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Captain Hoffman stands on the bridge in naval uniform intently watching an approaching container vessel. But instead of barking orders for a change of course he takes up a microphone and announces in a kindly manner - from two 600-watt speakers - the tonnage, length and homeport of the oncoming ship. Then at the click of a mouse a lofty anthem booms out across the water.
Herr Hoffman welcomes arriving ships with an announcement and their national anthem. Photo My Bathroom Wall
"I have 153 national anthems here," Herr Hoffman says proudly. "They used to be on vinyl, then cassette tapes, and now they are MP3's. That one was from the Marshall Islands because that is where the ship is flagged."
Before you think the German navy has completely lost the plot, we're on dry land, Herr Hoffman is retired, and his 'bridge' is a small office on the side of the Schulauer Fährhaus restaurant. This bonkers little ceremony takes place at a narrow point in the Elbe River 22 kilometres west of Hamburg, conducted for all arriving and departing ships over 5,000 tons. It first began in 1952 – initiated by the restaurateur who was constantly being asked by customers where the ships were from.
A ship passing the Schulauer Fährhaus and so called 'Welcome Point'. Photo Schulauer Fährhaus
Hamburg is Germany's richest city, the country's media, design, and music capital, and Europe's second biggest port. It feels more chilled than Munich, less swaggering than Berlin, and despite being 110 kilometres from the North Sea, the connection with seafaring is ever present.
You can't miss the giant port that smothers one bank of the River Elbe. The city is clearly proud of it, and flaunts it with an historic riverfront that grandstands the dry-docked cruise liners here for refits, the banks of containers and rows of cranes.
And the love of shipping doesn't stop there.
The splendidly shipping-themed lobby of the 25hour HafenCity Hotel. Photo 25hours Hotels
I stayed at the 25hour HafenCity Hotel, a funky new place where standard bedroom décor includes a rope ladder, a life size cartoon of a sailor in the bathroom, a globe and a faux antique Louis Vuitton travel trunk. I could however have chosen the Atlantic Kempinski, which was built for first class passengers travelling on the Hamburg-America line and has a lobby bar like a cruise liner's; or the recently refurbished Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten, where older rooms have double doors with a space in between, formerly for the discreet delivery of luggage – just as posh old liners once insisted upon.
The Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten. Photo Fairmont Hotels
The 'Love Boat' theme was playing when I entered the Fairmont bar, which is a cabin-like nook with wood panelling and a spiral staircase. The chap taking red wine and cheese at the bar immediately chatted: "This has been my ritual to escape the hustle of every day life for forty years now." And with an air-twirl of his fork he added, "Did you know that Hamburg has 64 kilometres of docks and more bridges than Venice and Amsterdam put together?" I looked sceptical, but a short while later the white-coated barman returned and said he'd checked his mobile and it wasn't correct. "Wikipedia says that there are 2,400 bridges in Hamburg, more than Venice, Amsterdam and London put together," he beamed.
The almost seaside vibe at the Strandpearl bar/restaurant. Photo My Bathroom Wall
At the Strandpearl beach restaurant, I joined the tables of beautiful people on a rather grey beach and watched as the mammoth blue bulk of a container ship slide past. As I chomped through a bratwurst and beer, two mates in their 70s asked if the seats beside me were taken. Wolf excitedly told me that the blue container ship was the APL Sentosa – "Too big for the Panama Canal even, 70 meters longer than the Eiffel Tower and carrying up to 14,000 containers!" His friend Berndt rolled his eyes: "Oh, here we go again," he bemoaned through a huge smile. "Wolf knows everything about ships."
The views are fabulous from the open air section of the 'Clouds' Bar. Photo Clouds Bar
The hippest places for cocktails are 'Clouds' and the '20up Bar', both topping tall buildings and angled for the best floor-to-ceiling harbour views. There are bars down on the river, too -- cheap eats on the ten Landsbrücken pontoons with a seaside-feeling medley of excitable children and excruciating postcards. Nearby I sat in a deckchair and felt the sand between my toes at the mellower Hamburg del Mar bar, then I had a drink on the floating Astra floating biergarten, and rounded off on the curvaceous wooden deck of a little red lighthouse ship.
The 'Hamburg del Mar' bar, even though the mar is 110 kilometres away. Photo My Bathroom Wall
On the U3 metro line I was startled when the train emerged from a tunnel to reveal fantastic views of Hamburg's river. Between Landsbrücken and Baumwall stations, the train trundles over rails elevated on spindly iron stilts for views not unlike those heading in or out of Sydney's Circular Quay Railways Station. Public transport ferries fuss along the Elbe and dozens of harbour cruise options vie for the tourist's attention, and there's an extraordinary river tunnel too, built in 1911 for workers to commute to the docks. Glass lifts for pedestrians, and older garage-sized ones that take two cars at a time, descend 75-meters to the tunnel floor.
The late afternoon sun drew me to stroll westwards along the riverbank on my last day in Hamburg. I passed U-434, a Russian submarine (now a museum) and an office block in the shape of a ship, and eventually reached a cute cluster of historic vessels at the Oevelgönne museum.
The welcoming wooden interior of the old ferry boat restaurant. Photo My Bathroom Wall
Inside the cosy dining room of a converted 1952 Hamburg ferry, I tasted the city's speciality of Labskaus – once a common seamen's dish - a delicious hash of beef, potato and onion topped with an egg. The young waitress bent beside the table like a First Class airhostess and after the meal suggested that I should get a ferry back to where I'd started - and that one was leaving in four minutes. "At night when I finish it feels like a village here," she said, "all peaceful and quiet. I get the ferry back to the centre sitting on deck watching the lights of the docks cranes and ships, and I feel very lucky."
Four minutes later, the tug-like ferry arrived and lowered its gantry. I hurried on and took her advice, sitting on deck to watch the eerily lit cargo ships, their containers stacked like toy bricks, and red lights pinpointing the toiling crane tips.
I felt very lucky too.
Sunset over the River Elbe. Photo Visit Hamburg
Today is the first anniversary of the apalling 2017 attack, in which 22 people were killed when a bomd was detonated at the end of a concert at the Manchester Arena. Last July I visted the city as part of a press event designed to showcase the best of the city and its people, and the following article first appeared in the Australian travel suppliment, Escape, on December 6th. I'd not really been a fan of Manchester before this trip, but it surprised me with it's big city feel, liveability and sense of community.
It's raining as I arrive in Manchester – sheeting it down from a pewter-grey sky and soaking me as I bundle into the taxi. I comment on the deluge, and like everyone else I was to meet in the city, the driver had a good line in cheery weather-related banter. " "Yes it rains here, but not as much as some other places," he said with a smile. "I've checked you know! And we get a few Arab tourists who come here to cool off and see rain -- they love our changeable weather."
The dampness prevented cotton from snapping during weaving apparently, in the days when Manchester was the world's first industrial city and was known as Cottonopolis - producing 85% of the globe's finished cotton in the 1840s. The legacy is redbrick textile warehouses scattered across the city, cast iron kerb edges that didn't crack under heavy textile carts, and household linen still called 'Manchester' in Australia to this day.
The cotton trade has long since vanished from the city – and now Manchester is more famous for football, a sort of 'Socceropolis' with its two world-class teams – United and City – battling it out for the top titles and trophies. Forbes calculates the combined value of the two clubs at more than $7 billion, with annual revenues of about a one and a half billion – roughly the same as the UK's entire fishing industry.
It's still bucketing it down when I hop on a yellow and black tram to Manchester United's Old Trafford ground. Stadium tours run every ten minutes and my group include excited fans from Singapore, Toronto, Bremen and St Lucia. The empty ground is smaller and more worn than I imagined - but it's great to see the players' changing rooms, the tunnel to the pitch and Mourinho's dugout.
Players are big noises in the city as you might expect. Gary Neville and Ryan Giggs opened Hotel Football next to the Old Trafford Stadium, the fine diner Rabbit in the Moon ('space age Asian'), and are hatching a plan to turn the former central police station into a luxury hotel. Rio Ferdinand is part owner of swanky Italian Rosso.
I instead opt for an evening at Bongo's Bingo and queued around the corner to enter the beautiful Albert Hall, the former Methodist hall built in 1908. The crowd of 800 is astonishingly up-for-it from the start, and in between the bingo – with prizes including a Space Hopper, a cardboard politician and a bottle of Amaretto – the maestro called "Dancing Queen number seventeen", "Staying Alive number five" and so on. All are cues for predictable mini raves and table dancing.
A bingo audience and atmosphere like you have never seen. Photo My Bathroom Wall
Football and bingo have working class roots and this earlier spirit is captured in the People's History Museum. Like every other museum I visit in the city, it's free, and it's where I take my hangover the next morning. It's a non-political museum that's very political, highlighting as it does the 1819 Peterloo Massacre, the 1833 Tolpuddle Martyrs, and the 1984 miners' strike. I also learnt that Emily Pankhurst was born in Manchester and her former home (now the Pankhurst Centre museum) is where the Suffragettes movement was founded.
You wouldn't know it now, what with the snazzy glass tower of the Football Museum (with showy internal funicular), the futuristic Armani shop and the glass-fronted Selfridges, but Manchester was rather down at heel in the 80s and 90s. Back then it was said that only 250 people actually lived in the city centre. It's now up to 20,000.
The slump in fortunes didn't do any harm to the city's music scene though; in fact the deprivation may just have helped it according to local music guide Sue McCarthy, who shows me the vinyl shops on Oldham Street, the once shadowy square where Northern Soul began, and the location of the Hacienda – a legendary music venue that closed in 1997 and has since been obliterated by the Hacienda Apartments.
At the dingy-looking alleyway entrance to Corbier's, a man not unacquainted with daytime drinking said good-naturedly "Call in, call in; you may never come out!" The bar was opened by a former Man-U player in 1978. It has a corking jukebox, and is where the Happy Mondays first bumped into Bez - their maracas-playing mascot.
The bonhomie reminds me of two pasty lads I met in Sumatra wearing identical T-shirts printed with 'This isn't Manchester, this is the trip!'. Like other Mancunians, they were proud of their city, quick-humoured and swift with banter.
Next morning, after a brilliant bacon butty in Manchester's Art Gallery café, I find myself staring at a screen of white noise while listening to 'Decades' by Joy Division. The 'True Faith' exhibition is inspired by the band, and New Order as it became after its lead singer Ian Curtis committed suicide aged 23. The exhibition includes installations, album covers, and Curtis' original hand written lyrics for 'Love Will Tear Us Apart'.
Manchester has produced musical talent in spades. It started with the Hollies, Herman's Hermits and Freddie and the Dreamers in the 60s. Then in the 80s and 90s came Joy Division and New Order, The Smiths, Stone Roses, Simply Red, Swing Out Sister, James, Happy Mondays, Chemical Brothers, Oasis, and Take That.
The Northern Quarter is where it's at these days. It's not exactly pretty – with red brick buildings and wrought iron staircases that occasionally stand in for New York in films - but the city's bohemian enclave is where you'll find provocative street art, trendy vintage shops, and even an Icelandic coffee café called Takk.
On my last afternoon I went traditional and walked along the Castlefield canals, past crowds of outdoor summer drinkers at 'Dukes 92' and Barca, and end up sitting in the warm sunshine by Cathedral Square with a pint of ale beside the 16th century Old Wellington.
Out of the blue it starts to rain, but along with everyone else I scoop up my glass and joined the friendly indoor crush. What might have been a day-spoiling event in many cities was over in 10 minutes. Then we all take our drinks outside again as though nothing had happened.
See Visit Manchester
Getting happily lost in the narrow alleyways of Bastikiya. But fear not, it will only be for a matter of minutes, as this former Persian fishing village next to The Creek and Dubai Museum is only a small patch of what Dubai would have been like before the arrival of oil and airlines and the like.
Souvenir shops down an alleyway in Bastikiya. Photo My Bathroom Wall
It's been restored and turned over to arty boutiques, cafes, and guesthouses. I mooched between its coral-built houses and pushed open a magnificent wooden front door or two. Indoors I discovered romantic courtyards and spaces cooled by traditional wind towers that ingeniously funnel down even the faintest whisper of breeze. One door revealed the gorgeously arty courtyard of the XVA Hotel, gallery and cafe, another the The Majlis Gallery with it's wonderful collection of water colours, fabrics, and a 3m long bronze fish mobile. I spent an unintentional but blissful few hours at the Basta Art Café here too – settled with a book on an outdoor sofa, in the shade of a Narra tree, slurping creative melanges of fresh fruit juices and picking at a chicken and apricot salad.
Arabian Oryx
Getting face to face with an Arabian Oryx. The open-sided safari Range Rovers drive close to this beautiful white antelope with two foot straight horns. They are probably the origin of the Unicorn myth too – either seeing one from the side when the horns appear to merge, or from an injured single horned creature.
The Unicorn fable apparently started when sailors spied very still and side-on Oryx. Really? Photo Sir Bani
Yas Desert Islands
Sir Bani Yas Island is 160 miles southwest of Abu Dhabi, where Sheikh Zayed - founder of the UAE – kept his private island and made a reserve and saved the Arabian Oryx from extinction. He had a great eye for beautiful and secluded desert islands, and now it's open to tourists too. The rugged island is home to the largest herd of Oryx in the world, a lovely 64-room hotel, and no other buildings except for the high-walled Sheikhs palace. My balcony had intricate wooden carvings and overlooked the swimming pool and bright blue waters of the Gulf beyond - the occasional oil tanker gliding by to anchor the scene. I kayaked through the mangroves; mountain biked over crags, and took far too many Oryx pics on the jeep safari. See www.sirbaniyasisland.com
Swaying in front of the best sushi display I've ever seen. It was a tipsy sway too, thanks to the waiters rapid refilling of my champagne flute, but I took aim and plucked more perfect parcels of fish from the ice-field of a counter. Friday brunch at a restaurant or swanky hotel is an institution in the Emirates – as the Muslim weekend falls on Friday and Saturday.
The chocolate fountain station at the Abu Dhabi Shangri-La brunch. Photo Time Out
My favourite all you can eat extravaganza of crab and curries, carved meats and couscous, is the giant spread offered by the Abu Dhabi Shangri La (www.shangri-la.com/abudhabi, £42pp with alcohol, £59pp with champagne). How to top the many flavour of ice cream left me in a quandary – should I aim for the milk chocolate fountain, the dark one, or the white one? It has won the Best Brunch award several times, but the local Time Out magazine lists the latest venues – currently more than 85 of them.
Dubai Museum
Descending into history underneath Dubai's oldest building. I was surprised to discover a state-of-the-art-museum beneath the coral built Al Fahidi Fort. It's a pretty Beau Geste like castle by the Creek, dating from 1787, yet underground is a large area of interconnecting displays and of Emerati life through the ages.
The lighting is twighlight, and there's sand on the floor and sound effects as you walk-through life size dioramas of merchant shops, dhow loading and pearl diving. Uncannily convincing enough to mistakenly ask directions of, and all you need to know about Bedouin life. Dubai Museum (Al Fahidi Fort, Bastikiya).
Rounding a corner revealed the cheery sight of everyday Emirati's on ice. Girls in head scarves and lads in brilliant white dishdasha's were whizzing round the shopping mall's the ice rink. There are hundreds of souks and small shops in Old Dubai, but the mega malls are so daft they are fun, and full of bonkers surprises too. The Mall of the Emirates has an indoor ski slope and ice rink and Dubai Mall (thedubaimall.com) has the largest aquarium-viewing panel in the world.
Not a Shanghai junk shop, but the China Court of the Ibn Battuta Mall in Dubai. Photo Ibn Battuta Mall
My favourite is the Ibn Battuta Mall, with country-themed sections in tribute to one of the world's greatest travellers. A stroll past some of its 400 shops is made much less daunting thanks to the cheery decor in the sections devoted to India, China, Persia, Egypt, Andalucia and Tunisia.
Learn about Islam
Discovering the funny side of Islam. I learned more than I bargained for in the Grand Jumeirah Mosque because the local Muslim guide was so funny. She wisecracked about the LED display not being today's money change rates, but actually prayer times and won us over. She explained the pre-prayer washing ritual by an outside fountain, talked us through the prayer technique, and then sat us all down on the mosque's Persian rugs for 'any questions' session.
A talk for tourists inside the Grand Jumeirah Mosque. Photo Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding
I've been into dozens of mosques around the world, but this was a more intimate and informative an insight than any. This introduction to Islam is run by the not for profit Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding. Visits last 75 minutes on Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, at 10am, and cost £1.70; no reservation necessary.
Feeling the quick-to-cool desert sand flow through my fingers at sunset. There's nothing quite like tearing off into the desert Emirati-style, to enjoy a sunset picnic on the dunes.
A fiery Dubai desert sunset. Photo John Karwoski/Flickr
You don't need local pals either; as there are several desert hotels to help, including the desert fort like design of the Qasra Al Sarab, the grand-arched infinity pool overlooking the desert at the four-star Tilal Liwa Hotel, and the giant tented suites at Al Maha. I try not to miss sunset gazing each evening wherever I'm in the UAE, but desert facing is always the best.
Burj Khalifa
Relishing the view from the tallest building on earth. The views are astonishing, with the Dubai Fountain immediately below, more lowly skyscrapers stretching along the coast, and cargo ships out in the Gulf. In fact the Burj Khalifa is the world's tallest building by far – 642 feet taller than its nearest rival to be precise. The tip of its mast scrapes the sky at an extraordinary 2,722 feet.
Photo Burj Khalifa
The lift whisks you from inside the Dubai Mall to the observation deck on the 124th floor. Painfully large wall to wall and floor to ceiling windows are fantastic for drinking in the skyline way below, not so great for vertigo sufferers like me. And for better and worse, there is an outside open to the elements area with wooden decking too. Days can be hazy, so to contrast daytime and the brilliant night time lights of the city, aim to visit a little before sunset. Be sure to book your slot online at www.burjkhalifa.ae before you arrive, at £17pp, as tickets bought on the day are £68pp.
Al fresco cinema
Watching cinema under the stars on a clear winter's night. The Wafi shopping centre shows free film screenings on its rooftop every winter Sunday. I plumped a giant lime green bean bag, sank into perfect viewing comfort, and tucked into a plate of large nachos here. By the unmistakable Wafi Pyramid shopping centre, the gardens are a great live music and chill out venue too, with fake rocks and some real grass and palms crafted into a vague amphitheatre. Bring a light jumper for the cooler winter evenings – generally from 15 to 20 degrees.
Bean bags and the al fresco screen at Wafi. Photo Wafi Dubai
Films start at 8:30pm and entry is free; see www.wafi.com. Alternatively Vox Outdoor shows outdoor films, on the roof of the Galleria Mall, see www.uae.voxcinemas.com.
The Metro
Staying cool at a futuristic Metro station. The giant golden scarab-like design of Dubai's overhead metro stations are a pleasure to look at and use. Two lines zip past many of Dubai's hotels and sights, with one to and from the airport. I always smile to see the gridlock of yellow Lamborghini's, red Ferraris, and black Bentleys below, having forked out my 34p for the metro.
The typically understated design used for most of the metro stations. Photo Aedas/Flickr
There are women-only and family carriages, and with summertime highs topping 50 degrees, air-conditioning is ubiquitous; even in the overground metro stations and bush shelters. (www.dubaimetro.ae)
Swanky cocktails. Sipping cocktails with one of best skylines in the world for a backdrop. The manmade tree-shaped island that juts into the Persian Gulf, called The Palm Jumeirah, is more impressive from the air than from the ground. It's one of several grandiose reclamation schemes to turn patches of the Persian Gulf into a island outlines of The World, The Universe, and three giant Palms. The views of Dubai from the Palm Jumeirah – especially from The One & Only's floating 101 bar – a trendy tented and wood decked bar at the tip of the first frond – are fabulous though (wwww.oneandonlyresorts.com).
The Skyline Deck. Photo One & Only Resorts
A sassy South African barmaid talked me through the cocktails on my first visit here, and helpfully tipped me off to the free speedboat service to the Royal Mirage Hotel back on the mainland – itself with a great Moroccan themed roof bar for late night boozing and schmoozing. (www.thepalm.ae)
Driving into the desert
Driving towards a desert mirage. Away from the cities, and the infamous Sheikh Zaid Road (which connects Dubai with Abu Dhabi and alternates between gridlocked and larey), driving in the UAE is a breeze. The desert roads are often dead straight, quiet, and dissolve into mirages. With open road to the horizon, sand dunes to the sides, dirt-cheap petrol, and some of the best direction givers on the planet, driving here is a hassle free fun.
Perhaps stick to the roads though, but the desert is just on Dubai's doorstep. Photo Land Rover MENA/flickr
Like the locals I soon got obsessed with finding shade to park in – on one day temperatures reached 53 degrees and I had to wrap the fiery hot steering wheel in a t-shirt before I could handle it. Oh, and locals give exquisitely detailed directions – several times I was asked to follow the bloke I'd asked, who lead me right to the place. It comes from the desert past, where telling a stranger good or bad directions to the next watering hole or oasis could be the difference between life and death. You'll need an International Drivers Permit, your own driving licence, and there is zero tolerance for any alcohol in the bloodstream.
Visit an oasis
Breathing in the cooling shade and sound of water in a picture book oasis. The desert Oasis town of El Ain is 75 miles south of Dubai. It's a pleasant place partly shared by the UAE and Oman and surrounded by scorched desert. It reminded me weirdly of Carmel in California, with smart shops, diagonally parked cars, and a certain sophistication that belied it's remote and unforgiving location.
An olive grove inside the Al Ain oasis. Photo Geneva_wirth/Flickr
The green palm grove at its centre is silent save for the swish of fronds and the tinkle of ancient irrigation channels. I took a walk through here and imagined how mesmerising it would have been to stumble on such lush cooling freshness in after days on a camel. The nearby Jebel Hafeet mountain is graced by the finest short drive I know – a three-lane road snakes from the desert floor to the 4,100ft summit in just seven miles.
Ferrari World
Lurching back into the seat on the world's fastest rollercoaster. I swore, a lot, when the aircraft carrier grade catapult let fly and my face pressed onto my skull. Careering out over the empty desert towards the first fearful turn was faster and scarier than his F1 Ferrari, according to Alonso. At Abu Dhabi's Ferrari World, the Ferrari red on the rollercoaster cars is applied at the Modena factory in Italy, and the thrill of accelerating up to 240 kilometres per hour and experiencing 4.8G is just as genuine too.
The extraordinary design of Abu Dhabi's Ferrari World
There are many Ferrari themed rides, from a pootle round a miniature Italy in a model Ferrari California, to a multi lane 'racing' rollercoaster. Paradise for petrol heads, but I was taken by other details too, like the replica of the worker's trattoria that's adjacent to the real Ferrari plant, serving pizza and pasta, but not beer though. www.ferrariworldabudhabi.com; entry, over 1.5m £38pp, under 1.5m £28.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Standing aghast on a 48 ton Persian rug. I reigned in my lower jaw and paced the length of the vast marble prayer hall inside the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi. The two cities are 98 miles apart – just under a two hour drive on a good day. The hand knotted carpet is the largest in the world, and the building itself rivals the Taj Mahal in grace and craftsmanship.
Photo My Bathroom Wall
It's a modern, stunning structure, with more than 80 domes, miles of marble, and vast chandeliers. The intricate inlay work is mesmerising, as is the gigantic scale of the prayer hall, which can hold 14,000 people. I stayed here way longer than I had planned, sitting on the carpet watching other people being enthralled by the place. www.szgmc.ae; entry free
Gulf cuisine
Rounding off a meal with an apple flavoured sheesha. After a feast of grilled meats and mezze, the done thing at most local restaurants is to order a sheesha pipe to share. The Sheesha – known in different regions of the world as hookah or nargileh, or perhaps hubbly-bubbly, is an intricately designed way to smoke flavoured tobacco by sucking the smoke from an ember tray at the top, down through water and along a pipe to your mouth.
Arabic breakfast selections at Reem al Bawadi. Photo Reem al Bawadi
Restaurants are as posh, pricey, and as international as you like in Dubai, but don't miss out by overlooking its fine Arabian and Middle Eastern cuisine too. There are several of them now, but the original Reem al Bawadi on the Jumeirah Beach Road, is a great place for good food in a convivial semi-rustic atmosphere. Staff are very friendly, and the Lebanese mezze and local grilled dishes are excellent. (www.reemalbawadi.com)
The Creek
Crossing the Creek on a rickety wooden boat. Crossing the main artery of Old Dubai, called The Creek, is a blast, on a long wooden boat known as an Abra. It costs 17 pence one-way and is the best way of getting from the Dubai Museum, Bastikiya and the Textile Souk, across to the Perfume, Gold, and Spice souks.
Abra-cadabra; the fun way to cross the Creek
I always say hello to my neighbour – they often beat me to it too – revealing cosmopolitan Dubai - tourists from Turkey, Taiwan, or Tadcaster; immigrant workers from the Levant, Lahore, or Lemington Spa. Abra's cross the Creek every few minutes, with a journey time of about 10 minutes and a one-way fare of 17p.
Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House
Loudly slurping thick Arabic coffee and eating sticky dates, Bedouin style. Towards the mouth of The Creek, on its south side, is the Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House (Shindagha waterfront), a fine 19th century mansion with a large courtyard and several wind towers. The grandfather of the current ruler of Dubai lived here until his death in 1958.
Inside the Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House. Photo Instagram/@dubaiculture
There is a great collection of pre oil pictures of Dubai, showing the meagre roads and modest landing strip. Behind it, and also worth a look is the Heritage and Diving Village; a slightly scruffy stab at demonstrating traditional life – you can sample Bedouin pancakes, have your picture taken with a falconer, or climb onto a camel. During Eid celebrations you might even stumble on a rifle-throwing competition.
Jumeirah Madinat Resort
Glide on a boat through bayou style backwaters. I really rate the evening atmosphere at the Jumeira Madinat Resort, with boats passing ornamental lamps, in between faux souks, and restaurants serving cuisine from all over the world. It's hard to believe that like everywhere else beyond Old Dubai, it is utterly and fabulously fake.
The fabulously fake bayou of the Madinat Resort. Photo Jumeira
Go with the flow I say and join locals, expats, and tourists, in enjoying a sashay through some of the most magnificent hotel lobbies, bars and restaurants in the world. Head to the Jumeirah Beach Hotel for great views of the Burj Al Arab (www.jumeirah.com/burj-al-arab), or to the Burj for dining in an underwater Al Mahara restaurant, or for a nightcap at the Skyview Bar 650 feet above the Persian Gulf. Or pop into Abu Dhabi's Emirates Palace for coffee under the chandeliers. Staff at all of the swanky hotels are welcoming and courteous, service generally excellent. I conquered my case of posh hotel lobby apprehension syndrome in the UAE, and you can do too. For a good list of other hotels, see definitelydubai.ae and visitabudhabi.ae.
The other Emirates
Dipping over the mountains towards the gin clear Gulf of Oman. I pointed the car east, crossed some impressively craggy mountains, and entered a pocket of Omani territory too – no border crossing at this one though – and drove along the impressive Fujairah corniche. Seven Emirates make up the UAE, and exploring them by car is a great way to discover the patchwork of land that make up the country.
Trekking in the mountains of Ras al Khaimah. Photo Visit Ras Al Khaimah
As well as Dubai and Abu Dhabi, there's Sharjah with its nicely restored souk, Ras Al Khaimah for a scattering of new hotels - including the Waldorf Astoria and Banyan Tree, Ajman for the Kempinski (www.kempinski.com/ajman) and dhow building, and sleepy Umm Al-Quwain, except for the Dreamland water park (www.dreamlanduae.com). The bling is spreading farther and wider across the UAE, but venturing away from the coastal strips of ultra modernity in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, is a highlight for me. I've magical memories of the super courteous Emirati's and the rugged desert land they live in.
Move over Marrakech: Fez has entered the league of city breaks that are short haul and super-exotic. Before British Airways launched its new non-stop flights from Gatwick, reaching it was a mission, but now Morocco's most Arab feeling imperial city is just 3 1/2 hours away.
It will take time to for the allure of Fez to become as polished as it's illustrious neighbour, but that's an advantage. Visit there now and you'll be catching it at just the right time - with its magnificent and authentic Medina packed with history and culture (the largest inhabited mediaeval city in the world), a sprinkling of tastefully restored and decorated raids and restaurants, and amazingly few tourists.
To walk into the car free Medina is to step back in time - back to sights and sounds straight from the Tales of the Arabian Nights. There are dozens of exotic souks, each for a specific commodity, like spice, henna, or jewellery. In each, under the shade of reed mats slung high above, is the marvellous commotion of daily life, just as it's been for 11 centuries. And each of the 186 micro districts within the walls has a mosque, a drinking fountain and a communal bakery, all in constant use.
Wandering through the Medina is a thrill in itself, and you soon get used to peeking through doorways at every chance. The hustle and bustle of the alleys evaporates behind modest doorways, through which you'll spy brilliant mosaic floors of a Madersa (or Islamic school), peer into the clattering gloom of a woodcarving workshop, or step into one of the meticulously restored emporiums or raid hotels. The latter is the perfect opportunity for a relaxing mint tea by the courtyard fountain or high up on the roof terrace.
You don't need to be intrepid to enjoy Fez, but being prepared for the culture shock and being open to becoming lost does help. With almost 10,000 alleyways inside the ramparts - enough to madden a Minator – it's a cert that you'll be lost within minutes. And this is part of the city's magic. Trust in serendipity, relax, and go with the exotic flow.
Local knowledge
Fez has three distinct sections: to the east is the vast 9th Century Medina of Fes el-Bali (Old Fez); five kilometres south west is the administrative quarter of the Ville nouvelle, constructed by the French in colonial era; and in the middle is Fes el Jedid (Fez the New), the first stab at a new town, built in the 14th Century and home to the giant Royal Palace and Mellah (Jewish area).
The best views of the Medina are from the decayed footsteps of the Merinid Tombs or from the Borj Nord, which houses the Arms Museum and a vast collection of weaponry. From either vantage point, particularly at dawn or dusk, it's mesmerising to gaze down over the pell-mell of houses and minarets. The tall minaret above the expanse of green tiled roofs is the Karaouyine Mosque, capable of holding 20,000 worshippers and built in 859.
The Fes el-Bali is where you'll spend most of your daytimes, but most restaurants not attached to hotels close at night, which is the best time to head over to the Ville nouveau and its busy streets and cafes.
Sightseeing: The best idea is to hire a guide for your first morning at least. They can be booked through your hotel or the tourist office (055 62 34 60), for about £7.50 for a half day, regardless of the size of your party. It's also worth highlighting what you want to see before you set off, as unchecked many guides will gleefully take you to emporiums all day long.
Apart from the Medina itself, the tanneries are the most arresting sight in the city. It's a scene that's changed little over the centuries - mud-walled vats are filled with coloured dye, as youths, up to their waists in liquid, tread pigment into the hides. Stuck onto the surrounding buildings are dozens of hides, curling as they dry in the heat and looking like a rash of giant's shaving cuts. The smells can be powerful (from pigeon poo powered dyes, amongst other things), as can the twinge at seeing such hard labour. The best views are from the leather emporiums, which have terraces looking over the sites.
The Najjarine Museum of Wooden Arts and Crafts is housed in a meticulously restored caravanserai, or merchant hostel. The collection of woodcarvings ranges from ornate shelves to elaborately carved and painted children's cots. Also don't miss the excellent display of cobalt blue ceramics in the Dar Batha Museum of Arts and Crafts (Place de L'Istiqlal), which has a large peaceful courtyard and collections of carpets, jewellery, and some fine antique astrological devices.
Fez El-Jedid contains the 80-acre private Royal Palace, but it's worth a visit just to look at the front door – a grand gateway of many arches with intricate inlays and mosaics. Next to it is the Mella, or Jewish quarter, where there's a cemetery, finely decorated windows, and the little Ibn Danan synagogue, recently restored.
Shopping: even if you don't fancy yourself as a carpetbagger, it's a good idea to visit some of the tourist craft shops: they are set in beautifully restored buildings and there's always a preamble on the history and techniques involved.
Fez remains an important centre for craftsmanship and its wares are exported all over Morocco and the World. Good buys include; clothing, leather, woodcarving, jewellery and carpets. A little south of the Borg Sud is the Quartier de Poterie (32, Ain Nobki route Sidi Hrazem), where you be given a tour of the small pottery and massive shop, selling excellent plates, jugs and mosaics.
Out of town: under an hour's drive away is the imperial city of Menkes, known as the Versailles of Morocco for it's super showy monuments built by Sultan Moulay Ismail in the 17th century. It also has an excellent Medina, and is easily combined with Volubilis 30 km to the, where there's a ruined Roman city, set stark against an expansive valley and wooded hills.
Nightlife: most of the hotels and raids have an alcohol licence and make great havens for a gentle tipple. Otherwise do as the locals do and promenade the Avenue Hassan II in the early evening – this tree-lined boulevard is alive with activity and has many cafés and a few bars.
The Son et Lumiere show takes place on a hill overlooking the southern bastion and the trowel-shaped curve of the Medina. As well as sound and light, the 45-minute show uses lasers, fountains, and projects slides onto the walls of the Borj Sud. At one point, the entire Medina is arc-lit, which alone is worth the price of the ticket, £6. Closed December to March.
Getting around: inside the Medina the only option is walking. Bright red petit taxis are metered and cheap – about £1 between the old and new town. Note that fares increase at night by about 50%.
Where to stay: the Raid Louna has six lovely rooms and a splendid terrace. More conventional is the Hotel Batha, with a good-sized pool and two restaurants. Small rooms, but great value. Ryad Mabrouka is an excellent eight-roomed property, with a delightful little garden, pool, courtyard and terrace, and friendly staff. Riad Zamane occupies an 1860's house. The courtyard is idyllic, the rooms simply and stylishly decorated, and there's a nice terrace. The Palaise Jamai is a grand luxury hotel. Formerly a sultan's palace, it has an excellent pool, superb gardens, and sumptuous decor in the public spaces, restaurants, and old wing rooms.
The most romantic place in town is Raid Maison Bleue, the six roomed sister house of the original La Maison Bleue. The courtyard has tangled greenery and a small pool, the rooms are eclectically decorated and there's a tranquil rooftop terrace.
Places to eat and drink: the Fassi cuisine speciality is "TFAÏA", made from lamb and mild spices, onions, eggs and roasted almonds. And finish off your meal with a mint tea and a Moroccan pastry like "corne de gazelle" - a crescent-shaped crimp of pastry dough with an orange water and almond paste filling.
La Kasbah is just outside Bab Bou Jeloud, where there are also a clutch of eateries; either grab a kebab for about 10 from one of the tiny alley stalls, or climb the narrow stairs of La Kasbah for a good meeting place and excellent views, mains from £2. Café Restaurant La Noria (Fes el-jedid) is a quiet spot in the Bou Jeloud Gardens, next to one of the cities original 12 waterwheels, a limited selection of mains, mostly Tagines, from £2.50.
Inside the Medina are many Palace Restaurants in restored houses. Restaurant Asmae (4 Derb Jeniara) is less fussy than most and serves good set menus on two floors. Or try the Restaurant Zagora (5 Blvd Mohammed V) in the ville nouveau, which is a modern French Moroccan place serving a wide variety of dishes. The sautéed veal kidneys are particularly good. Mains from £4.
La Maison Bleue is the place for a romantic fine dining experience. Tables are set into little alcoves in the courtyard and the atmosphere is quite magical. Set menus from £30 and it's essential to book ahead.
Restaurant Al Fassia occupies a series of sumptuously carved and decorated spaces, dating from 1879. The setting is exquisite and there's musical accompaniment and belly dancing. Set menu from £25.
One more thing...It's impossible not to buy something when in Fez, as the cottage craft industry here makes some terrific stuff. You'll for sure be enticed into an emporium or two by a sweet smile and a sweet tea. Just relax and enjoy feeling like a king while the wares are displayed for you. Not buying anything won't cause offence, but not bargaining if you do likely will. It's a way of life in these parts - as a rule of thumb make your first offer half of their first sensible asking price, then expect to bargain to reach a price that's about 60%.
If you are in the Medina and want a break from the bustle, head for the Najjerine Museum, where there are seats by a fountain and a quiet rooftop café.
Reasons to be cheerful: Fez is a wonderful assault on the senses. It's romantic, exotic and authentic, and it sees just a small fraction of the tourist numbers that visit Marrakech. There is a good choice of riads in the city, many of them moderately priced, and still with lovely shady courtyards and rooftop areas to watch the sunset from.
You can't always get what you want: the city is uncompromising to tourists, which is one of its draws, but this does mean spending much of your time hopelessly lost in its maze of alleyways, walking past butchers with dripping sheep heads hanging on display, and making way for delivery carts and donkeys often. Plus the touts trying to take you to a carpet emporium can be unpleasantly tenacious. Just be firm, and 'la' is no in Arabic.
Fitting Fez into a holiday: Fez makes about the most exotically different weekend break there is - especially so considering that it's only 2-3 hours flying time from much of Europe. If you are at all nervous about a first trip to the country though, it does represent diving in at the deep end somewhat. It's easy to travel by car or train from Fez, so you could combine it with Tangier and Marrakech say too.
Getting there:Getting there: the small Fez Sais Airport is served by Air Arabia Maroc to Bordeaux, Montpellier, Paris Charles de Gaulle, Toulouse, Barcelona, Brussels, London Gatwick, Lyon, Marrakech, Rome and Strasbourg. Other airlines are Royal Air Maroc, Ryanair, Transavia, TUI fly Belgium, and Vueling.
When to visit: best is Spring (April and May) and Autumn (September and October), when temperatures are in the mid 20's and the skies are clear. Remember that winter nights can be cold and summer days are regularly over 40 degrees.
More info: for a good upmarket selection of riads and tailor made options there's Lawrence of Morocco. Other good UK based tour operators include Complete Morocco, Fleewinter, and for good touring trips, On the Go Tours. Or Medina Tours is based in Fez. Also see Visit Morocco
Visa and safety: always check your government's travel advice before booking, and ensure that your travel insurance is valid in this part of the country. See the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office travel advice.
Why go? If you'd like to try somewhere decidedly different, the Albanian capital has friendly locals, fascinating history, quirk galore and jaw-droppingly low prices: half a litre of beer costs £1, museum entry £1.25 — the opera is only £1.75, for heaven's sake. It's not the prettiest of cities, but it has Ottoman, Italian and communist-era highlights, and there are several fabulous day-trip options.
By day: the giant Skanderbeg Square, started by the Italians and finished by the communists, belongs in a far larger city. In a non-monumentalist corner is the little Et'hem Bey Mosque, a real treat with a gorgeous prayer room. And there's a tremendous collection of socialist-realist art at the National Gallery of Arts (Bulevardi Deshmoret e Kombit; gka.al; £1.25) — look out for the statues of Lenin and Stalin at the back.
For lunch, you could opt for traditional Albanian cuisine in a shaded courtyard at Sarajet (Rruga Abdi Toptani 7; sarajet.com; mains £3.50). Or, for more sophisticated food, decor and service, try Vila Alehandro (Rruga Asim Zeneli 2; vilaalehandro.com; mains from £4.50). It's in a grand white mansion that was formerly the Romanian ambassador's residence.
Now head up to the mountain fortress of Kruja, where the weavers are making a kilim. The smooth-stoned main alleyway leads past dozens of carpet and souvenir shops, where you can haggle rugs down to about £30 and Hoxha mugs to 50p. Beyond, you enter the 5th-century castle walls that the national hero, Skanderbeg, defended stoically against the Turks — there's a reverent museum dedicated to him (£1.25). Get to Kruja, 20 miles north of Tirana, by taxi (£25 return) or bus (90p). Or make for the ancient seaside capital, Durres, which sees Albanians in beach mode — it's a £14 taxi ride.
By night: the Blloku neighbourhood shows a metaphorical two fingers to the former dictator. Albanians were barred from the area in his day, but now it's as good a nightlife centre as any in the Balkans, with boutique shops, restaurants, pavement bars and clubs surrounding the 17 oversized villas where Hoxha and his coterie once slept. The incongruous Sherlock Holmes bar (Bulevardi Bajram Curri) is trendy, with white furniture, arty lighting and a beau monde clientele. Radio (Rruga Ismail Qemali 29/1) is a cracking bar with a very happy ambience and marvellous cocktails. In low-rise Tirana, the 15th floor feels giddying, but that's where you'll find the revolving restaurant Sky Club (skyhotel-al.com), with great views, cheap beer and a comically hesitant rotation.
One more thing...Enver Hoxha was the dictator of Albania from 1944 until his death in 1985. His legacy includes a pyramid structure built as a museum to him (now derelict) and, on Ishmail Omera street, a one-man concrete bunker — a reminder of his pet 'Bunkerisation' project that saw the country pebbledashed with perhaps 200,000 pillboxes.
They were - and thanks to their robust design and construction - in many cases still are evident throughout the country. They were prefabricated dome-topped bunkers set into the ground and with slits for firing weapons out of, and from the late 60s to the late 80s became a part of life for ordinary Albanians. People knew where their nearest bunker was, and even youngters were trained in how to defend the homeland from inside of them.
Some of the bunkers were on a much larger scale though, and two new projects have opened in the city since I visited, which have opened up larger bunkers used by the Hoxa regime. Bunk'Art2 opened in November 2016 and reveals the murky history of Albanian Ministry of Internal Affair from 1912 to the fall of Communism in 1991. Sister project Bunk'Art1 is also sited underground, but on the outskirts of Tirana. It was the shelter in which the government planned to hole up in after a nuclear attack, and contains many rooms exhibiting the history of the Communist period of Albania, plus the room readied for the use of Enver Hoxha himself.
Fitting Tirana into a holiday: Tirana is a great and refreshing city break, especially if you like somewhere unusual, yet welcoming and with lots going on. There aren't as many 'sights' as in some larger Balkan cities, but the quirky history and proud independence make it a very rewarding destination. Holidays to the Albanian mountains or coast are growing in popularity, and it's easy to travel on to other Balkan nations.
Getting there: Tirana Airport saw about two million passengers in 2016. Useful direct routes include from Athens with Aegean Airlines, from Rome with Alitalia, from Vienna with Austrian Airlines , from London Gatwick with British Airways, from Frankfurt with Lufthansa, from Istanbul with Turkish Airlines, and from Budpest with Wizz.
When to visit: Albania is a relatively mountainous country in the southern Balkans. The best time to visit is June_September, when days are long, warm or hot and sunny. The atmosphere on the streets is great in summer too. Hiking is good in Spring and Autumn, before winter temperatures fall and sporadic snows arrive.
More info: I travelled as a guest of Cox and Kings. Or try Regent Holidays, or the locally based Albanian Holidays. For general info on the city see Visit Tirana, and for country info Albania Tourism


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It is currently Mon Jan 20, 2020 7:11 pm
Adam Blake wrote:A cruel haircut is one that has been performed by oneself or a like-minded friend. Its aim is to render one as unattractive as possible to the patriarchal-ist heterosexual male. The effect is not dissimilar to a distressed loo brush. The hair itself has already been dyed the colour of a fruit pastille - perhaps lime green or purple blackcurrant.
I think you may teach some of these ladies children, Andy.
AndyM wrote:They'll be sticking a blue plaque on you soon, petal!
The Slits and The Fall and Public Image etc are what i call "attitude bands" - they believed their sneering attitude was in itself worthy of attention and acclaim.
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Calgary Information
Mount Royal University is located in the City of Calgary, close to the majestic Canadian Rockies. This young, vibrant, safe and friendly city of a million is the business hub of western Canada. Calgary hosted the Winter Olympics in 1988 and is known around the world for its annual Calgary Stampede and Exhibition, which celebrates the city's western heritage. The spectacular natural setting provides students with year-round recreational activities including hiking, skiing, golfing and biking.


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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 16, 2013
Toxic Boehner: GOP Group Will Withhold Endorsement of Candidates Unless They Pledge to Oppose Boehner's reelection as Speaker
National Republican Trust Calls for New Speaker After 2014 Election
The National Republican Trust PAC announces a new standard for candidates receiving support in the upcoming election:
Republican candidates must pledge to oppose John Boehner for reelection as Speaker of the House when the new Congress convenes following the 2014 election. The PAC will only endorse and support candidates who pledge to oppose Boehner if he seeks another term as Speaker of the House. The PAC's new pledge follows Speaker Boehner's recent attacks on conservative organizations that opposed the Ryan/Murray budget agreement and that were divisive and unnecessary, especially considering the bill that passed the House replaced real budget cuts with Washington style tentative cuts that were even much smaller than the Sequester it replaced.
John Stone, a Republican candidate for Georgia's 12th District against vulnerable incumbent Democrat John Barrow, is the first candidate in the country to publicly endorse the National Republican Trust PAC call for new House Leadership. "We don't need to win the current civil war within the GOP, we need to end it and reunite the Republican party under true conservative principles again," Stone says. "For that we need a fresh new leadership team and a new political strategy that pulls us together instead of apart, and gives the voters a defined and dynamic new conservative agenda to be for, instead of just running against the Democrat platform." Stone's establishment Republican opponent has publicly stated he will not oppose current GOP House leadership.
National Republican Trust PAC Executive Director, Scott Wheeler, stated that "Boehner seems to have forgotten that it was conservatives in the 2010 election that made his speakership possible, those voters were fed up with the political establishment and demanded change. But Boehner didn't deliver. He prefers to sit in the big chair and maintain the status quo."
The National Republican Trust PAC is one of the largest conservative political action committees and has been the leader in the strategy of the conservative comeback.
For press inquiries contact: Scott Wheeler, 202-441-9276
For Immediate Release: November 15, 2013
Stone Campaign Passes $100,000 Contributions Milestone
AUGUSTA, GA – John Stone (R-Ga12) has now raised $100,000 in campaign contributions this election cycle. Stone for Congress donations totaled $100,087 as of November 14, 2013 deposits. This fundraising milestone shows that Mr. Stone has the broad base of support required to win the Republican primary and defeat John Barrow. Donations have been received from over 1,200 individual donors.
Contact: Megan Seda 912.335.3193
Paid for by the Committee to Elect John Stone


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This week's edition of the Update column brings news of lots of change, the Typecast…and lots of jobs!
Honors. Bowling Green, Kentucky-based INKED has been named by Inc. Magazine as the 7th fastest growing business in Kentucky. INKED is known to most in the scrapbook industry as Studio Calico. Many scrapbookers are not aware, however, that behind the scenes of their popular scrapbook kit company, INKED also offers web platforms, marketing, product design and fulfillment to internet influencers. Among the well-known names that are part of the INKED client base are Ali Edwards and A Beautiful Mess.
Crimes. According to their Facebook page, Kerri Bradford Designs' website has been taken down due to being hacked and vandalized. Kerri and her team do not believe that any customer information was compromised. (The site did not contain any payment information since their payments are authorized via Paypal.) The site will remain down for a short period of time pending the completion of a previously planned new website that is to be rolled out shortly.
Magazines. The first issue of the new lifestyle magazine by Fixer Upper mega stars Chip & Joanna Gaines will be hitting newsstands in October. The new Meredith Corp publication, announced in July, is tentatively titled Magnolia Lifestyle. It will join premier lifestyle brands Better Homes & Gardens and Martha Stewart that are also under the Meredith umbrella. Content will include features in the areas of entertaining, food, lifestyle, family, and decorating. The quarterly magazine will carry a $7.99 cover price and the first issue will be hospitality themed (just in time for holiday entertaining).
The "farmhouse industrial" style popularized by Fixer Upper has heavily influenced the DIY and crafts industries since the show skyrocketed the Gaines' to stardom a few years ago. With 400,000 copies of the new magazine about to hit newsstands, it appears that the Gaines' – and their signature style – won't be going anywhere anytime soon.
Endings. Noell & Izzy Hyman of Paperclipping have announced that they are ending their Paperclipping video membership service after August 2017. Because of this, one year renewal memberships are no longer available. They have also stopped recording the Paperclipping Roundtable podcast, with the final episode being #277 which was released in early August.
Most of my readers know that I was the founding co-host on the first 121 episodes of the Paperclipping Roundtable, appearing on it from January 2010 until July 2012. I'm sorry to see the show go, and wish Noell all the best in her new endeavor.
Endings? Another one of the country's premier scrapbook stores has announced that it is (probably) closing its doors. Scrappy Chic in Livonia, Michigan announced on September 14th that if they do not find a buyer immediately, they will be closing at the end of October. According to the store's owner, "important family matters that need my attention" are the reason for the decision to close the 10,000 square foot store.
Changes. Laura Vegas, who has been the Creative Team Coordinator for Bella Blvd for 5 years, announced this past week that she is departing the company.
Changes, part two. In late August, Denver-based Craftsy laid off 24 employees from the department that produces their online video tutorials. The company says it is slowing down the number of new videos that it is producing to focus on a major expansion of its ecommerce business, including producing its own branded product lines.
New Products. We R Memory Keepers has announced that the immensely popular Typecast typewriter will soon be released to all retailers, and with that release will come two new colors of the machine! The Typecast machine, which was previously only available in pink and black at Michaels Stores, will also be available in mint and white as part of the wider release. (Must have now? Our advertising partner A Cherry On Top has the two new Typecast colors available for pre-order.)
New Products, part 2. Fuji announced at the Fotokina show in Cologne, Germany on September 19th that it is developing a version of its popular Instax film that will have a square photo format, along with a camera for the format. The Instax SQUARE film will have an image size of 62mm x 62mm, and the finished photo (with border) will have a size of 85.6mm x 72mm. The new Instax SQUARE product is scheduled for a Spring 2017 release.
Links. Blogger and scrapbook instructor rukristin has written an exhaustive overview of the state of scrapbooking at the moment – defining the different types and genres that are being created and their uses and meaning. It's an excellent "state of the union" on the market at the moment.
Jobs: The following scrapbook and craft industry jobs are currently posted as available:
- Charity Wings Art Center – Administrative Assistant (San Marcos, CA)
- Cricut – Art Director (South Jordan, UT)
- American Crafts – Marketing Assistant (Lindon, UT)
- American Crafts – Sourcing Specialist (Lindon, UT)
- Scrapbook.com – Videographer/Editor (Mesa, AZ)
- Bella Blvd – Customer Service Associate (Wauwatosa, WI)
- Elizabeth Craft Designs – Full Time Sales/Customer Relations Position (Remote)
To get your company's open position listed in our job listings, please email a link to the posting to firstname.lastname@example.com.
Design Teams:


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In front 19,624 fans -- in a rivalry match with the Chicago Fire -- the Crew got off to a dream start Saturday night as Federico Higuaín converted a sixth-minute penalty kick to put the Crew ahead early. But two defensive lapses early in the second half took the wind from the Black & Gold's sails as Dilly Duka and Mike Magee tallied put the Fire ahead within a two-minute span.
Disappointment blanketed the Crew locker room after dropping a home result to its longtime rival.
"Obviously, it's very disappointing at the end of the day," forward Dominic Oduro said. "I said last week, we need to keep momentum going and we did in the first half. The second half wasn't good. I hate to repeat myself, but we can't just be dropping points at home like that. We should've had three points in this game, we know that.
"The second half wasn't good enough."
Added Head Coach Robert Warzycha: "This game was everything. We talked about it before the game that this game means a lot. Chicago is just behind us (in the standings), but we said we don't think about Chicago being close to us. We think about what we can gain with getting three points. We talked about the teams that are in front of us and if we got three points, we'd be in a good position."
The Crew will now go back to the drawing board with a massive road tilt against Sporting Kansas City looming next week.
"We're playing well," Oduro explained. "We're creating chances. We just have to stop balls being scored into our net, obviously. Once we do that and take care of our net, obviously we'll be able to create chances. It's unfortunate we were unable to put a couple into the net, but we've got to keep compact. We can't let balls like that fall into our net."
Following Saturday's loss, better cohesion in the backline will be the emphasis in preparations for next week's match.
"It came down to a couple big plays in the second half and we weren't good enough on those plays," Defender Tyson Wahl said.
"When we concede goals, everyone can do something a little bit better. No one is pointing any fingers. We'll have to improve on those plays."


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Getting married? Congratulations! What more could you wish for than to spend this magical day on our magical island! Ischia Island provides the perfect setting and backdrop for a beautiful Italian destination wedding.
Our wedding venue, La Casereccia can seat up to 100 guests in the lovely outdoor area with views of Mount Epomeo. Accommodation is offered at either or both La Rotonda sul Mare and Hotel Poggio del Sole. Our packages include the bridal and honeymoon suit, wedding ceremony in either one of the beautiful churches in Ischia or a civil ceremony in our private olive grove, and the venue hire (incl decor) and menus.


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Found 5 resultsAuthor Title [ Type] Year
Filters: Author is Spitzeck, Heiko [Clear All Filters]
03. Journal Papers
Measuring the Impacts of NGO Partnerships.: The Corporate and Societal Benefits of Community Involvement. Corporate Governance: International Journal of Business in Society. 12, 415-426.(2011).
Joint Management-Stakeholder Committees - A New Path to Stakeholder Governance?. Corporate Governance: International Journal of Business in Society. 11, 560-568.(2011).
Impactos do engajamento das empresas com seus stakeholders. DOM a revista da Funda{\c c}ão Dom Cabral. 15, 28-33.(2011).
04. Conference Papers
Corporate Responsibility Evolution Models: Concepts, Evidence and Implications. 2010 European Group for Organizational Studies (EGOS) Colloquium.(2010).


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Julie Bowen Gossip
Julie Bowen gossip, latest news, photos, and video.
Smutty Social Media, Wednesday October 14, 2015
The booker at WWHL is really good at pairing guests – there is never an A-list with a D-list. SELFIE OF THE YEAR ALERT! #WWHL #JulieAndrews #CateBlanchett Full Story
Smutty Social Media, September 15, 2015
Reese and Naomi hang out, but would Naomi wear Draper James? Thanks for the shoutout @reesewitherspoon I'm lucky to have such a generous friend. #talentcrush #gno Full Story
Julie Bowen: Emmys Most Improved
Frazer Harrison/ Michael Buckner/ Getty Images
It's not yellow taffeta. It's maybe the best dress that Julie Bowen's ever worn to an award show. And I do like how the flowers are blurring. In fact, the more I look at it, the more I'm appreciating it. Enough to make me forget about how I had to yell at her when Modern Family won for Best Comedy? Let me show you why. Full Story
Julie Bowen: Globes Disney Princess
FameFlynet, Jason Merritt/ Getty Images
The good news is it's not yellow taffeta. Having said that, it's a little Snow White. Isn't it? Also… It's still F-CKING TAFFETA! If you're walking down the aisle and you want to wear taffeta, fine, whatever, I won't stop you and I won't bitch. Full Story
Julie Bowen took all the ruffles
ROBYN BECK/ Frazer Harrison/ Jason Merritt/ Getty
It turns out I wasn't specific enough on Friday when I hoped that Julie Bowen would stay away from taffeta. I should have also have included ruffles. Too late. She took all the ruffles. She took all the ruffles and forced them to f-ck like rabbits and they multiplied – in pink! – all over this dress. Full Story
The Emmys 2012
Kevin Winter/ Kevork Djansezian/ Getty
Duana's coming in later with some thoughts on the industry significance of the Emmy Awards. I'm here with the superficial. Like what they wore and why people in television insist on dressing themselves as second class citizens. The Emmys have the advantage of not being placed around any other awards shows; they're not jammed together with the Golden Globes, the SAGs, the Critics' Choice, the Grammys, and, of course the Oscars. Full Story
Worst Modern Family at the SAGs
Alberto E. Rodriguez/Kevin Winter/Getty
I realize on the one hand that these guys cannot win. If it's not Julie Bowen's sternum being investigated for pacemaker scars, it's Ariel Winter's delicate child-flesh too much on display, or Sofia Vergara's …I don't know… body bows being thrown all over the carpet and tripping people up. Putting aside that those are all women, people love to find fault when you're the ones on top. Full Story
GG Best Schtick? Sofia Vergara & Julie Bowen
Frazer Harrison/Jason Merritt/Getty
So you saw most of this play out, right? On the carpet, we saw the dresses. Sofia Vergara's teal – a colour which I already think is kind of alarmingly muted – is tamped down to almost depressing. But it fits her like no other actress's dress ever does. And other than the mincing down the stairs (time for E! to look into a dumbwaiter, maybe?), she looked comfortable. Full Story
Worst Hamster Wheel: Julie Bowen
Written by Duana This is a hard one. Of course it is impossible to miss how thin Julie Bowen is. I didn't hear her on the carpet this time, and she is not one of the people whose magazine profiles I will read while standing in the drugstore but she apparently has a host of excuses for why that is. Full Story
Happiness is Sofia Vergara
Come on. Look at her. When you do, don't you smile? Even laugh? She's happiness. She is Joy. All bouncy and sh-t. With a hint of crazy. Sex without the tawdry. So fun. Right? Here's Sofia Vergara on the set of Modern Family with her son Manolo. She talks about him a lot. I like the way she says his name. Full Story


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Whose line is it anyway? is a comedy show in which participants are given a theme and they are supposed to come up with an act according to the theme given to them.
According to Oxford Dictionary, one possible meaning of anyway is to ask a question, like
What are you doing here anyway?
but I am not able figure out the meaning of anyway in this expression. Maybe it is because I am not able to imagine the context it has been said in.
What is the explanation?


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I am the most content that I can ever remember being.
I had a productive and happy day. Curling in the morning, groceries, made both lunch and dinner and made lunches for the week, had a good long nap, spent the evening with a cup of tea and finishing off a good season of TV, and am now going to be early with a good book. And I started it all off with the best man I can imagine, in bed together and then making me breakfast while I stayed under the blankets and watched him pick out spices.
I am full of nothing but hope and wanting to be the best man I can be for him in return.
It's a good place to be.


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Fairfield, CT - The Sacred Heart University Pioneer Club will be hosting their inaugural Golf Marathon on Thursday, August 16th at Fairfield Wheeler Golf Course in Bridgeport. Golfers are going to chase, hack, chip and putt thousands of golf balls from dawn to dusk at Fairchild Wheeler Golf Course with the goal of raising money for the Sacred Heart University Women's Basketball Program.
All proceeds from the inaugural SHU Pioneer Club Golf Marathon will provide direct support for the Women's Basketball Program. Our goal for this year is $4,000. The money generated from this event will help fund the team's foreign tour to Ireland in August 2013.
In the simplest terms: it is a fundraising event in which 40 golfers each play 100 holes or more in a single day. Before the event, the golfers, along with their partners, raise pledges from alumni, friends, family, neighbors, business associates, etc. on a per hole basis.
Each round is formatted so all golfers will successfully play 100 holes in one day. The day will start early (7:30 – 8:00 am) and play will go all day (6:00 – 7:00 pm). Food and beverages will be provided before, during and after play. Golfers will play in foursomes, with everyone getting their own cart and playing "ready" golf.
If you enjoy the game of golf and love the idea of spending a day on the course playing 100 holes of non-stop golf, then WE NEED YOU!
But there are other ways to help:
- If you are unable to participate as a golfer, but would be willing to help one of our golfers reach his/her goal, we could use your help as a partner.
- You can sponsor one of our golfers on a per hole basis.
Donating through the link below is simple, fast and totally secure. It is the most efficient way to support this fundraising effort.
Thank you for your support and Go Heart!


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Wet spring weather
I can barely distinguish one rainy day of this month from another; the days of wetness have merged into one big puddle. However, I think today was our third day in a row without significant rainfall. It's been nice to see some sunshine.
The photo above was taken on a day that I do remember -- last Friday, when several severe thunderstorms passed through our area. We had a long day of many weather warnings, but we suffered no tornadoes or notable wind damage. Rainfall of over three inches was reported in some parts of the county for the day.
Dennis got home late on Friday afternoon from the elementary school where he works. We had a tornado watch at the time the students should have been going home. The buses weren't allowed to go to the schools until the weather cleared up a little.
Cadiz --pronounced "Kay-deez" -- is a small town about 20 miles west of Hopkinsville. One of the girls at work told me about the high water there, following a downpour late on Friday night. Her boyfriend has a law enforcement job in Cadiz. Around midnight, he sent her a text message: the rescue squad was trying to get some cattle out of the river, and they had their vehicles stuck in a muddy pasture. "Only in Cadiz," he noted wryly.
The farmers are hoping for a spell of dryer weather so they can plant crops and mow hay. Today, I saw someone unloading flats of tobacco plants from a truck. I guess he's going to "mud them in", as I have done with tomato plants in the garden some years.
Ah, yes, the garden. I haven't been in my garden at all yet. Well, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday are looking a little rainy, so maybe Sunday afternoon.
Let me be clear. I'm reporting, not complaining about, the amount of rain we've had in the past few months. This part of Kentucky gets the majority of its annual rainfall in the winter and spring. We had a dry spring in 2007, and it was the precursor of a long summer of horrible, desperate drought. I'd much rather have a wet spring than a dry one.


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BOULDER, CO - November 1, 2007
Webroot Software, Inc., a leading provider of Internet security software for the consumer, enterprise and SMB markets, today urged Internet users to use caution when searching online for information on presidential candidates. Webroot has detected links to malicious software downloads from spoofed presidential candidate websites.
"With campaigning in full swing for the 2008 presidential election, we are beginning to see an increase in spoofing right now. Internet users need to think about protection and good habits when surfing online for candidate information or donating," said Mike Irwin, COO, Webroot Software. "Because cyber criminals are targeting the most heavily trafficked websites, voters seeking candidate information have to use caution when visiting these sites. Do not download applications such as screensavers or videos unless you know they are coming from a trusted source. Voters need to realize that this type of behavior will make them more susceptible to an attack from hackers."
Most users will encounter these fraudulent websites when conducting a search using popular search engines. They will either unknowingly select a wrong URL from a list returned from a search, or have a slight misspelling of a name that will lead to one of these spoofed sites. These sites are designed to appear as legitimate candidate web pages and lure visitors to click on links, donate or download screensavers or videos. Once clicked, the links can then download a variety of spyware. One popular version is a Trojan horse known as Zlob that can then deploy unauthorized spyware to provide remote access to a computer for spamming attacks, to capture keystrokes, steal passwords or take over a users' identity.
Webroot recommends that Internet users only download presidential candidate information from trusted, secure websites, such as the official candidate's website. Additionally, the company suggests users run updated versions of best–of–breed antispyware and antivirus solutions and to scan their entire system at least once a week. There are a few simple things Internet users can do right away to help prevent further spyware infection:
- Update your operating system and security patches regularly
- Increase your browser security settings
- Only download software from sites y1ou trust
- Use antivirus protection and a software firewall
- Always include a best–of–breed antispyware
- Use privacy software to remove passwords and IDs after using them
- Install only mainstream software and read the End User License Agreement (EULA)
"We initially saw these types of spoofs surrounding the Barack Obama and Ron Paul websites," added Irwin. "But we are finding that the spoofs intensify at the end of the month and will expect to see them intensifying as the candidate sites begin to see more traffic during the later phases of the campaign or during major fund–raising drives."
For a complete list of the official campaign Website, please see below.
The Official 2008 Presidential Candidate Websites
| Joe Biden:
|Sam Brownback: http://www.brownback.com/
|Hillary Rodham Clinton: http://www.hillaryclinton.com/
|Rudy Giuliani: http://www.joinrudy2008.com/
| Chris Dodd:
|Mike Huckabee: http://www.mikehuckabee.com/
| John Edwards:
|Duncan Hunter: http://www.gohunter08.com/
| Mike Gravel:
|John McCain: http://www.exploremccain.com/
|Dennis Kucinich: http://www.dennis4president.com/
|Ron Paul: http://www.ronpaul2008.com/
| Barack Obama:
|Mitt Romney: http://www.mittromney.com/
|Bill Richardson: http://www.richardsonforpresident.com/
|Fred Thompson: http://www.fred08.com/


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You are currently browsingthe website for symfony 1
Visit the Symfony2 website
« Back to API menu
sfTimer class allows to time some PHP code.
Stops the timer and add the amount of time since the start to the total time.
returns Time spend for the last call
Gets the number of calls this timer has been called to time code.
returns Number of calls
Gets the total time elapsed for all calls of this timer.
returns Time in seconds
Starts the timer.
Creates a new sfTimer instance.


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Redding, Beimel work schedule set for Saturday
TUCSON — The race for the last bullpen spot has essentially been whittled to three candidates: Justin Speier, Tim Redding and Joe Beimel. Speier threw two scoreless innings today, a workload that could be necessary if he becomes a longman in the pen. Redding profiles well for that role, and will get a shot to make his case Saturday against the White Sox at Hi Corbett Field. Originally, he was scheduled to pitch four innings in a minor-league game, but that changed with manager Jim Tracy wanting to see him on the big field.
Beimel, as he predicted, was impressive enough in his live BP session Wednesday that he will throw in a minor-league game Saturday along with Matt Belisle.
"He's further along that we expected. Based on what I've seen, I am not going to rule him out from (making the team). But we need to make sure that he's ready, and we aren't going to rush it," Tracy said.
What could work against Beimel is the caution needed with Rafael Betancourt and Belisle. Neither is expected to work back-to-back games in spring training and the pair might not be able to do that during the first week of the season. If Beimel can't either, that would tie Tracy's hands.
"I want to have some options after playing a (single) game," Tracy said.


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Pawn Shops Enter Holiday-Shopping Fray
As retailers like Tiffany, Saks, Best Buy and Wal-Mart vie for last-minute holiday sales, customers are being drawn away by a growing crop of competitors: pawn shops. Andria Cheng has details on Lunch Break. Photo: Getty Images.
This transcript has been automatically generated and may not be 100% accurate.
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I am a member of the Amateur Astronomers Association of Pittsburgh here in Western Pennsylvania. {U.S.A.} We have about 500 members in the club. Hello to everyone.
stone76567 wrote:hi everyone..
anyone can give some info about AAAP..
btw im new here..
thanks a lot and God Bless..
how to treat depression
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text: Easier, faster and better looking HDMI – done! Upgraded HDMI specs carry 3D and up to 2160p resolutions with 120 frame refresh to keep images clearer, more stable, and more vibrant Dedicated audio return channel incorporated: extra high fidelity video and audio via a single cable Designed to HighSpeed HDMI™ cable with Ethernet with faster transfers and more bandwidth HDMI to micro HDMI connection fits a wide variety of devices Shop Modal header Easier, faster and better looking HDMI – done! HighSpeed HDMI™ cable with Ethernet supports up to 2160p resolutions, operating at higher speeds and with greater bandwidth thanks to the latest developments in multimedia connectivity. But differentiation comes from quality, and with gold-plated connectors and meticulously inspected wires within, this is more than just a cable – it's a gateway to better visuals and sound, with spectacular 3D and pristine image precision, all through a convenient single cable!


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2016 Jeep Cherokee Limited granite crystal metallic clearcoat Limited Clean CARFAX. 4WD 9-Speed 948TE Automatic 3.2L V6 Do not miss your chance to SAVE HUGE $$ At Regal Nissan!!!
Regal Nissan Mission Statement: To be unwavering in our commitment to offer a fresh approach to our customer's car buying and servicing experience. We accomplish this by recognizing that our attitude, actions, and knowledge are constantly on stage. And by recognizing that we are ultimately in the customer happiness business (we just happen to sell new Nissans!) And to always remember that our customers look into our eyes at each visit to see what their experience will be like!
Prices do not include dealer added accessories or options. While great effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information on this site, errors do occur so please verify information with a customer service rep. This is easily done by calling us at (678) 820-4345 or by visiting us at the dealership.
**With approved credit. Terms may vary. Monthly payments are only estimates derived from the vehicle price with a 72 month term, 5.9% interest and 20% downpayment.
*Number of views in last 30 days
† Based on 2016 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.
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(678) 820-4345Call Now
1090 Holcomb Bridge Rd • Roswell, GA 30076Get Directions
Open Today! Sales: 9am-9pm
Open Today! Service: 7:30am-7pm
Open Today! Parts: 7:30am-7pm
Phone: (678) 820-4345http://maps.google.com/?q=1090%20Holcomb%20Bridge%20Rd%2C%20Georgia%2C%20Roswell%2C%20GA%2030076


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More swimming, more spacious
More swimming, more spacious
Spa Boy®
The most advanced Automated Water Care System is available on this All Weather Pool!
For the user in need of unobstructed space for fitness, the Kingfisher features the longest and widest swim zone with stairs only on the left-hand side for inconspicuous access.
As with any All Weather Pool with the Niagara Counter Current Swim System, it includes lighting to assist users' alignment while swimming in turbulent conditions.
Top View
Water Volume: 5100 Litres / 1347 Litres
Standard Features
Arctic Spas come with a range of features as standard! Click any of the features below to find out more about them!
Flow-through Remote Heater
Tethered Resistance Swim System
Custom Features
The ability to customize an Arctic Spa is one of the best features of the brand. Choose exactly what you want and need.


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Showing all 7 results
Join our mailing list. Never miss an update.
Bring a colleague for only $149, a savings of $50 per additional attendee.
Please enter your name and email address to download the manual registration form.
For enquiries about the registration, please call (646) 844-0200 or email us at email@example.com.
Submitting request, please wait for the file to download.


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Photo courtesy of Harvard Athletic Communications.
The NCAA named 31 student-athletes as Elite 88 award winners following the winter championship season on Tuesday, April 19, and Harvard fencer Noam Mills was one of those 31 selections.
Mills, a junior epeeist, finished as the individual runner-up at the 2011 NCAA Championship, marking her third consecutive runner-up showing at the event. She carries a cumulative grade-point average of 3.861 as an Economics concentrator.
The Elite 88, an award founded by the NCAA, recognizes the true essence of the student-athlete by honoring the individual who has reached the pinnacle of competition at the national championship level in his or her sport, while also achieving the highest academic standard among his or her peers. The Elite 88 is presented to the student-athlete with the highest cumulative grade-point average participating at the finals site for each of the NCAA's 88 championships.
All GPAs are based on a straight grading scale to ensure consistency among institutions. All ties are broken by the number of credits completed.
Eligible student-athletes are sophomores or above who have participated in their sport for at least two years with their school. They must be an active member of the team, traveling and competing at the championship.
To view the complete list of the 31 winter season student-athletes named Elite 88 award winners, click here.


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Document Type
- Working Paper (3)
- Article (2)
- Preprint (1)
- Analysis of Lambda and associative pion production in relativistic nucleus-nucleus collisions (1984)
- Experimental data on pi-mesons produced in inelastic and central nucleus-nucleus interactions at 4.5-Gev/C momentum per nucleon (1984)
- A study of Lambda-production in central nucleus-nucleus interactions at a momentum of 4.5 GeV/c per incident nucleon (1983)
- Eksperimental'nye dannye po srednemu cislu provzaimodejstvovavšich protonov v neuprugich i zentral'nych jadro-jadernych vzaimodejstvijach pri energij 3.6 GeV/nuklon (1986)
- Lambda hyperons produced in central nucleus-nucleus interactions at 4.5 GeV/c momentum per incident nucleon (1983)
- Transverse momenta and rapidities of Lambda 's produced in central nucleus-nucleus collisions at 4.5 GeV/c·u (C-C,...,O-Pb) were studied and compared with those from inelastic He-Li interactions at the same incident momentum. Polarization of the Lambda hyperons was found to be consistent with zero ( alpha P=-0.06=0.11 for Lambda 's from central collisions). An upper limit of the Lambda -bar / Lambda production ratio was estimated to be less than 4.5 x 10-3. The experiment was performed in a triggered streamer chamber.


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Senior center to host Mardi Gras dance
Provided to the Tribune
A Mardi Gras dance will be held Friday at South Lake Tahoe Senior Center.
The dance is for all ages. Attendees are encouraged to wear multicolored clothing and masks. Music will be provided by the 17-piece Tahoe Dance Band.
Admission costs $10 for ages 21 and older and includes appetizers, desserts, wine, berages and a free door-prize ticket. Attendees age 20 or younger will be admitted for $5 and will not be given wine.
South Lake Tahoe Senior Center is located at 3050 Lake Tahoe Blvd.
For more information, call Francine at 530-541-8380 or Arline at 530-545-1277.


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2013 World Cup Superfinal - Brazil, task #4 (18/01/2014, 119 pilots)
Primary tabs
Vertical Tabs
Jan 2nd, 2014 :
We are pleased to announce that we have received, and accepted, a bid from the town of Governador Valadares to run the Super Final on the originally planned dates. With a promising forecast and good flying conditions already in the area, we expect to run a good quality competition.
We are working to research and implement efficient transfers from Vitoria to Valadares, and we will keep you informed. Please check carefully with your airline if you wish to modify a booked itinerary in any way (including not using the domestic transfer from Rio to Vitoria, for example) as this might invalidate your booking.
We look forward to seeing you there.
PWCA Committee
Dec 30th :
Over the last few weeks, Baixo Guandu has been subjected to the worst flooding since records began. All roads leading into the town have been cut, tens of thousands of homes and businesses are underwater and many people have lost their lives. All our thoughts are with the people of Baixo Guandu and the surrounding area as they struggle to recover from this catastrophe.
As details of the disaster have emerged, it has become almost certain that it will not be possible to run the Super Final as originally planned, and it has become necessary to decide how to proceed.
With at least one option now available to us, we have decided that it should be possible to run the Super Final in a location in Brazil on the same dates. If necessary the competition will be shortened to allow local transfers. We understand that doing this may create considerable difficulties, but we also understand that pilots already have (mostly non-refundable) flight tickets and vacations already booked. It's possible that some non-essential services may be missing from the competition, but we do not anticipate requiring any supplement to the entry fees.
There remains a lot of work to be done to finalise things. We will keep you informed as soon as there is more concrete information.
PWCA Committee
- Overall results
- task #1 (15/01/2014, 119 pilots)
- task #2 (16/01/2014, 119 pilots)
- task #3 (17/01/2014, 119 pilots)
- task #4 (18/01/2014, 119 pilots)
- task #6 (21/01/2014, 119 pilots)
- task #7 (22/01/2014, 119 pilots)
- task #8 (23/01/2014, 119 pilots)
- task #9 (25/01/2014, 116 pilots)
- print results


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Hand sanitizer: Get all the dirt from your first StreetFest off your hands.
Gaming controllers: Dominate your first all-night "Super Smash Bros." tournament.
Textbooks: Classes. Yes, you have to go to these.
Fish food: Feed your new pet, Nemo.
Dry-erase markers: Leave messages on your new dorm friends' doors.
CUPPS mug: Don't leave for your 8 a.m. class without this reusable coffee mug.
Concert tickets: Enjoy a free concert before classes start!
Top Ramen: Bring some Ramen and a hot pot from home to make your very first study snack.
The Rapid discount card: Ride Grand Rapids' bus system at a discount—just two quarters per ride.
Pizza: Put your favorite local pizza place on speed dial.
Face paint: To create the fiercest possible look for Chaos Day.
Earphones: You will probably need to study, even during your first week of college.
Lanyard, room key and ID card: Because Calvin hasn't purchased a fingerprint security system yet, you'll need to keep your room key and Calvin ID handy at all times.
Guitar pick: For serenading outside your sister dorm's windows.
Orientation schedule: Keep this nifty pocket guide close as you run from one orientation activity to the next during Quest.
Picnic blanket and Frisbee: Plan to spend lots of time on the Commons lawn, eating lunch, hanging out, studying and playing Frisbee.
Kleenex: Don't forget to call mom.
Water bottle: Since you'll be doing a lot of running around, you'll want to keep a means of hydration nearby.
Planner: Even if you don't end up using it after the first week, you had good intentions, right?
T-shirts: The heaviest concentration of free T-shirts you will get while a college student is during the first week.


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River Walk
Cobblestone walkways lead visitors to the river-level restaurants and shops. The river bubbles to the surface on the grounds of the University of the Incarnate Word and flows to downtown, threading its way through the city one level below the hustle and bustle of city streets. First called Yanaguana by the Payaya Indians, meaning "place of refreshing waters." Along the horseshoe shaped riverbend, the river is shaded by towering cypresses, oaks and willows and bordered by gardens of flowering ornamental plants.
The riverwalk
River cruisers travel the River Walk's three miles past unique retail shops, restaurants and nightclubs.
More attractions
O'Brien Riverwalk Boutique Hotel
116 Navarro Street - San Antonio, Texas 78205
Reservations (800) 257-6058 - (210) 527-1111 fax (210) 527 1112
Email: firstname.lastname@example.com


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Is Scarlett Johansson Right? Is Fashion the Obama Campaign's Biggest Asset?
It's no secret President Obama has lots of friends in high places (who else could get Johnny Depp to show up at a Halloween party?), and now it seems he has a few more … from the fashion industry.
On Tuesday night, actress Scarlett Johansson and Vogue's editor-in-chief Anna Wintour co-hosted the launch party of Runway to Win, a collaborative effort by American designers to support the President's reelection bid.
The group's website offers t-shirts, tote bags and other items created by haute couture notables like Vera Wang and Marc Jacobs, with the proceeds going into Obama's campaign coffers.
Johansson involved because she liked the idea of "conscious consumerism" and feels "any way to reintroduce that kind of cool factor [to Obama's reelection campaign] is very valuable." Since the industry already has a spotlight, she feels being able to use it for a cause like this is "incredible."
The connection between fashion and the Obamas isn't far-fetched. The couple is long-renowned for their sense of style. "They both have a casual cool about them," added Johansson, who's often acclaimed herself for what she wears on the red carpet.
But while she's a fan of the current occupant of the White House, she's quick to point out that she doesn't ask other people to vote for him — she just asks them to vote. "You have to voice your opinion," she explained.
[via E! Online]