valid for redemption Tuesday to Thursday and Sunday 6:00pm-10:30pm and Friday and Saturday 6:00pm-11:30pm. Not valid public holidays
Voucher is valid for two people (dine-in only)
Members can use multiple vouchers for themselves and multiple as gifts for different recipients
Multiple vouchers may be used per booking
Please note, dishes may be served concurrently and are to be shared
Must be 18 years or older to consume alcohol. BYO wine only is permitted for a $9 corkage charge per bottle
24 hour cancellation policy applies, late cancellation and non-attendance voids voucher
Not valid in conjunction with any other offer and not redeemable for cash
Redemption instructions can be found on the voucher
The service was friendly and excellent, the food was tasty and plentiful... The chef was skillful and it was a most enjoyable meal for all the people on our table. We shall certainly be back again soon."Zomato
Bought a 10 course voucher, got more food than we thought we would. Very tasty and entertaining. The staff were very accommodating for a vegetarian person who was dining with us. Will definitely be back."Zomato
Loved the service. the Cook was amazing. kept us entertained and was very friendly. Food was plentiful. It filled us up. I would highly recommend this place. Thanks guys for a good night!"Zomato


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I-4 closures planned in Polk County
LAKELAND, Fla. – The Florida Department of Transportation announced there will be road closures along Interstate 4 in Polk County over the weekend.
The closures will affect I-4 traffic in Lakeland on Saturday and Sunday, FDOT said, as CSX makes railroad track repairs at the Kathleen Road overpass.
I-4 will close westbound from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday. Regional traffic will leave I-4 westbound at exit 41 and follow the Polk Parkway to I-4 westbound.
I-4 will close eastbound from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday. I-4 eastbound at exit 27 and follow the Polk Parkway to I-4 eastbound.
Tolls on the Polk Parkway will be suspended during the detour, FDOT says.
FDOT recommends drivers allow extra travel time during the weekend.
Check Local 6's Timesaver Traffic page for live traffic updates.
Copyright 2014 by ClickOrlando.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.


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Tebma Shipping Complex: Malpe – Hangarkatte – Babuthota
The integrated, state-of-the-art shipyard at Malpe in Karnataka manufactures
GTRVs, PSVs, MPSVs, AHTS, DSVs, LCVs and all other OSVs. Tebma manufactures
vessels up to length 120 mtrs, width 20 mtrs & draft 6 mtrs at its Malpe
Yard Description
Malpe facility has a slipway complex consisting of 14 bays with the capacity to
build 10 offshore vessels per year and repair upto 4 vessels at a time.
This yard of 40,000 square meter of water front land has been acquired from the
Government of Karnataka on a 30 year lease.
Hangarkatte pre fabrication complex
Conservation Shed
Separate Conservation shed with integrated Blasting and Painting chamber with
two set of Machines (Portable blasting Machine, Air Dehumidifier, Dust
collectors, Air compressor, Paint mist filter system, Vacuum recovery system)
temperature and humidity control. Area : 60 meter X 20 Meter
Work Force
A pool of professionals skilled in various disciplines of ship building to meet any customer demand.
Salient features of the facility are:
Hangarkatte Pre Fabrication complex
-20km from shipyard
Facility for block construction
Plate shed
Profile shed
Panel shop
Pipe shop
Logistics & Welding
Babuthotta Storage Complex - 0.5km from shipyard
Storage shed 84m x 20m x 13m
Multipurpose Platform Supply Vessel
Multi Purpose Offshore Vessel
45 T. BP Voith Tug
Multi Purpose Supply Vessel