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The Top 8 Things to do in Mpumalanga
With its stunning views of Table Mountain and the Atlantic Ocean, Cape Town regularly graces the lists of the world's best places to visit. Indeed, most visitors to South Africa will spend time in Cape Town, Johannesburg, and maybe even Durban. But while each of those places offers its own unique attractions, "those in the know" know that Mpumalanga is not to be missed.
Mpumalanga (a Zulu word meaning "the place where the sun rises") is a province in eastern South Africa, bordering the nations of Swaziland and Mozambique. Just a one hour plane ride or four hour drive from Johannesburg, Mpumalanga is a nature lover's dream with big game animals, a bounty of flora and fauna, mountains, canyons, caves, rivers, and waterfalls. Aptly known as "Paradise Country", Mpumalanga will treat you to some of the most breathtaking scenery you've ever seen. Here are my top 8 things to do there:
1. Kruger National Park
Kruger National Park is South Africa's premier safari destination. Covering more than 7,523 square miles and extending over two provinces, it's one of the largest game reserves in Africa. All of the Big Five game animals are found at Kruger, as well as 336 species of trees, 49 species of fish, 34 species of amphibians, 114 species of reptiles, 507 species of birds and 147 species of mammals. Most visitors to Kruger self-drive, but park rangers also offer morning, sunset and evening game drives. Guided nature walks (with armed field guides) are also available. Kruger has numerous rest camps, private lodges, and several restaurants, allowing visitors with reservations to stay overnight inside the park. Park accommodations should be booked well in advance to ensure availability.
2. Private Game Reserves
Set alongside Kruger's unfenced western boundary, Kruger's Private Game Reserves – Thornybush, Sabi Sand, Kapama, Timbavati, Manyeleti, Klaserie, and Balule – offer some of the most exclusive safari experiences in South Africa. These luxury accommodations don't come cheap, but the expense is well worth it. Most offer morning and evening game drives with experienced rangers and trackers in private 4-wheel drive vehicles. Their ability to engage in safari activities not permitted in Kruger, such as off-road driving and spot lit night drives, increase the likelihood of closer and more frequent animal sightings. And after long mornings and evenings of game viewing, you'll be treated to gourmet meals and other amenities, like private butler service, spa treatments and private suites with magnificent bush views. Everyone should have the experience at least once.
3. Blyde River Canyon/Panorama Route
Blyde River Canyon is one of the largest canyons on Earth and considered by many to be the largest "green canyon" due to its lush sub-tropical foliage. Also known as Motlatse River Canyon, it is part of the Panorama Route, a scenic road covering nearly 240 miles and connecting several waterfalls, mountain passes and natural vantage points. Some of the popular natural landmarks include God's Window, Bourke's Luck potholes, the Pinnacle, the Three Rondavels, the Lisbon Falls, the Berlin Falls and the Mac Mac Falls. There also several historic and tourist towns along the route, including Pilgrim's Rest, a restored gold mining town, and Graskop, reportedly home of the best pancakes in the southern hemisphere.
4. Shangana Cultural Village
Located midway between Kruger National Park and the Blyde River Canyon, the Shangana Village gives visitors a firsthand view of the way of life of the Shangaan people. The Village offers a variety of daytime and evening tours, some of which include traditional meals and/or performances by local dancers and drummers. The Marula Market allows craftspeople from all over the region to showcase and sell their traditional handcrafted art. The market is open daily from 9am to 5pm and entrance is free.
5. The Sudwala Caves
The Sudwala Caves are said to be the oldest caves in the world, formed about 240 million years ago. The Caves are open daily for tours from 8:30am to 4:30pm and the standard tour lasts one hour. Visitors will observe a variety of interesting stalagmite and stalactite formations, as well as primitive plant fossils and stone age tools from early inhabitants. Visitors will also be surprised to see a functioning amphitheater inside the Caves. For the truly adventurous, the 4-hour Crystal Tour takes visitors more than 6,500 feet inside in the Caves, on an excursion that involves wading through water, climbing up and down rocks, and crawling through small tunnels to see the amazing array of aragonite crystals. The Crystal Tour is offered on the first Saturday of each month or by arrangement for groups of 5 or more. Advance booking is required.
6. The Jane Goodall Institute South Africa Chimp Eden Sanctuary
If you ever watched the Animal Planet television series "Escape to Chimp Eden", then you've seen the amazing work of Chimp Eden, the first and only chimpanzee sanctuary in South Africa. The sanctuary rescues chimps that have survived the bush meat trade, been orphaned, traded in the illegal pet market, or traumatized to provide entertainment in circuses, beach resorts or night clubs. Chimp Eden is open daily from 8:00am to 4:00pm and offers guided tours three times per day at 10:00am, 12:00pm and 2:00pm. The chimps are quite fascinating to watch in their semi-wild enclosures and their varied personalities and temperaments are readily seen. One chimp in particular, Cozi, is sure to entertain with his playful antics.
7. Elephant Sanctuary – Hazyview
The Elephant Sanctuary provides a safe haven for young African elephants in need of a temporary home. Visitors are able to touch, feed and get to know the animals while learning all aspects of elephants and elephant husbandry. The sanctuary offers a variety of elephant interaction programs, including hand-in-trunk walks, elephant brush downs, elephant rides and elephant keeper for a day.
8. Extreme and Adventure Sports
Those hooked on extreme and adventure sports and activities can certainly get their fix in Mpumalanga. Mpumalanga provides both beautiful surroundings and a myriad of activities to spike your adrenalin levels. The gorge swing, white water rafting, tubing, hang gliding, sky diving, zip lining, hot air ballooning, quad biking, mountain biking, hiking, abseiling, and rock climbing are among the many activities offered in the region. And as an added plus, many tour operators focus on eco-adventure, which involves minimizing impact on the land and increasing environmental and cultural awareness.
10 Black Vineyards, Winemakers and Wine Brands in South Africa
South Africa is among the top 10 wine producers in the world, producing more than 1,000,000 liters of wine per year. But while black and coloured* South Africans represent nearly 90% of the population, they remain woefully underrepresented in the $3 billion wine industry, at less than three percent. This great imbalance is a legacy of colonialism and South Africa's apartheid past, when non-whites were prohibited from drinking or making wine and black ownership of land was limited.
Government land redistribution efforts and an affirmative action program known as Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) have been largely unsuccessful in increasing black ownership and participation in South Africa's wine industry. Lack of collateral makes it near impossible for blacks to secure business loans from banks or funding from the government. Non-ownership of land, grapes or wineries and consumer reluctance to purchase wine brands with "African sounding" names have been additional obstacles. But despite these barriers, blacks are making inroads. Listed below are 10 black vineyards, winemakers and wine brands seeking to excel in South Africa's competitive wine business.
Black Vineyards
Seven Sisters
Seven Sisters wine brand launched in 2007 and is owned and managed by coloured South African Vivian Kleynhans and her six sisters. The Seven Sisters wines are named after each sibling and the range consists of a Bukettraube (Odelia), Pinotage-Rose (Twena), Chenin Blanc (Yolanda), Sauvignon Blanc (Vivian), Pinotage/Shiraz (Dawn), Merlot (June) and Cabernet (Carol). The Seven Sisters vineyard, located in the Stellenbosch region of the Cape Winelands, is open to the public for tours and tastings by appointment. Seven Sisters can be contacted by phone at +27 710494109 or by email at firstname.lastname@example.com. Seven Sisters wines are sold in the United States and South Africa.
M'Hudi is a family enterprise owned and operated by the Rangakas, a black family who moved from Johannesburg to Cape Town in 2003 to realize their dream of owning a wine farm. With no prior winemaking experience, mother Malmsey, father Diale, and their three children, Tseliso, Lebogang, and Senyane have created a successful brand. M'hudi produces a "Premium" range (Sauvignon Blanc, Pinotage and Merlot) and an "On the Move" range (Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Pinotage, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon). M'hudi's Stellenbosch vineyard is currently closed to the public, but expected to re-open in April 2017. M'Hudi wines are sold in South Africa.
Thandi was South Africa's first agricultural BEE project and is owned by 147 farm worker families who hold 62% shares in the company. Thandi produces five ranges of wine: Reserve Range (Cabernet Sauvignon), Premium Range (Chardonnay, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc and Shiraz), Pioneer Range (Chardonnay/Chenin Blanc, Shiraz/Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz/Rose, Sparkling Rose, Sparkling Red, and Sparking White), Rossouw Private Collection (Merlot/Cabernet and Pinotage) and JAC Range (Pinotage, Red Blend and Shiraz). Thandi's Stellenbosch vineyard is open to the public for tastings, Monday through Thursday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm and Friday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Thandi wines are sold in Austria, Belgium, Canada, China, Finland, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, Kenya, Norway, Russia, Sweden, South Korea, Sweden and South Africa.
Black Winemakers
Ntsiki Biyela
Ntsiki Biyela holds the distinction of being South Africa's first black female winemaker. Biyela started her career in 2004 at the Stellenbosch vineyard of Stellekaya, where she is head winemaker. Biyela recently started her own Aslina wine brand, which is currently sold in the United States, Denmark and Germany. The Aslina brand will be sold in South Africa in 2017. Biyela has three Stellekaya varietals available at Wine for the World.
Carmen Stevens
Carmen Stevens is South Africa's first coloured female winemaker and she has been the winemaker at Amani's Stellenbosch vineyard since 2005. At Amani, Stevens makes a range of wines, including Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Rosé, Merlot, Shiraz, Pinotage, Cabernet Franc and a wine named I Am One, a Bordeaux/Shiraz blend. Stevens recently started her own wine brand, Angels Reserve, with the help of angel investors. Her wine can be purchased online at Naked Wines.
Heinrich Devon Keenen Kulsen
Heinrich Devon Keenen Kulsen is winemaker at Earthbound Wines, an organic and Fairtrade-certified range made from grapes supplied by Papkuilsfontein Vineyards in the Darling region of the Western Cape. The range consists of five varietals, four of which are organic: Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Pinotage, Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir (non-organic). Earthbound wines are sold in South Africa at Tops @ Spar and Darling Wine Shop, and online at Cyber Cellar.
Black Wine Brands
House of La RicMal
Malcolm and Ricardo Green are the father and son team behind the House of La RicMal, which has been in operation since 2008. Sourcing grapes from Darling, House of La RicMal produces two brands, La RicMal Supreme (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Shiraz, and Sauvignon Blanc) and Lerato (Classic Red, Sweet Red, and Classic White). House of RicMal brands are sold in South Africa at Pick and Pay, Checkers, Tops @ Spar, Liquor City and Agrimark and also exported to Nigeria, Ghana, Mozambique, Malawi, and Angola.
House of Mandela
Dr. Makaziwe Mandela and Tukwini Mandela (the daughter and granddaughter of late South African president and freedom fighter Nelson Mandela) are the mother and daughter team behind the House of Mandela. The House of Mandela produces varietals under five labels: Deep River (Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot and Chenin Blanc/Chardonnay blends), Royal Reserve (Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Shriaz), Thembu Collection (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Shiraz, Pinotage, Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc), Vusani (Chenin Blanc and Pinotage) and Brut (Sparkling Wine). House of Mandela wines are sold in South Africa, the United States, Canada, Turks and Caicos, Brazil, Germany, Netherlands, Taiwan and Japan.
Ses'fikile is 100% owned and controlled by black women. Ses'fikile sources grapes from the Wellington area of the Western Cape and produces six wines: Chenin Blanc, Pinotage, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Sauvignon Blanc and a Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot blend. Private tastings can be arranged by phone at +27 83 431 0254 or by email at email@example.com. Ses'fikile wines are carried in select South African restaurants and hotels.
Women in Wine
Founded in 2006 by a group of 20 women, Women in Wine partners with existing cellars and bottling companies to produce its wine. The Women in Wine label produces six wines: Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon/Shiraz, Pinotage Rose, and Chardonnay Chenin Blanc. The Women in Wine brand is sold in the USA, China, Ireland, Spain, Sweden and Denmark, and in South Africa at Makro stores.
*In South Africa, the term Coloured is an ethnic label for people of mixed ethnic origin who possess ancestry from Europe, Asia, and various Khoisan and Bantu ethnic groups of southern Africa. For purposes of this article, the term Black is used to refer to persons who identify as Black or Coloured.
Have you visited any of these vineyards or tasted any of the wine brands? What did you think? Share your comments below.
Top 8 Things to do in Swaziland
Swaziland is the smallest country in the Southern hemisphere, with a population of 1.2 million people. It's also one of the last remaining executive monarchies in Africa. Although it is not a popular tourist destination, it should be due to its stunning landscapes, wildlife reserves, and rich cultural heritage. Its close proximity to South Africa (just a 3.5 to 4-hour drive from Johannesburg), make it an easy add-on trip. Here's my list of the Top Eight Things to Do there.
- Mantenga Nature Reserve and Falls
Though small in size, this protected area is a nature lover's dream, with hiking trails, wildlife, wooded areas and waterfalls. The Mantenga Falls are Swaziland's best known falls and the largest by volume of water. Visitors can explore by foot, mountain bike or car, and there is a picnic area adjacent to the river below the falls.
- Swazi Cultural Village
Located in the Mantenga Nature Reserve, the Swazi Cultural Village offers a firsthand peak into Swazi culture. The makeshift village, comprised of 16 huts, kraals and other structures, represents a traditional Swazi lifestyle from the 1850's. A local guide explains local customs and history while guiding visitors through the grounds. The tour ends with a 45-minute, high-energy, action-packed dance and music performance by the men and women of the Mantenga Cultural Group.
- Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary
Swaziland has several wildlife sanctuaries for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts to explore. Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, located in Ezulwini Valley between Mbabane and Manzini, is Swaziland's pioneer conservation area. Activities include mountain bike riding, horseback riding, game drives, guided bird walks and walking/hiking trails. Animal species in the area include Hippo, Crocodile, Zebra, Blue Wildebeest, Kudu, Nyala, Impala, Warthog, Waterbuck, Reedbuck, Steenbok, Grey Duiker, Klipspringer, Blesbok. and the elusive Leopard.
- Execution Rock
Located at the peak of Nyonyane Mountain, inside the Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, this historic rock offers amazing views of the Ezulwini Valley. According to ancient legend, it's aptly named "Execution Rock" because Swazis suspected of witchcraft or criminals were forced to walk off the edge at spear-point, plunging to their death. Hiking remains the most popular way to reach the summit, which can also be reached by mountain bike or horseback.
- Adventure Activities
Despite its small size, Swaziland brings the fun for adrenaline junkies. It offers variety of adventure activities from caving in a subterranean cave system to white water rafting on the Usutu River to zip lining in the Malolotja Nature Reserve.
- House on Fire/Malandela's
House on Fire is best known as the venue for Bush Fire, a popular cultural and music festival held each year in May. But even when it's not hosting great music, the House on Fire is a destination unto itself. Spectacular mountain views serve as a backdrop for the unique artwork and sculptures that adorn the property. The House on Fire shares the grounds with Malandela's bed and breakfast and restaurant, which has its own beautiful gardens, and Gone Rural, a women's coop which sells colorful straw baskets and household accessories.
- Ngwenya Glass
In operation for more than 20 years, Ngwenya Glass offers visitors the chance to watch local artisans who've perfected the art of glass blowing. Visitors can also purchase beautiful blown glass items on site, all made with 100% recycled glass.
- Swazi Candles Centre
Since 1982, the Swazi Candles Centre has made decorative paraffin wax and organic soy candles. The colorful, intricately designed candles are created with hard wax and a technique called "millifiore" and are noted for the rich, romantic glow of the exterior shell. The Centre also houses a café and several other craft and souvenir shops.
What's your favorite thing to do in Swaziland? Please share your comments below.
The Top 10 Things to Do in Mozambique
Mozambique is a country in southeast Africa, bordered by Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Swaziland and South Africa. Its capital and largest city is Maputo, which is inhabited by nearly 1.2 million people. Like nearly all African countries, Mozambique is a former European colony, which gained independence from Portugal in 1975 after nearly 500 years of colonization. Sadly, its tourism industry sharply declined after independence. It's unfortunate because the country's natural beauty, beaches, national parks, wildlife reserves, and cultural heritage provide excellent eco-tourism opportunities.
Mozambique enjoys a lengthy coastline fronting the Indian Ocean and it boasts some of southern Africa's best beaches, renowned for their coral reefs and great surfing, diving and snorkeling opportunities. It also has some of the freshest seafood, which is abundant and cheap. Though not as popular as neighboring South Africa, more tourists are being lured to see what this Lusophone country has to offer. Here are my top 10 Things to Do in Maputo and beyond:
- Visit the FEIMA Arts and Crafts Market. If you're looking for souvenirs, African art or just somewhere to chill for a few hours, FEIMA is your place. This outdoor market is located inside a relaxing urban park with an abundance of shade trees and tropical plants. Artisans sell batiks, paintings, fabric purses, clothing, shoes, wood carvings and more. There are also two outdoor restaurants on site which serve both western cuisine and traditional Mozambican dishes.
- Be inspired by local art and culture. Núcleo de Arte is an art cooperative, home to more than 100 sculptors, painters, and other artists. During daytime hours, you can meet the artists and watch them at work next door at Cafe Camissa. There are frequent exhibitions and many display pieces are for sale, so bring cash with you. Fundação Fernando Leite Couto, is a cultural center which promotes the country's art, culture and literature. It's often the site of live concerts, readings and art exhibitions. Centro Cultural Franco-Mocambicano (CCFM) is another cultural center which has frequent music and dance performances. Check their respective websites for event schedules.
- Shop at the Mercado Central. This market, located in a picturesque colonial building in the Baixa district, is the main shopping hub in Maputo. You can find fabric, clothing, fresh seafood, fruits and vegetables, and many household staples. Prices are negotiable, so don't be afraid to bargain. But stay alert and beware of pickpockets.
- Visit a museum. Maputo has several modest, albeit unique museums. The Central Train Station is Maputo's landmark building and a fabulous work of architectural design. It's an operating train depot, which also houses a museum detailing the history of Mozambique's railways and communication systems. Inside are several old steamer trains and other historical photos and artifacts. The National Art Museum has a small but respectable collection of Mozambican art, including several large canvases by world-renowned artist, Malangatana. The Natural History Museum (Museu de História Natural) has an interesting collection of stuffed animals and wooden carvings. The National Money Museum (Museu Nacional da Moeda) holds a collection of the many currencies that have circulated in Mozambique's history; they include barter tokens, gold dust, and current-day bills. Lastly, the Iron House (Casa do Ferro), designed by Gustave Eiffel, architect of Paris' Eiffel Tower, contains a small display of artifacts from some of Mozambique's medieval cities and trading posts. The house was originally intended to be the Governor's home, but because of the all-metal structure it was too hot to live in under Maputo's tropical conditions. Luckily, now it's air conditioned.
- Go on the Bairro Mafalala Walking Tour. This 2-hour walking tour takes visitors through the Mafalala bairro, Maputo's oldest township or informal settlement. Mafalala lacks the affluence of other neighborhoods, but is a source of national pride and rich historical, political and cultural roots. The tour includes a stop at the house of the late Samora Machel, the Mozambican revolutionary and its first president post-independence, a visit with a local curandeiro (healer), and a traditional dance performance. This tour is a must for anyone interested in learning about Mozambique's history and struggle for independence.
- Enjoy Mozambican music. Mozambican music has thrived since independence and there is no shortage of venues for music lovers. Each Thursday night, from 6:30 to 9:00 pm, a different local band plays live music at the Associação dos Musicos Moçambicanos. The crowd is young and mostly local (with a few expats and tourists tossed in), the vibe is laidback and fun, and the music a mix of hip hop, Afro beats, and reggae. For the jazz fans, the Africa Bar has live jazz on Thursday nights. Chez Rango, a lounge inside the Central Train Station, is the place to go for live jazz on Saturday nights. Nucleo de Arte has a DJ and live bands performing on Sunday evenings. In fact, most restaurants have DJs or live music performances on weekend nights.
- Eat fresh seafood. If you're a seafood lover, Mozambique will not disappoint. Maputo's Mercado do Peixe is the place to go for fresh seafood. From fish, prawns, and lobster to crab, clams and calamari plucked straight from the water, this place has it all. The market is housed in a new waterfront building where seafood is sold by the kilogram and cleaned upon request for an additional fee. If you don't speak Portuguese, it pays to go with a local who can help you negotiate price. And if you don't feel like cooking, your seafood and a variety of side dishes can be cooked on site for you. The market's waterfront patio is the perfect place to sit with friends and eat, drink and enjoy the views. Service can be slow, so don't go there famished, but it's a fun time, especially on Sundays. If long waits aren't your thing, several waterfront restaurants can meet your desire for great seafood, including Campo di Mare, Sagres, Docks, and the Maputo Waterfront Restaurant.
- Delight in the beaches, water sports, and marine life. Mozambique is known for its beaches, but for the best ones you'll have to leave Maputo. Xai Xai beach is popular with tourists and closet to Maputo at only two hours away. A coral reef running parallel to the shore offers good snorkeling and protects the beach from strong waves. The nearby Bilene beach also offers calm waters and relaxed vibes. Jet skiing, scuba diving, sports fishing, sailing and canoeing are among the many activities enjoyed there. Ponta d'Ouro is known for its great beach, party atmosphere, dolphins, offshore diving, and deep-sea fishing. Tofo is another popular beach town, located about 4 hours north of Maputo and known for its reefs and excellent diving and snorkeling. It is one of the best places to see manta rays, sea turtles, and whale sharks. Vilanculos, accessible from Maputo by a one-hour flight or eight-hour bus ride, is the Mozambican water sports capital. Kite surfing, horseback riding and traditional dhow boat safaris are also popular there. Vilanculos is the gateway to the Bazaruto Archipelago, known for its fabulous beaches.
- Explore the islands. Inhaca island is a beautiful oasis located just 30 miles across the bay from Maputo. It's suitable for a day trip or weekend getaway. Inhaca's Santa Maria beach is popular with locals and tourists wanting to enjoy its soft sand and clear waters. Catembe island is located on the southern side of Maputo Bay, about 15 minutes from Maputo by ferry. Though not as nice or as popular as Inhaca, it also offers great views of the Maputo skyline. The ferries to Inhaca and Catembe leave from ferry ports in downtown Maputo. For those willing to explore Mozambique's northern reaches, numerous islands await you. The Bazaruto Archipelago is comprised of five islands: Bazaruto, Santa Carolina also known as Paradise Island, Benguerra, Margaruque and Bangue. The Bazaruto Archipelago is Mozambique's only underwater national park and there are several dive sites around the islands. Even further north are the Quirimbas islands, an unspoiled chain of 32 islands, known for its coral reefs, white sandy beaches, and crystal blue waters inhabited by dolphins, whales and endangered dugongs (sea cows).
- Search for wildlife on safari. The Maputo Special Reserve is located about 60 miles southeast of Maputo and includes 350 African elephants, birds, zebra, antelope, crocodiles, hippos, small bucks, bushpigs, baboons, and unique plant life. There are also marshes and two rivers inside the reserve, which are home to a variety of fish life. Gorongosa National Park, in central Mozambique, is home to lions, elephants, buffalo, zebras, bucks, hippos and crocodiles, as well as more than 400 species of birds. Its conservation programs are supported with tourist dollars. Niassa Reserve, in northern Mozambique, is home to the endangered African wild dog, elephant, sable antelope, buffalo, wildebeest, zebra and many species of birds. This protected area is twice the size of South Africa's Kruger Park and boasts stunning natural scenery. Meculas Mountain (4,728 feet high) is located inside the reserve.
African Art at the Phansi Museum
I arrived at Durban's King Shaka airport on a hot and sunny afternoon, fully expecting to check into my hotel and head straight to the beach on the Golden Mile. To my dismay, by the time I settled into my room two hours later, the sky had turned a dark shade of gray, and stayed that way for the next three days. My plans to beach bum and swim in the warm Indian Ocean having been dashed by rainy weather, my next mission was to find an interesting indoor activity. Enter Plan B – the Phansi Museum.
The Phansi Museum opened in 2000, initially located in the basement rooms of Roberts House, a Victorian national monument in Glenwood, Durban. The name 'Phansi" (which means below in isiZulu and is traditionally known as the realm of the ancestors) was inspired by its location. It has since expanded to three floors and now houses one of the biggest and most spectacular collections of traditional African arts, crafts and artifacts in the world.
Not quite like a traditional museum, all tours are individual and by appointment only. My tour guide, Phumzile Nkosi, escorted me around the museum for an hour and shared information about the history of the various pieces. As a lover of African art, I was completely fascinated and secretly wishing I could have some of the pieces for my personal collection.
The Phansi Museum collection includes Zulu, Xhosa, Shangaan and Ndebele beadwork, telephone-wire baskets, carved wooden meat platters and milk pails, memory cloths, ceramic beer pots, snuff spoons, containers, pipes, walking sticks, and wood carvings, some dating back to the 1800s. The top floor houses the grand finale – 30 life-size marionettes dressed and adorned in full ceremonial attire from various regions and cultures of southern Africa.
If you are in Durban, the Phansi Museum is not to be missed. With an entrance fee of only 40 rand (approximately $3.50 USD at time of writing), it's one of the best deals in town.


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Speculations were rife as to how Delhi will benefit from this year's Railway Budget and whether it would fulfil Prime Minister Narendra Modi government's policy of 'Sabka saath, Sabka vikas'. And as the day drew to a close, 'Prabhu' smiled on the national capital with it getting a major share of the Railway Budget pie in terms of financial allocation.
Opening his box of goodies on Thursday, Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu allocated Rs 159 crore for upgradation of passenger amenities at its four major stations and satellite terminals.
The allocation is almost double of what Delhi got last time round. Last year, the allocation stood at mere Rs 84 crore in the name of passenger amenities.
RAIL BUDGET 2015:Key announcements | Full speech | Video
Similarly, for augmenting of traffic operations and other logistics, the budget allocation this year has been Rs 84 crore as against Rs 32 crore given last year. Delhi, being the transit point for both East and West corridors, also benefitted by grabbing Rs 40 crore under the mechanical project category as compared to last year when it received just Rs 15 crore for the same. According to Northern Railway sources, a road overbridge has also been allocated to the National Capital and extra funds for upgradation of Sarai Rohilla station is also a likelyhood.
Besides these, Delhi also benefitted on string of passenger amenities. From escalators to wi-fI, to water vending machines to coin-operated ticket machines for unreserved passengers and upgradation of retiring rooms, Prabhu left no stone unturned to please Delhiites.
Delhi will also take up a project for introducing on-board entertainment on select Shatabdi trains. In a bid to woo people from North-East living in Delhi and NCR, Prabhu also announced a new Delhi-Meghalaya direct train link, which will help cut the travelling time.
A mobile application is also being developed to redress railway-related complaints and Delhi will be the first one to start it. "We intend to start this facility on a pilot project basis on the Northern Railway line from March 1. After recieving feedback from passengers, this will be extended to all other railways soon," a senior NR official said.
FULL COVERAGE:Union Budget 2015
>> Rs 159 crore allocated for upgrading passenger amenities at its four major stations and satellite terminals
>> Rs 84 crore for augmenting of traffic operations and other logistics
>> Rs 40 crore allocated for mechanical projects
>> Upgradation of Sarai Rohilla station likely
>> NewDelhi-Meghalaya direct train link to help passengers from the North-east living in Delhi and NCR
>> Mobile application to redress Railway-related complaints
>> Passenger amenities such as escalators,Wi-fi,water vending machines,coin-operated ticket machines for unreserved passengers,upgraded retiring rooms and e-catering

subset: commoncrawl


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Diversity is a very ambitious minecraft map download project designed to be all things to all people. It contains adventure, parkour, survival, CTM, arena, boss battles and many more minecraft activities in one neat download. There are ten levels in all to complete, levels which require agility, combat skills and the basic knowledge of minecraft's history as a game. Play this map and complete the monument, and you'll be able to play any minecraft map.
Category Archives: Minecraft Combat Maps
Cake Defense II Minecraft Defense Map Download
Two and half thousand command blocks were used in the making of this minecraft map. This minecraft defense map is designed for up to four players and involves, as the title suggests, defending the cake from up to twenty four waves of attackers.
Complete with scoreboard, special abilties, special mobs and enough raw adrenaline to down a cow – this is THE minecraft defense map of summer 2013.
Tunnel Trouble, Minecraft Combat Survival Map (Download + Review)
If you're looking for a fast paced minecraft combat survival map where every inch gained has to be hard fought and hard won, then Tunnel Trouble is the map for you. With four classes to choose from, multiplayer options and a whole bunch of custom resources to help you in your quest for survival, Trouble Tunnel takes the minecraft combat map genre and elevates it to a new level of skill and strategy.
Volcano Survival, Minecraft Survival / Villager Defense Map (Download + Review)
In this minecraft survival map, your own survival isn't the only thing at stake. You have a greater purpose – to ensure that the four villagers stuck inside minecarts who depend on you for their very lives are kept safe from zombie hordes. Volcano survival isn't a survival map in the traditional sense of the word of course, it's more of a 'waves of combat' map, a term for which has not properly been coined yet. In between waves of hostile mobs you can make use of a redstone supported currency system that allows you to buy useful things, like more life, and maybe less death.
Click here to read more and download this minecraft multiplayer survival defense map!
Mooshroom Rage Minecraft Game Map Download
This minecraft fight map reminded me of a WoW or RPG style boss fight. Specifically, you're trying to damage the boss whilst minions come at you in constant flows. It's surprisingly hard to send arrows into a giant mooshroom's face whilst zombies gently nudge you into lava. Suffice to say, this minecraft map is awesome and you will enjoy it, or your money back!
Click here to read more, see screenshots of being on fire and download this minecraft map!
Adventure In The Shadow Of The Tree Minecraft Adventure / Parkour / Combat Map Download
Like many fine adventure maps, this one starts off with robbing the graves and homes of the dearly departed. Then you run through an awful lot of tunnels and jump over fiery lakes of lava and sort of halfway pay attention to the story that's unfolding all around you.
Castlevania Minecraft Adventure / Combat Map Download
An exciting minecraft combat adventure map in which you must storm through a dark obsidian castle, slaying hordes of monsters with various enchanted items and destroying the pits from which they spawn with beacons of light. This map is designed to be harder than minecraft's hardest setting – and it is.
Click here to read more and download this fast paced, full on minecraft combat adventure map!


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The tethering is a technique that allows to share the Internet connection of a mobile device with other devices such as laptops. You can use your phone as a modem, and this process can nativ... Read more
make us a small gift :)
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Mike, Here is the 3rd shot of the 43 Willys. It has been authenticated as original, released to the Quartermaster Corp, United States Army on March 14, 1943. The numbers on the glove box plates and the frame match and were verified by the Director of The Americans in Wartime Museum in Aden Va. If you want more info, facts, proof or pics just let me know. It looks a lot better now, this was the day she came home to my place last July. She's loaded with Kaiser stuff. You stopped 7 leaks, one more in the front differintial to get yet and a little slop in the steering to get out. Runs like new.(so far) Wayne sends Sergeant Wayne L. Miller Mike, I'm going to send you one more good close up. If you want motor of interior shots tell me and I'll shoot them for you. I found this 1943 Willys MB sitting at an old gas station just before they put a For Sale sign on it last July. The trailer is a Bantam Car Company T-3 It was fully equiped except the grease gun and the tool kit that I'm working on now. It now has Kaiser Willys brakes, starter buttom, horn kit, wheel seals, seat cover, etc.. It just gets better. Came in first in Classic Jeep catagory in the 09 Northern Va Jeep Association Contest out of 70 Jeeps. She will be in about 13 Parades in the Wasgington DC area this year to include down Constitution Avenue in two National Parades on Veterans Day and the 4th of July. A proud member of MVPA and Washington Area Blue and Gray Military Vehicle Trust. Sergeant Wayne L. Miller
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Willys MB Slat Grill, Frame number: 106128, December 1941, Body number: 6652. More than 90% of the typical Early MB parts are there, such as: pancake air filter, gas-meter, gas tank with small opening, brass window latches, solid disk rims, etc... I bought the vehicle somewhere in 1975, see the picture with the red MB. The trailer behind the Slat is a British GS-trailer of 1944. Please feel free to contact me if you do have any questions. Enjoy the pictures.
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Hi everyone!
Today I have another news for you. We get to see one of the most expected makeup collection for Fall 2010. Well, Dior seemed to have released some information and photos about their upcoming collection so lets check them out. 🙂
For me this collection is just perfect since pink and purple are among my top favorite shades so if you feel the same you shouldn't miss this collection.
Seductive makeup for eyes with big long and curled lashes while the lips have a delicious plum color. As always, Dior creates one of the most beautiful promo photos while the model is wearing an elegant and bold makeup.
The new collection will be available starting August 2010.
After the jump check out the entire collection information and promo photos.
Two Colors Edition Collector – $ 38.00
Available in one color combination with black and silver shades and Dior pattern.
5 Colors Designer Palette – $ 58.00
Available in one new combination:
- 808 Pink Design
5 Colors Eyeshadow Palette – Limited Edition – $ 58.00
Also available in a new combination:
- 844 Misty Mauve
Serum de Rouge – $ 32.00
Will be available in 5 new shades:
- Pearly Pink
- Radiant Pink
- Pink Diva
- Ruby
- Plum
Dior Addict Ultra Gloss – $ 26.50
Available in 3 colors.
Dior Addict Lipstick – $ 26.00
Available in 4 new shades.
Diorshow 360 Mascara
Available in one color:
- 090 Black
Diorshow Maximizer Lash Plumping Serum
Are you looking forward this collection? What do you think about the eyeshadow palettes? 🙂


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Reading Incentive For Students Book It! is a free program to promotereading in classrooms. The teacher sets a monthly reading goalfor their class. Students keep track of their progresstoward the goal. Students who meet the goal get free pizza!
Students who earn certain levels of prizes will also be invited to a quarterly social where they will enjoy an ice cream social. Thanks to the Ramseur Civitan Club for supporting this!
The Randolph County School System does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs and activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and other youth support groups as provided by law. The following people have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Marty Trotter, Title IX Coordinator, and Edwina Ashworth, Section 504 Coordinator, 2222-C South Fayetteville St. Asheboro, NC 27205 Phone: 336-633-5000. The Randolph County School System is committed to ensuring that all web users can access its web content. If you have difficulty accessing information on our website due to a disability, please contact us at email@example.com and provide the URL (web address) of the material you tried to access, the problem you experienced, and your contact information.
Copyright © 2020 Ramseur Elementary School


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Documentation:Library:Circle/FROGBEAR Describing your data
This document explains how to describe your data when filling out the metadata spreadsheet. Every item in the collection must be accompanied by metadata so that users can find it and understand it.
Basic Metadata Concepts
Item: The entire object or group of objects you are capturing
Data: Images/videos related to a single item or site
Metadata: Description of everything the data represents
Record: The combination of data and metadata that creates meaning
Metadata Spreadsheet
The repository uses metadata standards and best practices to make content discoverable and useable by anyone, anywhere. For this reason, every research cluster team creating objects destined for the repository must use the cIRcle Metadata Template. You can download a copy of the spreadsheet template here' File:Frogbear cIRcle MetadataTemplate 2019.xlsx
Every row in the spreadsheet represents a record, which will appear as a single unit in the online repository. It may contain multiple items (files) such as a set of images of the same object or site, multiple segments of video, or an audio recording and a text transcript of the recording.
See, for example, the following entry in the metadata template:
For items to be grouped together in a record, they must all be related enough to be described by a single title and set of keywords.
Look at how the above example is displayed in Open Collections to see how the metadata in the spreadsheet is translated for the person viewing the metadata online: "Hall of the Jade Emperor (Yuhuang dian 玉皇殿), Fengxian guan (奉仙觀)".
Note that there are 11 images associated with this one item record. The "Description" field provides context for each photograph in the item record so that anyone viewing this record can understand how they are all connected and what each image file contains.
To better understand how each field should be used, review the description below of each metadata field for tips on how to describe items in the Frogbear metadata template.
Tip Choose one research cluster team member to be responsible for making sure that the metadata provided in the template is consistent and accurate. This person should also be the contact for repository staff to answer questions and provide clarification as needed.</ref>
Types of Fields
Required Fields
Some fields are required, meaning that you must enter some information into those categories in order for your items to appear in the repository. Optional fields may be left blank. If a required field is missing metadata, we will contact the cluster leader or a designate for more information.
Repeatable Fields
Some fields are marked "Repeatable (||)". This means that you can enter multiple terms. Each term should be separated by double vertical line characters (||, the vertical line is entered with shift-backslash on most keyboards).
An example of a Repeatable field is Creator; this ensures that everyone who created items in the record is listed. In the example above, the creator names were entered in the spreadsheet as: Rusk, Bruce || Liue, Jie ||Wu, Sijia. These fields are linkable in Open Collections so you can click on a creators name and see all of the records associated with that person. For this reason, names need to be entered consistently.
Use of Fields
Filename Field
This field links the metadata in the spreadsheet to the material in the data files is the Filename(s) field. Before you start creating files, it is important to have a plan for how your research cluster will organize and name it's files. For recommendations on managing your files, see this guide: Documentation:Library:Circle/FROGBEAR Organizing content for upload
Title Field
The title field is important as it gives the record a name and helps people to find your items. In most cases, you will be responsible for creating your own titles so you will need to use it to describe what the image or video is, or what is seen in the item record. Before you start creating titles, see our guide for tips and examples on creating title metadata: Documentation:Library:Circle/FROGBEAR Title metadata
Description Field
The description field gives a brief explanation of content. It is typical a few sentences long and gives detail about the content and context of the text, photo, video, or audio file. If you have multiple files for one record, this is also where you would describe what is seen in each file. For more information on how to create descriptions, see Documentation:Library:Circle/FROGBEAR Description metadata


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I am not taking any more term payments for Monday nights, but drop ins are still welcome…
I know many of you would not like to see more bodies in the room than there were on Monday night, so for the next two weeks we will be in a bigger room at CERES. We will be in the rooms below the Van Raay Centre (see map: http://www.ceres.org.au/sites/default/files/CERES_Site_Map.jpg).
To get there, you can come all the way into the carpark as you did last week, then over the hill you'll see a rough path, go over the path and take the stairs down to your left. If you don't want to go on the rough path, you can follow the real paths from the visitors centre 🙂
From 25 February we will be back in the Lower Merri room. Experience tells me after the first three weeks, numbers will taper off a bit, despite best intentions! Also if there is enough interest I will get a Wednesday night going as well. Contact me to express interest in enrolling on Wednesday night.


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Terry Fox Track
A two-lane indoor track located inside the SaskTel Sports Centre in Forest Park.
Forest Park Partners
The Forest Park integrated facility was designed, constructed and operated by a unique partnership of public organizations. The Partnership Story outlines the benefits and key factors involved in creating this successful partnership.
Facility Features
Terry Fox Track: Two-lane, 365 m walk/jog track situated around the perimeter of the indoor soccer field and separated using a ceiling-to-floor nylon safety net system. Track is made of a synthetic sport surface designed for fitness activities.
Lockers: Coin self-locking lockers available for use.
Also: Located inside the SaskTel Sports Centre which has many amenities including a cafeteria in the lobby.
As of July 29, 2016 the Fitness Circuit at SaskTel Sports Centre has been permanently closed. We encourage Fitness Circuit users to try out other fitness centres in the City.


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David Thewlis has rounded out the cast of "Red 2."
Thesp joins returning cast members Bruce Willis, Helen Mirren, Morgan Freeman and John Malkovich as well as Anthony Hopkins, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Byung-hun Lee. Dean Parisot is on to direct.
In this installment, Willis and company's search for a weapon of mass destruction begins by breaking out the man who created the weapon from an insane asylum.
Pic is being distributed by Summit Entertainment, a Lionsgate company.
Original "Red" scribes Jon and Erich Hoeber wrote the script, and Lorenzo di Bonaventura will produce. Pic is set to start production this fall and will bow Aug. 2, 2013.
Erik Feig, Lionsgate Motion Picture Group's president of production, will oversee the project for the studio along with Summit Entertainment's president of production, Geoff Shaevitz
CAA-repped Thewlis was most recently seen in DreamWorks' "War Horse."


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Syria's air force has repeatedly used cluster munitions to attack rebel-held areas, according to Human Rights Watch.
The weapons are controversial because, when released, they scatter dozens of smaller bomblets over a wide area.
Syrian activists have posted several videos showing bomb remnants which they claim have been dropped by regime helicopters.
Human Rights Watch has contacted residents in two towns to confirm the strikes.
Philippe Bolopion, the organisation's United Nations Director, called on the Syrian government to immediately stop using the weapons.
"The cluster munitions that you can see in the videos are RBK-250, which is a Soviet made cluster munition. It's obviously quite old. We are not sure how it ended up in Syria, but it is particularly dangerous because old munitions are less likely to detonate on impact and as a result, the duds that are left on the ground remain dangerous for civilians and kids, for weeks, months and sometimes years," said Bolopion.
Activists say cluster bomb remnants were found in several towns in Idlib province and around Homs, Aleppo and the capital Damascus.
More than 110 countries – excluding the US – have signed a 2008 convention banning their production and use.


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Product Description
The "Where in the World?" brand of famous game play has extended to a new USA Edition!
Players will enjoy various levels of play to learn about each state. Aside from learning the geography of our country, they will also learn 13 unique features of each state. Featured facts include admission date, rank in size and population, to the state capitals and attractions, both tourist and historic. The USA Edition also includes a new level of play for large groups, and even the classroom. Where In The World? USA Edition is designed for 1 to 6 players.
Warning: Choking hazards for children under 3 years (small parts)
Product Details
- Manufacturer: TalCor
- Origin: Made in China
- Manufacturer recommended age: 8 years and up
- Dimensions: 10 x 10 x 2 inches
- Weight: 1.5 pounds
NOTE: Purchasing "Where in the World - USA Edition"from WND's online store also qualifies you to receive a FREE 3-month trial subscription to our immensely popular monthly print magazine, Whistleblower. Watch for the FREE offer during checkout.


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July 27, 2017
IT – official trailer (WARNING CLOWNS)
yeah yeah fine here is the trailer for Stephen King's IT. There are clowns OK? You've been warned. CLOWNS. and not cool clowns like Puddles Pity Prty but evil , gonna kill you type clowns. So yeah just watch it below New Line Cinema's horror thriller "IT," directed by Andrés Muschietti ("Mama"), is based on the hugely popular Stephen King novel of the same name, which has been terrifying readers for decades. When children begin to disappear in the town of Derry, Maine, a group of young kids are faced with their......
Read More
July 21, 2017
Weekly Puddles Brilliance – WHO/Elton/Cash edition
Sure Puddles kills it at mash-ups! but how does he do at switcharoos you might ask? Well that's an odd thing to ask but the answer is A-FREAKING-MAZING! Below is the switcharoo dreams are made of, you got The Who, you got Elton John AND you got Johnny Cash all thrown into a blender and the end result is Pinball Wizard/Folsom Prison Blues Schmoosh Up – Switcharoo How could one lone clown do all of this???? Well we get 3, that's right, 3 Puddles in one incredible video! as always go......
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June 27, 2017
Weekly Puddles Brilliance – Don Ho edition
Puddles version of Happy Me by Don Ho is this weeks Puddles weekly brilliance, want to know why I am happy? Because I got to see Puddles perform over the weekend and nothing makes me happier than a fantastic Puddles performance! If you like this and every other Puddles song then support him! (picture by me from this weekends performance) Please like, comment and subscribe! http://www.youtube.com/user/PuddlesPi… Go see him on tour http://www.puddlespityparty.com/dates/ Get souvenirs http://stores.portmerch.com/puddlespi… Website – http://www.puddlespityparty.com Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/puddlespityparty Twitter – http://twitter.com/PuddlesPityP Instagram – http://instagram.com/puddlespityparty ...
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June 09, 2017
Weekly Puddles Brilliance – Katy Perry Firework
Another week and another Puddles cover! As Puddles himself says "I love what this song says. You ARE original. You are one of a kind and I think you are the best. I know that sounds corny. So, I'm corny. We're in this together." I can get behind that Puddles!!! I don't think I've ever listened to the full original song before but damn I love this version. ...
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June 02, 2017
Weekly Puddles Brilliance- Chris Cornell tribute
Another edition of Weekly Puddles brilliance brings us a tear-jerker. Grunge was my time, I just turned 20, music was crap on the radio and the grunge scene happened… one by one my grunge heroes have passed on and Chris Cornell's death hit me hard. I get it mortality is real and it's taking my rock gods. Thank you Puddles for this beautiful rendition…and thank you all for making these the most visited weekly posts. ...
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May 19, 2017
Weekly Puddles brilliance -Pink Floyd edition
Look I am going to keep posting these weekly updates as long as Puddles Pity Party does. I've said it before and I will scream it from the roof-tops PUDDLES IS BRILLIANT. You like Pink Floyd? You like amazing covers? well… ...
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May 12, 2017
Weekly Puddles Brilliance – Elvis edition
As if he was reading our minds, Puddles has covered an Elvis tune. He completely amazed everyone with his Johnny Cash cover/mash-up and now he's re-done Suspicious Minds and in a heart-breakingly beautiful way. My weekly post of how great Puddles is shows no sign of stopping. Do yourself a favor and watch your new favorite video now. ...
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April 21, 2017
Moon River – Puddles Pity Party
I absolutely love Puddles renditions of classic songs. His angelic voice and stylistic takes on these songs make them instant favorites for me even more than the orginals more often than not, I have seen Puddles a number of times and again next week in Pasadena and I can say with 1000% certainty that if you go see him you will laugh and cry and love every second of the show. Do yourself a favor and see him live! *dates on his website http://www.puddlespityparty.com/ This weeks insta-classic is his rendition of......
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April 07, 2017
Day After Day – Puddles Pity Party
This weeks Puddles cover is Badfinger's Day After Day…. and it is just perfect. Enjoy… ...
Read More


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Currently there are no additional options available.
To connect your external preamplifier to the PC. Special version with high performance EMC-ferrite. Highly recommended for PC use. You can find more product details in our online shop.
High quality special SMA cable for connecting any HyperLOG®-Antenna or BicoLOG®-Antenna or the preamplifiers UBBV Series with various test equipment like Aaronia RF Spectrum-Analyzer. You can find more details about the article in our online shop.
To connect any Spectrum Analyzer etc. with N connector to the HyperLOG antenna (Above SMA cable needed). You can find more details in our online shop.
Expands the measurement range from +20dBm to +40dBm. More product details in our online shop.
The DC-Blocker must be used if you want to measure DC powered signals like DSL/ISDN lines. It prevents the RF-input of the SPECTRAN from being destroyed by the DC-voltages. Simply connect the DC-Blocker to the SMA-input of your SPECTRAN. More product details in our shop.
25dB Broadband Pre-amplifier UBBV-NF-25
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External 25dB pre-amplifier UBBV-NF 25. For optimum performance when measuring weak signals in the frequency range of 1Hz to 60MHz (or 100MHz with lower gain, see graph).
The UBBV NF series provides a high impedance input signal and therefore can be operated even with the antennas of the MagnoTRACKER series or other regular 50 ohm devices. The calibration data of the amplifier are also stored in the Spectrum Analyzer Software "MCS".
The UBBV-NF can be operated via an internal battery (running time approx 3-4 hours) or via the included AC adapter. Via the USB port it´s possible to read the calibration data of the preamplifier, which are stored in the internal EEPROM and so can not be lost.
A "must have" to get the maximum performance out of any SPECTRAN unit.
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Included in delivery:
All UBBV Pre-amplifier will be shipped with many accessories in a high-value aluminum carrying case. More details can be found at above section "Included in delivery".


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Sunday trip with jugendstil church, empty river dam, happy dogs, weather changes and some
findings. I hope you hade nice Easter.
easter sunday
5 comments:
What gorgeous pictures! The church looks imposing - is it from the Middle Ages? I love the pic with the reflection in the window...ReplyDelete
I'm glad you and Frodo (he looks like he's having fun!) had a good Easter week end!
We had a calm but rainy Easter. Had fun though. I like the hues of your pictures and how you combine old stone with greyish nature.ReplyDelete
What a beautiful sequence of photos...that old church is really striking and I love the pattern in stone in the last photo.ReplyDelete
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A special thank you to Rogers TV for their very generous Gold Sponsorship to the Waterloo Transplant Trot!!! Please listen for the information that they will be airing on the radio throughout the next month. Joanna Mitchell and daughter Ryley will be appearing on "Daytime" in the next couple of weeks.
Thank you Roger's for assisting Waterloo Region increase awareness and we hope an increase in Donor Rates!


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So many have emailed asking how to meal plan when you order from co-op. Even if you don't order from a co-op buying in bulk is so beneficial. For one it saves you from going to the store so many times (that alone saves me money because I don't get sucked into buying things I don't need). Also it helps you stay on track with a meal plan because you want to use what you have.
5 things that I always make for dinner! It makes menu planning easy!
1. Salads, Salads, Salads. Try chopping up everything you want to put in salads and have them ready to go so when you want a quick salad all you have to do is wash the kale/ lettuce. Also keep dressing already made. One healthy easy recipe is just lemon and extra virgin olive oil. You can also add garlic, onion powder, and pepper if you want to spice it up a little.
Here is an easy ranch dressing recipe given to me by a Humble Area Adventure Boot Camp Facebook Friend!
16 oz light Daisy sour cream or plain yogurt
8 oz light Hellman's mayo
1% milk I start with 4 oz and add more depending if I am making dip or dressing Mix these up really well with wire whip Mix together spices and sprinkle in while using the wire whip, mix really well1 tsp granulated garlic and onion (this is what I start with and usually add more, it is a by taste thing with me)
1 tsp Baleine sea salt
2 Tbsp dried parsley flakes (HEB like other spices) put in your palm and crush really fineThis will thicken after refrigerated and more milk may be needed. You can use a little less sour cream and more mayo when making dip. I have changed it for dip. Spices are all to your individual taste. I hope you enjoy the freshness of this dressing/dip! Most ranch dressings have MSG in them. This will last two weeks or so in the refrigerator, use newly purchased milk and sour cream and if it last two weeks stir it occasionally.
2.Stir-fry This method is super easy! Just add anything you want to a skillet add extra virgin olive oil, garlic, and onion powder and bam you have a quick easy yummy meal!
3.Roast Them Put any veggies you want add a spritz of evoo, a little seasoning, and bake on a cookie sheet at 400 for 30 minutes
4.Make Stew Add all ingredients in a big pot add some chicken stock and seasoning and you are good to go.
5.Green Smoothie! This one is my favorite. I drink about two a day. Don't be afraid to play around with ingredients. I would say shoot for 1-2 cups organic fresh greens, 1/2 cup-1 cup fresh organic fruit, 1/2 cup water, and ice
Rotate the orders each week but again make it simple. I've said it before I'll say it again PLAN PLAN PLAN!!
Another easy option is to use them in fruit salads. That's an easy way to use up your box!
Next week I'll post some more recipes that I made ahead and froze them for easy pop in the oven or crock-pot meals!
Some parts of this post was inspired by Leanne Vogel. Check her out she is great!
Feel free to leave a comment below and subscribe to this blog in the upper right hand corner for emails with fitness and nutrition tips by me!!
Have a great day and remember to SWEAT!
Cecily Holm


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Carrasco aims to make history in MotoGP™
The first female rider to win a motorcycle World Championship title in WorldSSP300 last year aims to achieve the same record in MotoGP™ one day
The 2019 FIM Supersport 300 World Championship season will officially kick off at Motorland Aragón (Spain) from 5th-7th April 2019, but reigning WorldSSP300 Champion Ana Carrasco has already been stealing the headlines, as she has been nominated for the Laureus World Sports Awards as Breakthrough Star of the Year.
The Spanish rider has been selected with five other sportsmen and sportswomen who have made an astonishing impact in different international sports last year. Waiting to know the name of the winner of the prestigious award which will be announced on the next 18th February in Monaco, Ana Carrasco revealed her goals and her dreams for the future in a press conference that was held after her nomination.
As the Spanish newspaper El Español reported last week, Carrasco expressed her hope to become the first woman to win in MotoGP™: "I don't know when a woman will be able to win in MotoGP™, but I hope it will be me the first female to achieve such a result".
Becoming the first ever female rider to win a world championship title last year, Carrasco already set an incredible record and for 2019 she looks forward to repeating the outstanding achievement defending her WorldSSP300 title and taking the crown for the second time in her career.
Heading into her third season in WorldSSP300, Carrasco will be counting on an experienced team as Provec Racing this year, which is the same squad that line up four times WorldSBK champion Jonathan Rea in WorldSBK: "I have a lot of confidence this year. I will be riding with one of the best teams in the world. Everyone is working hard on the bike. I think that we will arrive at the start of the season on a great level".
Working on every aspect of her career, Carrasco moved to Barcelona where her team is based to be able to make quick progress and focus on every details of her preparation: "I am 21 years old, so I am still very young. There is a lot of room for improvement! I think I will be able to join MotoGP™ in four or five years".
Follow Ana Carrasco's heading into the 2019 FIM Supersport 300 World Championship season as reigning World Champion, all with the WorldSBK VideoPass.


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11 members2 Comments 2 Likes
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Started this discussion. Last reply by Buryl Payne Sep 9, 2010. 4 Replies 0 Likes
For the ninth time, mepeace.org hosted the monthly conference call on compassion. With the baby now full term, it's time to reassess. What works well with the call format? What aspects can be…Continue
Tags: format, change, compassion, call, conference
Started this discussion. Last reply by Basil Keilani Jul 4, 2010. 1 Reply 0 Likes
Attached please find a summary of the May 26 conference call on Compassion. Your feedback is most welcome. The next call will take place Wednesday, June 30, 2010 at 8pm Jerusalem time. See you there…Continue
Tags: language, selflessness, listening, careful, dignity
Started this discussion. Last reply by Basil Keilani Apr 6, 2010. 1 Reply 0 Likes
I tried to post a response to the above string, only to find it had just closed. I hope the moderators will allow my postscript to…Continue
Dear Linda,
I invite you to visit the page of my organization: Iartexpo. ART Bridge of PEACE.
if it please you, contact me: email@example.com
Salaam, Shalom, Peace
Invite U 2
Art bridge4Peace
Pls Share
Donate http://paypal.me/iartexpo
4 cntct
I am the founder and the organizer of : Iartexpo art as a bridge for peace, International art expo and exhibit,
a non profit organization,
to help Israelis and Palestinians artists, to exhibit together to dialogue together.. Here in Israel.
and (hope) in Ramallah
Please visit: http://iartexpo.jimdo.com
Face book page iartexpo2012 art as a bridge for peace
I hope you like the idea.
We are starving for aid and help, most the time I work alone.
We are helped by our volunteers.
We need resources.
We seek for Sponsors to help us realize our project.
Please help me realize this dream.
Jacques Banne
Thank you Linda for your warm welcome and encouragement. I am very excited I find many like minded people here & they really sounds committed with Global peace.
Dr. Shabnam Nazli
Chairperson: Hope Development Organization
Hi Clara,
thanks for your message. Appreciate it. Sorry I logged on after a long time.
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The peer-to-peer revolution was not only televised, but live-streamed. And now that revolution is heading for the workplace.
The success stories of P2P companies, such as Uber and AirBnB are well-known by now; and if you haven't already tried these slick peer-to-peer services, you definitely should. By using a web-based interface to connect people offering a service to people requesting that same service, these sites (mostly) cut out the middleman, streamline search, communications and transactions, and enable a free flow of commerce between peers.
Now some forward thinking companies are bringing the highly efficient Uber model to the work site, the conference room, and the laboratory, just for starters. They're turning P2P into B2B, and the opportunities for businesses to solve problems, and to profit, are multiplying fast.
One such company, KWIPPED, enables equipment rentals between businesses across 22 distinct industries. From more traditional rental categories, like party supplies, construction equipment, and audio-visual technology, to more specialized rentals, such as medical and laboratory devices and surveying equipment, KWIPPED already offers 3000+ pieces of rental inventory and nearly $30 million in rentable assets.
The result for participating businesses is increased efficiency and greater opportunity for profit. A business that owns an expensive piece of equipment that is only used occasionally can rent out that equipment during downtime and defray its costs. On the flip-side, a business that needs to use an expensive piece of equipment on occasion can rent it rather than buying it, saving a great deal on initial cost, as well as maintenance and repair.
However, limited capital budgets are not necessarily the driving force behind B2B sharing. Most transactions on KWIPPED are driven by a company's ability to transfer the cost of renting to their customer and in many cases, turn the rental into additional profit. The transferring of cost and "marking-up" for profit of rentals in the B2B world is not the exception, but rather the norm. It is this common practice that platforms like KWIPPED are harnessing to create momentum and achieve success.
KWIPPED's open marketplace platform is a disruptive technology, to be sure. Just as Uber and Lyft disrupted the taxi cab industry, and Airbnb disrupted the hotel industry, companies like KWIPPED have the potential to disrupt a whole host of equipment sellers and brick-and-mortar rental agencies. But a word of caution to those who think disruption in the B2B world will echo P2P; don't hold your breath! The stakes involved for equipment failure in a commercial application are far greater than your Uber driver not showing up. Premiums are paid for confidence that "sharing" partners will be knowledgeable, reliable and capable of servicing equipment. It is for this reason that KWIPPED carefully screens potential suppliers and has focused on building a supplier network of organizations that specialize in certain equipment.
The disruptive nature of KWIPPED has to do with the types of non-traditional organizations that become willing to rent equipment. Companies that sell or service equipment, typically don't keep rental inventory pools. However, demand is so high for certain types of rentals among businesses that providing new sources of supply are certain to result in a profit.
Other potentially disruptive aspects of KWIPPED include:
- The creation of new lines of business due to affordable access to specialized equipment
- Introducing more and new types of equipment inventory into the rental market
- Providing renters with efficient access to more equipment options
And while disruption can result in pain for the old guard, in the business world, it can easily be transformed into opportunity. Just ask airlines and hotel chains if they regret being part of Expedia.
Rory Laverty is a journalist and English Professor at the University of North Carolina, Wilmington. In addition to being an accomplished business writer and author, Rory's interest in entrepreneurial start-ups has fueled an active blogging and freelance writing career.


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As the lead of UX designer (2014-2015) my role was to create a simple & consistent User Experience for the bank across our multiple platforms.
The teams I led in-house and out-sourced were in charge of :
- Develop and evolve a design language that breathed the brand & its values.
- Concept the Information hierarchy from the highest level to the detailed level.
- Plan a cohesive multi-platform navigation.
Touchscreen ATM
Tablet and Mobile app. UX and GUI System
Tablet App
Friendly and logical 'flow' from the user point of view.
For quick tests & prototyping of the main functions.
We deliver documented-wireframes for optimal communication with the IT partners.
Brand application to interfaces.
Multiplatform style guides. Flexible and scalable.
Tablets and smartphones. iOS & Android.
Touchscreen ATMs with minimum amount of steps.
We designed self touch-interfaces that take the user by the hand and reassures him on every steps.
UI-animations accents the logic experience of the flows.
Responsive newsletters.
Advisors' tablet tools for the branches.


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Paleo Hamantaschen for Purim
When I was a little girl Purim was my favorite holiday so naturally hamantaschen were my favorite thing to eat on that holiday.
For those of you that are unfamiliar with Purim let me give you a little background so you don't feel lost the whole way through this post 😉 Purim is a Jewish holiday that celebrates the courage of a very special woman named Esther and, of course, the Jewish people escaping total annihilation. As a kid, hearing this story was awesome because it's got all of the components of an epic tale à la LOTR or Camelot: kings, romance, royals getting banished, a wise elder (who looks strangely Gandolf-like in all the picture books), a pauperess-turned-queen, acts of immeasurable bravery, a bad guy who gets hanged, plus it takes place in a far away land (The Persian Empire)! What's not to love?!


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Autoware 3 Software - AW003 - Boost Productivity with the All-New Enhanced Autoware 3 Automation & Data Capturing Software
- BatchTEST®
- Choice of Ethernet, USB/RS-232 or GPIB Communication Interfaces
- Line Leakage Test Auto Fill Feature
- Barcode Scanning Support
- Automated Instrument Identification and Setup
- Preconfigured for use with the AR TVB-2 Test Box
- Intelligent Error Handling
- Multimedia Prompt and Hold Feature
- Save, Create & Share Test Files Offline
- Graphical Drag and Drop User Interface
- Customizable Menu Display
System Requirements
- Microsoft Windows XP / Vista / 7
- One available serial port, USB or network connectivity (not needed with GPIB)
- Minimum of 1 GB Ram
- Minimum of 1 GB free disk space
- National Instruments GPIB interface card (Not needed with RS-232, USB or Ethernet)
inkl. MwSt. zzgl. Versandkosten
Sofort versandfertig, Lieferzeit ca. 1-3 Werktage
- Artikel-Nr.: AR-AW003
Autoware 3 Software - AW003 - Boost Productivity with the All-New Enhanced Autoware 3 Automation & Data Capturing Software
Reduce Test Time with BatchTEST®
Shave minutes off your test routines by testing multiple DUTs simultaneously. Combined with a scanning matrix, our BatchTEST feature performs AC/DC Hipot, Continuity and Insulation Resistance tests on a batch of DUTs in a convenient 1-step test. Additionally, in the event of a failure (and ONLY in this event), Autoware3 will automatically test each individual DUT to isolate the cause of the failure.
Increase Efficiency & Reduce Waste with Data Capture
Autoware3s improved data capture capability will create significant efficiencies, reduce waste and potentially head off super colossal errors before they become major problems.
Strengthen Productivity with Barcode Scanning Support
Increase production throughput by incorporating a barcode scan. Autoware3 happily supports direct barcode connection which enables the user to scan model and serial numbers that can be recorded in a data file.
Improved Label Printing Capability
With improved functionality, this printing capability enables you to generate labels containing test results quickly and on-demand. Autoware3 is compatible with two globally recognized label printers, Dymo and Zebra.
Maximixe Accuracy & Minimize Risk of Operator Error with Auto File Loading
Autoware3 allows you to immediately recall test files to speed up the testing process. You can easily associate a model number with a test sequence and the associated test sequence will automatically load in the Control Panel. You also have the capability to connect multiple model numbers with a single test file which ensures that the correct test sequence is accurately loaded with every test.
Comprehensive Help Menu
Autoware3 provides an extensive help menu covering all features and functions of the program. This easy-to-follow layout utilizes number callouts to aid in the search to find topics and useful reference information.
Streamline Complicated Test Setups with LLT Auto Fill
The LLT Auto Fill feature allows you to conveniently setup multiple Line Leakage tests without the need to create multiple test steps. While traditional software programs require you to tediously setup 8 Line Leakage test steps, Autoware3 automates this time-consuming process. By enabling the LLT Auto Fill feature, you simply need to setup a single LLT test step and Autoware3 will do the work for you by creating the 7 remaining test steps. The additional test steps will utilize the same user-defined test parameters but cover the remaining 7 fault conditions (for a total of 8 fault conditions). This feature will save loads of valuable setup time for those who are required to perform Line Leakage tests.
Intelligent Error Management
Autoware3 uses a system of error management that displays intuitive error messages. Each error message gives a description of the problem as well as troubleshooting suggestions.
Additional Software Improvements:
- Advanced User Security Profiles
- Customizable Results
- Multimedia Prompts
- APT Power Source Capability
- Compatible Models: OMNIA II, OMNIA, HypotULTRA, LINECHEK II & SC6540


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What is vitiligo?
What is vitiligo? What causes vitiligo? The diagnosis What next?
Vitiligo is quite a common condition which makes the skin, and sometimes the hair, turn white in patches. This is because melanocytes, the cells which give the skin its colour, have been damaged.
Vitiligo is not contagious. If you have the condition, you cannot pass it on to someone else by touching them and it is not infectious. Vitiligo is considered to be an autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks the body's own tissues.
The most common form of vitiligo appears in symmetrical form (generalised vitiligo) affecting both sides of the body. In some cases only one half of the body is affected (segmental vitiligo); this type has limited progression and is more difficult to treat. Vitiligo can spread to cover the entire body surface (universal vitiligo) but this is not usual.
The way the condition develops varies from one person to another and it is unpredictable. Some people may not notice a change in their condition for many years; for others it can spread quite quickly. In some cases, the white patches can regain their colour without the person having any treatment. This is more likely with children. However, it is very unusual for the condition to be resolved completely without treatment.
There is, at present, no 100% cure. Established treatments can be effective in re-pigmenting the skin, sometimes completely. However, at present, there are no treatments that can prevent vitiligo developing again.
- Vitiligo affects at least one person in every hundred throughout the world, including in the UK.
- Anyone can develop the condition, whatever their skin colour or ethnic origin.
- Vitiligo can begin at any age but about 50% of people develop it before the age of twenty.


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Tendinitis Care
Pain and limited mobility don't help anyone. Whether you want to shine on the athletic field, pick up your grandkids without worry or just live more comfortably at work and at home, you can't do it with tendinitis.
This all-inclusive term simply means you have pulled, strained or torn a tendon. While the injury can be quite painful, it is almost always very curable with the right assistance. Get that assistance here at Advanced Sports Medicine & Physical Therapy today.
What is Tendinitis
Tendinitis is a common problem for athletes, desk workers and others who perform repetitive motions. Initially symptoms are usually more mild, while over time they may progress to being very painful and severely limiting your range of motion. Over time, joints may even start to become "frozen," which means they cannot move the way they are supposed to. If you're noticing pain in your elbow, shoulder, knee or wrists, you need dedicated care. But first: what types of tendonitis exist?
Types of Tendonitis
Many types of tendonitis exist, but the most common areas are the shoulder, elbow and knee. These areas have sensitive tendons that can be injured relatively easy by repetitive motions, typically related to sports. The most frequent conditions we see include:
- Tennis elbow
- Golfer's elbow
- Pitcher's shoulder
- Swimmer's shoulder
- Jumper's knee
As you can see, athletes are the most prone to such injuries. However, people who work in non-ergonomic settings or do a lot of repetitive lifting can also suffer such injuries.
How Do I Know If I Have Tendonitis?
Tendonitis usually makes itself known by sharp pains in the affected area. These pains may be present when you are at rest, and can sometimes be so bad they wake you up. Usually, though, you'll notice them when repeating the motion: a golf swing, a swimming stroke, etc. Pain may also be accompanied by inability to move the joint the way you should.
Chiropractic Care and More | Tendinitis and Other Injuries
If you think you have tendonitis and need a full examination, or know you have it and are ready for treatment, it's time to see a chiropractor. We offer a variety of Chiropractic Care and physical rehabilitation services, and routinely help patients coming into our practice to achieve more comfort and greater range of motion. Our services include manual adjustments, Cold Laser Therapy, Acupuncture, physical therapy, corrective exercises and more.
Whether you're experiencing tendinitis or other symptoms of overuse, acute or chronic injuries, we can help. Advanced Sports Medicine & Physical Therapy is a premier chiropractic clinic, with the deep experience and knowledge needed to heal you and keep you healthy for as long as possible.
Schedule an Appointment Today!
Are you ready to learn more about tendinitis and how dedicated, routine chiropractic care can help you recover and prevent further occurrences? We would love to help. Give us a call at (973) 616-4555 or request an appointment. If we cannot help you immediately, we will get back to you just as soon as we can, so you can start down the road to greater health, happiness and comfort today.


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Advance Group UK Limited
Advance Group UK Limited was established with a vision of creating a new breed of Consultancy focused on working in partnership with the Client, providing service that is second to none.
As one of the fastest growing consultancies in our sector we offer a wide range of Health, Safety and Environmental advice and guidance providing CDM Guidance to both public and private sectors.
Advance delivers highest quality professional services providing knowledgeable and experienced personnel, offering bespoke supporting systems as well as economic and pragmatic assistance and robust procedures.
Our current and past Clients include:
- Scotia Gas Networks
- National Grid
- Capita Symonds
- Skanska
- Total E&P
- Land and Marine
- and many more
Advance Group UK Limited is an ethical and eco friendly company certified to ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001.
"All Advance Group personnel promote a Positive Safety & Environmental Culture and are extremely committed to drive our Client Target ZERO Accidents and Environmental Incidents" David Perry, Director


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My biceps are sore from the past two workouts.
My back is exhausted from the last two workouts.
Every time I moved while sleeping last night, it seemed that something hurt and woke me up.
Last night's CrossFit workout just added insult to injury after Tuesday's workout.
Row 1000m ( I did 1500 because I was a bit early)
Mobility warm-up
Ten minutes of rope-jumping practice.
Then the main event was 10 rounds of (15 x 135# deadlift, 15 push-ups) as quickly as possible.
Because of my shoulder, I did dumbbell presses instead of push-ups. As the sets accumulated, I was almost laughing at the absurdity of the weight I was using. The 135# deadlifts were easy and I got through every single set without a rest.
For the DB presses, I started at 2 x 20#. After a few rounds, I switched to 15# DBs and I still struggled. I was having to rest more than once in just about every set.
I forget what my final time was, to be honest. It was either 13 minutes and change or 16 minutes and change.
Either way, 150 deadlifts is a lot and after two hard workouts, I'm hurting today. I am working from home, so I won't be at CrossFit tonight. If I do anything at all, it will be an easy run.
Tomorrow, we have a big snowstorm coming, so I'll probably work out at the regular (not CrossFit) gym tomorrow.
Hopefully, the clinic where I'm supposed to get my shoulder checked out won't close due to the storm.


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Anyway Dean took a bunch of pics of our progress which I am stealing to put here. It was 40 degrees Celsius the day we did this so paint/goop etc dried in about 5 mins, it is amazing how much you can get done in Satan's own weather, you could see the paint drying! Still a fair bit of painting on a bunch of stuff so a couple more working bees and this should be good to go!
|This is me literally watching paint dry!
|The resin pooled because of the heat. We have since poured a second coat which evened it out.


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AUSTIN, Texas (AP) Ben McLemore scored 16 points and No. 4 Kansas stormed back from a late double-digit deficit to stun Texas 64-59 on Saturday for win its 15th straight win.
Jeff Withey added 14 points and nine rebounds for the Jayhawks (16-1, 4-0 Big 12), who trailed by 11 points in the second half before McLemore steered a rally that prevented the reeling Longhorns (8-9, 0-4) from a badly needed victory in this troubled season.
Travis Releford added 12 points for Kansas.
Sheldon McClennan led the Longhorns with 18 points. Texas has lost four straight, its longest losing streak since coach Rick Barnes' first season in 1998-99.


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If you've ever run through the airport, trying to hold onto your bag, your pillow, and perhaps a little one's hand, then you know how hard it can be to keep up with everything! A pillow always seems like the one thing left behind, but not anymore with this convenient carrier! The Peanuts fabric makes this project not only cute but also practical!
- 1/2 yd. Snoopy Dots cotton fabric
- 12"x16" Pillow form
- 2 yds. Piping trim
- 12" Webbing 1" wide
- Basic sewing supplies
- Sewing machine
Note: Seam allowance 1/4″
- Cut one 12-1/2"x16-1/2" piece of fabric – front panel.
- Cut two 10-1/2"x16-1/2" pieces of fabric – back panels.
- Measure 6" in on each side of the 16-1/2" of the front panel and mark the spot. Matching raw edges pin webbing at each mark on the right side of the front panel and baste in place – handle.
- Matching raw edges pin piping trim around perimeter on the right side of the front panel and baste in place.
- Fold the short side of the back panels in 1/2″ from raw edge, press, fold again, press and stitch in place. Repeat for the other back fabric.
- Place the front and back panels right sides together, matching raw edges and the back panels overlapping at the seams (the handle should be facing inside) and stitch around perimeter. Clip corners; turn pillow cover right side out and press.
- Insert pillow form and enjoy.
Skill Level: Some experience necessary
Approximate Crafting Time: 1-2 Hours


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How does a Christian relate to war and military service.
(c) 2011 by Tom King
- "George W. Bush was evil"
- "We ought to withdraw all troops back home. No one would dare attacks us here because there's too much water separating us from them. Besides we're too big to attack."
- "If we leave the world alone, they will love us again and everything will be hunky dory."
I carefully read the latest piece by a former Air Force pilot turned priest out of respect for my friend. It supports, of course, the idea that we ought to have a military, but just not use it and that Christians should probably not participate in the military at all.
I was doing okay until he blithely cited some revisionist history about World War II and our use of nuclear weapons. He stated flatly that Japan wanted to surrender, but would just wouldn't accept it. He ignores the account of Japanese Army officers' attempts to kidnap the emperor to prevent him from announcing the surrender on the radio. This was after two nuclear strikes on the homeland. I have read accounts by Japanese officers and historians much closer to the action that make it clear that a last ditch, hedgerow by hedgerow fight for the homeland was, not only planned, but embraced by soldiers and civilians alike. It seems pretty obvious to me that the specter of dying uselessly in a nuclear blast, unable to take an enemy with you, completely unmanned the Samuri in the officer corps sufficiently to convince them to accept the ignominy of surrender.
Were we to use total war selectively and with a clearly conceived policy behind it, we would be a far more effective "global force for good" (as the new Navy recruiting commercials put it). Orson Scott Card's fictional "Ender" novels outline what such a strategy might look like. His books are read at West Point by soldiers studying policy issues related to warfare. Card's hero, Andrew Wiggin reacts to any attack with sudden and overwhelming force and insures his attacker can do him no more harm. The policy implications are something I could get behind. I
Extrapolated to the world stage, the policy would go something like this:
- Leave your neighbors in peace. Treat others the way you would like to be treated.
- If attacked, respond instantly and with overwhelming force instantly. Go after the instigators of the attack and remove them. Do not stop till they are no longer able to wage war against you.
- Help clean up the damage caused by the war. Help those caught in the middle to rebuild their lives.
Reagan wasn't always able to consistently follow his own policy. Political expediency forced him to focus on those he considered our most dangerous enemies and compromise with the diplomats and Democrats in other cases. That intense focus on the mission at hand, he successfully eliminated an entire class of very dangerous nuclear weapons and made a "first strike" attack by either side almost impossible.
It is a shame that diplomat types went back to the same old confused military strategy after he left office.
The Jews did a lot of killing at God's instruction. Sounds terrible, but remember that many of the pagan cultures of the time were slaughtering tens of thousands of innocents on pagan altars and in innumerable raids on their neighbors and wars of conquest. Israel became known for cleaning out the corrupt and evil inhabitants of the land as they settled Canaan. That's why there was a huge mixed multitude. Many of those inhabitants, like Rahab and her family, recognized that things would be better without the corrupt kings, sleazy priests and evil gods and joined the Hebrew nation and joined up with Israel.
Two presidents, I think, made an attempt to move our military policy in the right direction. They were both dragged down by politicians and pundits and never able to fully implement the kind of effective military policy that might have brought us peace. Ronald Reagan understood peace through strength and reminded the Russians that "trust but verify" was their own old adage. He defeated a real enemy and almost made them our friends if later politicians hadn't messed it up. We should have shared what we learned during our SDI program with the Russians as Reagan promised. I think we'd be better friends now. Instead, political backbiting killed SDI and left us with only the marginally effective Patriot missile system when we needed it in the Gulf War.
Again, the congress, the political generals at the Pentagon (David Hackworth's "perfume princes") and the military-industrial complex launched a campaign to discredit that whole idea, continued to waste money on big ticket projects and to move massive formations around the battlefields like so many chess pieces.
Tom King
*Making War: A Christian Perspective by Dr. Robert M. Bowman, Lt. Col., USAF, ret.


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What is a Laser Facelift?
Traditional surgical facelifts are used to lift sagging jowls, define the jawline and improve sagging skin on the neck. These procedures usually are done under anesthesia, require several weeks for healing, and result in a scar, which may or may not be cosmetically acceptable. What they do not do is to recondition the skin, remove fine wrinkles above the lip, remove age spots or improve bagginess of the eyelids. A separate surgical procedure called a blepharoplasty is required to remove the excess skin of the eyelids.
A combination of two new laser procedures provides a lift nearly equal to a facelift. Both are performed with the patient awake and require only local anesthetic. The AccuLift laser lipo procedure is a 45 minute session in which a laser is introduced under the skin of the neck and jawline. The laser melts the subcutaneous fat which is withdrawn through a small cannula. The heat from the laser stimulates the body to produce collagen in the skin which begins to tighten the neck and jawline over the next two to three months. The second laser procedure, called Active FX fractional laser resurfacing, is performed about a month after the AccuLift. Fractional laser therapy removes the fine lines, brown spots and eyelid bagginess while heating the skin and stimulating the production of collagen a second time. This ten minute painless procedure requires a week for healing the skin. After the old skin sheds, makeup can be reapplied, usually by the seventh day.
This dual stimulation of the body's own collagen is very noticeable at about 3 months and the skin retains it's definition for five years or longer. Advantages of the laser facelift include restoration of the skin's healthy tone and texture, eyelid and neck tightening without scars, jawline definition, improvement of dark circles under the eyes, removal or reduction of glabellar frown lines and wrinkles on the cheeks and upper lip, and improvement of "marionette lines."
The cost of laser facelift is one-third that of a surgical procedure and the "downtime" is one week without discomfort.


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Supercross Opener: Experts Exchange Racing at Anaheim 1January 6, 2012 2:56 pm ·
1/9/2012 UPDATE – Anaheim 1 Results: Topher Ingalls did not qualify for the Main Event at Anaheim 1, finishing 20th in the second heat and 16th in the Last Chance Qualifier.
The IT professionals at Experts Exchange are used to taking on technology challenges. Now Experts Exchange is facing an entirely different challenge: the 2012 AMA Supercross Circuit.
The Experts Exchange-sponsored Honda CRF250R dirt bike debuts at Anaheim 1 on Saturday, January 7th, ridden by four-year circuit veteran Topher Ingalls.
"I feel prepared and ready for the season," says Ingalls, who is coming of an improved 2011 season performance and off-season competition in Canada. "The bike is better, I've trained harder and I'm confident in our team."
The 12-round championship series features the premier 450 Class with reigning AMA Supercross Series Champion Ryan Villopoto. Topher Ingalls will ride the Experts Exchange motorcycle in the the 250 Class, which will crown a new champion in 2012.
"I've always loved supercross," explains Experts Exchange CEO Randy Redberg. "Topher is a local rider, so this is a great opportunity to support him while promoting our brand."
To learn more about the Experts Exchange Racing Team, visit www.TopherIngalls.com.


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Bridal Shower Gifts For The Couple has very importance at the eve of wedding ceremony. Gifts should be romantic and charming according to the personality of the couple as well as their choice.
Such gifts given by the special friends will be the memorable for wedding couple at their special day.
Gifts should be also everlasting.
Various types of the wedding couple should be selected for the couple.
Here we will see the beautiful, astonishing, charming, romantic, pretty, precious, and lovely gifts for the wedding couple at their special day.


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Product: 620x620mm LED Recessed Ceiling Panel Light
Location: Germany
Application Environment: School Lighting
Project Details: The led recessed panel light for school lighting. Schools have progressed from learning environments to become habitats that designed for work, sport and relaxation. However, the positive impact of the right light on the ability to concentrate, health and safety. Our led ceiling panel light enables you to take full advantage of these opportunities in a simple way and according to your requirements.
Therefore, Lightman led panel lights provide the right light for classrooms, relaxation rooms, canteens, hallways and outdoor areas.


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The Ideas Of Rainfall Shower Head
If you get a rainfall shower head, you can expect to have the flow of water over your head like a natural rain. You can easily distinguish the appearance of a circular disk with lots of holes. It is through these holes that the water will flow to the bottom with the way very nice. Often, it consists of Prime rain shower of metal or chrome, but you can find people who are made of plastic, too.
As a result of fierce competition, manufacturers are constantly coming with new designs and styles of rainfall shower head that suit the needs of their customers so that you will have no problem in getting one that matches the theme of your bathroom. If you want, you can even opt for the top end model that includes realistic "rain" system. So that it's almost like having a normal rain in your home.
Now that you know what a rainfall shower head, so you might ask how it will benefit you. As mentioned above, you can get water to flow naturally like rain when you install a rain shower in the bathroom. This way, you get to relax when you have a daily bath.