text:
Top 5 Firewalls For Windows
Using a smart antivirus is not only a way to secure your computer in the jungle of web, there are many ways to bypass antivirus solution, well if you are used to connect your computer to the local coffee shop without any safety it means your data is on risk. However antivirus is a good choice but you need to install a firewall beside antivirus for maximum security.
There are different firewalls available on the Internet for different operating system (Linux,Windows and MAC etc), for this article we consider windows so below is the list of best firewall for windows that are provides protection from hacking attack.
Zonealarm Firewall
Zonealarm provides a effective solution to secure your computer, zonealarm firewall available on free of cost and it has a pro version also, it provides protection from hackers and spyware and it compatible with windows like windows XP, windows Vista and Windows 7. It can proactively protects against inbound and outbound attacks while making you invisible to hackers.
Comodo Firewall
Comodo firewall is a smart firewall solution that protect your computer from spyware and malware, you can download it free of cost and you can purchase it pro version. Comodo firewall comes with an anti-malware tool, you have to select it during installation process. It is available for windows platform including 32bit and 64bit architecture.
Rising Firewall
I dont know why but rising solution is one of my favourite in both antivirus and firewall solution, it has an ability to monitor inbound and outbound traffic, it provides Zero-Day Computer Security Protection with Rising Cloud Security Rising Cloud Security 3.0. it is a best tool for system vulnerability scanning, defence from arpspoofing and network data protection.
F-Secure Internet Security
F-Secure Internet security provides a multiple solution for computer and network protection, Protects your computer against viruses, worms, rootkits and zero-day attacks, it does not use pop windows to warn you against a threat it just block the threat to being enter into your computer. It can protects you from spamming, identity theft and phishing attacks.
Note: If you want to learn more about Linux and Windows based Penetration testing, you might want to subscribe our RSS feed and Email Subscription or become our Facebook fan! You will get all the latest updates at both the places.
Top 5 Firewalls For Windows Reviewed by Ethical Hacking on 4:18 AM Rating:


text:
Tag Archives: Bliss
Exploding Love.
Filed under Art I live with.
Best. Photograph. Ever. Miami Heat Edition.
That actually happened last night in Milwaukee. The moment was captured by Morry Gash of the Associated Press, and it is the Best. Photograph. Ever.
Filed under Greatest Hits
Dave Johnson + Liz Sherman = Bliss.
If I have said it once, I have said it a thousand times. One of my most cherished memories in all of Vs. System history is the unveiling of Liz Sherman's Uncontrolled Power.
We learned recently that Mike Mignola and his wife personally gave the green light to the artwork on this myth-busting cardboard masterpiece, although the original Dave Johnson painting was a bit too blue. Here's the before and after. I still can't believe I was a part of it. Liz never, ever, ever looked like this in the comics or the movies. Only in our beloved trading card game. Forever.
Filed under Greatest Hits, Vs. System
Preparing for the Cosmic Crunchies.
As we twiddle our thumbs in anticipation of the new Super Hero Squad season and its foray into the Marvel Comics' cosmos, we would like to have a hot little party with two very big villains. Since She-Hulk is getting Chibi and the Squaddies need to know what to expect, fill your eyes with some Galactus and Thanos sketchcards.
Sketchcard artists, in order: Andy Price, Brandon Kenney, Katie Cook, Chad Hardin, Warren Martineck, and Megan Hetrick.
Filed under Art I live with., Comic Books, Marvel Masterpieces
One Comic To Rule Them All.
If I have told you once, I have told you a thousand times. Promethea is the best comic book of all time. Since Jeromy Cox has recently posted some sweet double page yum yums on deviantart, it is time to say it again.
Promethea is the best comic book of all time.
If the oozing eye candy of those are still not enough to convince you, please study our Mick Gray connection for proof. And check out one more heaping helping of visual bliss before bed. No matter which direction you look at it, the truth remains the same.
Promethea is the best comic book of all time.
Sketchcard Soup For You!
Those are some of the spectacular sketchcards drawn by Daniel Campos for the Marvel 70th Anniversary trading card set by Rittenhouse Archives. You can click on the image to make it bigger, but can you identify every character?
That is the one that we have the honor of owning, and she is just a tease. In less than one month we will be unveiling a whole new blog dedicated completely to Marvel Sketchcards. Can't wait until then? Okay, here's more soup.
Those are by Marcelo Ferreira. Again, click to enlarge then see if you know 'em all. We are the proud possessors of the Anti-Venom.
Still not enough? All righty then. Soup's on one more time. Enjoy your Gooney Toons, and don't spill any on your shirt.
Which one is ours? This one, obviously.
Stay tuned for more information about our new blog in the coming weeks, and put your eyes back in your head!
Filed under Comic Books
Squirrel Girl Comes Home.
That comic book was released into the world yesterday. It contains one of the most anticipated stories in history.
Squirrel Girl is coming home for the very first time.
As you can see, our hero has gotten her own gig. Her origin story and her unbeatable powers have never been explained. Now is the time.
Tom Fowler is the artist. This is a fresh prince moment, since Tom has never done Marvel before.
Doreen Green is the coolest character ever seen. She is an Avenger, and Tom Fowler is taking her places she has never been. Tune in tomorrow for Squirrel Girl homecoming spoilers. These are very exciting times.
Filed under Squirrel Girl

subset: commoncrawl


text:
The opening Grand Slam tournament of the year, the Australian Open was founded in 1905. The tournament will take place from 16-29 January 2017.
The Grand Slam of Asia-Pacific
Melbourne Park
OFFICIAL SHOP: www.australianopenshop.com
TWITTER: www.twitter.com/australianopen
YOUTUBE: www.youtube.com/australianopentv
AOVAULT: vault.australianopen.com
Sports Event
It's Tennis season and the Australian Open is coming to Melbourne! Watch some of the world's greatest champions contend in this iconic event. Week 1 of the Australian...
For world class tennis, adrenaline-charged entertainment and some of the best dining the city has to offer, you can't go past Melbourne Park this summer. Get courtside...
The summer of tennis is here and we're going to kick off a huge 2017 by attending the biggest event in tennis! We will be getting ground pass tickets and travelling...


text:
ABB's website uses cookies. By staying here you are agreeing to our use of cookies.
Learn more
Search now
There was a problem with your request. Please fill in required fields
E-mail address *
Password *
Sign up for a myABB account to access some of our online services
Sign up
You are being logged in as:
In spite of the growing use of digital communication systems - especially those employing optical fibre links for which ABB produces a comprehensive line of equipment - PLC is still often the most cost effective, and reliable, solution to cover the operational needs of a power system. This applies particularly when only low volumes of data have to be transmitted over long distances.
An existing PLC network represents a considerable investment made over many years, and for reasons of cost and system operation it is seldom possible, or necessary, to replace it with a digital system in a short space of time. An existing PLC network can often be usefully expanded rather than replaced, and in such cases frequency allocation must be carefully planned to mitigate any channel shortage.
In other instances a PLC channel is used as a back-up to fiber-based digital channels, providing a dependable communication link in the most demanding of circumstances.
With decades of successful involvement in the PLC and transfer tripping field, ABB continues to prove its high technical standards and competence by remaining at the forefront of PLC development. ABB provides the latest technologies to PLC systems, with five-step variable bandwidth and flexible partitioning of digital and analog data, backed with a formidable capability in systems and applications engineering.
Power Line Carrier Equipment
Coupling Filter
Line Traps
Submit your inquiry and we will contact you
Quickly find an ABB channel partner


text:
SwaSan FF- Humdard.. part 4 sammy and hadi
Warning: A non-numeric value encountered in /home/ftpusers/tellyu/public_html/wp-content/themes/publisher/includes/func-review-rating.php on line 212
Warning: A non-numeric value encountered in /home/ftpusers/tellyu/public_html/wp-content/themes/publisher/includes/func-review-rating.php on line 213
#Unlucky to have uh readers i m literally sorry for not updating the ss…my half part 4 is in lappy nd my witch has locked it…even she has taken my phone…i m just updating it with my bhabhi phone…nd new of sr going off air has really upset me…i cant offord to lose my swasan..plz plz i request uh…plz watch swaragini even watch adds….nd avoid other serials…say your neighbours…house maid every1 to watch sr…i know i m mad…but plz do it…say your friends also…
Episode 4
In Swaras Room
Sanskar was lying on bed n his head was rested on swaras lap n she was caressing his hairs
Sanskar : hussan araa ji its too bad na …….. u r living in this city since 6 or may be 7 years still u have not seen any place here
Swara made a pout face : nooo
Sanskar smiled to saw her expression n pulled her cheek : how cute u r
Swara angrily : Im not a baby stop calling me cute
Sanskar : ohh baby is angry
Swara : sanskar Im not a baby
Sanskar : u r a baby n very cute
While saying this he got 4rom her lap n started running in room …. swara was following him
Swara : wait let me tell u who is cute ……
Sanskar : u cant catch me because im an athlete
Swara stopped : wht is the meaning of athlete
Sanskar : its mean a sports man
Swara : waoo so u r sports man
Sanskar : yes n I have won so many running competitions
Sanskar thought that she forgot about fight he came near her n swara dragged him on bed they both fell on bed n broke the bed …….. everyone in chubara have listened the thud sound n rushed towards swaras room
Out Side The Room
Aapa bi woke up : whos this I think this sound came 4rom swaras room
Amaa bi : no no its came 4rom out side
Aapi bi : let me check
She ran to swaras room
Amaa bi : swara u gone
Aapa bi came on door of swaras room n listened her voice of laughing ….She fumes in anger n started beating the door
Aapa bi : swara I know u r inside …… open the door wht r u doing here at this time
In Room
Swara was became scare after listening her voice …… she tightly hugged sanskar nn hide her face in his chest …… sanskar consoled her
Swara : sanskkar aapi bi got to know about it she will beat me paka
Sanskar : hussan aara dont worry Im with u na she will not do anything
He went towards the door n opened it …….. aapa bi got shock to saw him there ……. she angrily pushed him n came inside ……. she hold swaras arm n twisted it
Aapi bi : so u were cheating me han ……. how much money u have charged for this room???
Swara : aaahhh aapi bi leave me u r hurting
Aapi bi : first give me money
Swara : Im sorry aapa bi I will not do this again plzz leave my hand
While she was begging sanskar came n released her hand 4rom aapa bi's grip
Sanskar : she is doing all this aapa bi so she has right to use all money u cant force her for anything
Aapa bi : listen boy its our personal matter so u stay away
She again was about to catch her hand sanskar stopped her
Sanskar : dont even dare
Aapi bi : really u will stop me han with which right???
Sanskar : "take her tonight she is all ur"…… it was ur words na …….. so tonight she is mine whtever u want to do u can do tomorrow
Aapa bi : aama bi give him his money back
Sanskar : I dont want money …… I want swara
Aapa bi laughed : haahah n u r thinking that I will give her to u she is my income
Sanskar : how much money u want
Aapa bi : How much can u give every month
Sanskar : every month?????
Aapa bi : yes every month ……. kyun irada badal lia
Sanskar : nai tell me how much amount u want every month
Aapa bi : aaa…… 50 lacs
Sanskar looked at swara who were just crying : ok deal done now she is mine u dont have ny right on her
Aapa bi : ok f9 but tab tak jab tak payment mile ga
Sanskar : ok fine
He wrapped a sheet on swara n hold her hand ….. they left
On Road
Sanskar was driving the car n swara was crying…………. sanskar stooped the car with a jerk
Sanskar : y r u crying now u r free now ……….out 4rom that prison
Swara : but u said na u cant take me to ur home then now where will I stay
Sanskar : u will stay with me at my house that day I did not know u thats y I said this but now u r my life hussan aara
Swara was shock…….
Sanskar : stop starring me …… Its true …….when I saw u first time I lost my breath ……but I fell in love with u when aapa bi said she is all ur n ur tear fell on my hand
His confession were making her happy n scare
Swara : sanskar Im not a normal girl …… I cant give u happiness ….. everyone in this city give u respect u r a businessman ……. but Im a pr*stitute no one will accept our relation not even ur parents
Sanskar : Husan aara I have lost my parents last month ….. will u not fill this gap in my life ………. plzzz come to my life ……hum aik dosre ke humdard ban jayein gy …… tum mera gham bantna mein tumhara ……. tell me would u like to be my humdard
Swara cried n hugged him : yes I will ……
Both caresses hairs of each other ……..after some time they broke the hug n sanskar looked at swaras lips …….. swara got his point n closed her eyes to giving him a positive sign ……… he lens towards her lips n their lips met with each other ………. its first time swara was feeling happy to …….. it was passionate kiss ……… after some time they broke the kiss because they were out of breath…….. swara was blushing n feeling shy
Sanskar : husan aara u know wht u r the most beautiful women I have ever seen in my life
Swara : swara ….
Sanskar : wht???
Swara : my real name is swara
Sanskar : waoo amazing then y everyone called u husan aara
Swara : aapa bi choose this name for me ……. when I came here
Sanskar : y u came here
Swara gave him a weired look
Sanskar : ok dont tell me but when ever u think that u can trust me ……u can share ur prob with me husan….I mean swara
He start the car again moved towards his home
Maheshwari Mention
Swsan reached at mm n sanskars servant opened the door for them
Swara was about to enter but sanskar stopped her …………. he went inside n took a thal with him……….. he did all the rituals like MIL do while welcoming the new bride ………. swara was just laughing to saw his acts
Sanskar : stop laughing n come inside ………. swara entered inside ………she was astonished to saw a big mention
Swara : waoo……. its beautiful
Sanskar : n its urs
He showed her full house n then took her to his room ………… they entered inside
Swara : sanskar amazing room
Sanskar : thank u …..
He came near her n hugged her 4rom back
Sanskar : now we r together na dekhna sab acha hoga………
Swara smiles….
sanskar:- kk chlo now lets sleep it late…..come sleep now…
swara nodes…
sanskar make swara lay on bed…cover her nd caresses her hairs….
he moves to go out when swara hold his hand…
sanskar:- what happen swara…..
swara: where r u going…
sanskar: in another room…u sleep here comfortably i m outside only…
swara: no dont go plz…i m afraid…
sanskar: afraid of what swara…nothing will happen i m here na…just sleep now
swara: plz sleep with me…i..i never sleep alone at ngt…i m scared of darkness…plzz
sanskar: why!! why u didnt sleep alone…?? do…(he realizes what she said..nd what does it mean)
sanskar look at swara's teary eyes…he also get tears…
sanskar: i m ..soo..sorr…..
swara: plz sanskar sorry mat bolo plz..its kk..i m not hurt i m use of it..
sanskar: no swara i m…i m sry…nd plz never say like this…because that girl was husan aara..but the gurl who is sitting in front of me is swara…sanskar ki swara..sirf aur sirf sanskar ki…i m rgt..
swara smiles…nd hugs him
swara: yes my sanskar is always right..
sanskar- chlo swara lets sleep..
swara: yes…are wait wait…
sanskar: what happen!!
swara: Actually! i dont have clothes nd how will i sleep in these cloths…
sanskar: oo(thinks something)…btw swara whats the need of clothes?…(winks at her)
swara: dhattt..beshram..(she gets shy)
sanskar: haha i m just joking swara..but if u will blush like this then i will not be responsible for futher???….
swara: sanskar tum bhi na…(hits him on chest)
both starts laughing???..
sanskar stops nd adores swara laughing whole heartly first time…he gets tears in his eyes to see this swara who was hidden somewhere…
sanskar(thinks)- i promise u swara i will never let a tear also come in your eyes from now on..only this smile will be there nd now now one can seperate her..i will never let u become husan aara again..i will take u away from this cheap world..where will be only u nd me…nd our love..our small family our small world…i love u swara…i luv u…
swara notice sanskar sitting in thoughts!!
she shakes him..sanskar come back to world..
sanskar: ha..kya hua swara…
swara: mujhe nhi..what happen to u..where were u lost..
sanskar:- ab..nothing..u sleep now…kitna bolti ho..come on now lay down now…
swara lay them nd sanskar sleeps beside her…
swara: sanskar so gaye??
sanskar: no….why what happen…
swara: nothing just ask like this!!
sanskar: tell na what happen… i know u want to say something
swara: nothing just thinking that how starange is life na…see my life only…in min of second my life is changing…now i m afraid…
swara sit down..
sanskar: why r u afraid swara..
sanskar also get up…nd cuos jer face!
swara: i m afraid sanskar because i dont want to lose u…i dont want to go away from u….but sanskar why u love me…i m not worth of this luv……u deserve a much better gurl.sanskar…this world Will mever accept me..i cant..
she stops when she feel sanskar lips on hers……
swara is shocked?….
sanskar cups her face..
sanskar: stop it swara!! really u speak so mch….nd ya u r talimg about this world na…so let me tell me..who is this world to judge us…when i got betrayed in friendship this world is not with me…when i lost my parents nd i really need someone this world is not with me….when one innocent girl is becoming husan aara this world is not there…so why we should care about this world swara…see in my eyes…dont u see my love for u in my eyes…tell me is this love is not enough for us…tell na
swara burst out crying nd hugs him..
swara: i m sry sanskar..i m sry…i promise i will never say like this again…
sanskar wipes her tears nd wipes his tears also..
sanskar: shhhh kk now leave all this…..from now on u will never cry…forgot your past nd everything just remember our love…
swara nodes..
swara: luv u sanskar
sanskar smiles – luv u too swara….
sanskar kisses her forhead nd both an intense eyelock…..
sanskar leans toward her…swara closes her eyes….swara lay down…sanskar lay on top of swara nd both get involve in there new world where is only swara sanslar nd there love…in short planning of 3rd member?????….
precap- SWasan moments…marriage…swara broken…nd a shocking revelation??????
huhhhh!! finally finished…this is very very very wrong update…….both Samadi r tired so now we need many comments warna next part bhool jana..we r real devil….we will not post…remember it..nd ya in next part there will be very shocking revelation that will shock u all from the core…nd ya sry cant write romance…was feeling shy in writing…solly for that…but if u want in next update will try…….
Warning: A non-numeric value encountered in /home/ftpusers/tellyu/public_html/wp-content/themes/publisher/includes/func-review-rating.php on line 212
Warning: A non-numeric value encountered in /home/ftpusers/tellyu/public_html/wp-content/themes/publisher/includes/func-review-rating.php on line 213


text:
Lower Back Arthritis Symptoms
Lower back arthritis–sometimes called lumbar spine arthritis or lumbar facet joint arthritis–causes pain and stiffness in the joints (called facet joints) of the lower back and inflammation of the surrounding tissues 12. Normally the lumbar joints are cushioned by gel-filled discs and protected by an outer covering of cartilage; however, arthritis can cause cartilage to wear down and discs to erode, leading to friction, irritation, decreased flexibility and pain in the lower back region.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
Read more about the four stages of arthritis.
Joint Pain and Inflammation
Lower back arthritis is characterized by lower back or pelvic pain caused by inflammation in the lumbar facet joints 1. It may also be associated with a dull ache that extends downward to one or both buttocks; however, the pain rarely goes below the knee or down the front of the leg as it often can in the case of pain caused by a herniated disc. Many people will experience tenderness over the area of the inflamed lumbar facet joints.
Stiffness and Loss of Flexibility
Inflammation of the spinal joints in the lower back can cause them to become somewhat less flexible. Bending sideways or hyperextending the back in a backwards motion can be difficult and painful as it puts increased pressure on the lower back joints. Bending forward is usually less painful, although people may still experience noticeable loss in flexibility. After resting or sleeping or periods of inactivity, the back joints can become particularly stiff, and stiffness can worsen symptoms of pain and reduced mobility.
Arthritis is a degenerative condition that can lead to a spinal condition called Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD), or spondylosis, in which the gel-filled discs between each vertebra in the lumbar region start to dry up, losing their flexibility and ability to cushion the spine. Those with DDD may find the sitting position to be the most painful because it puts the most pressure on the lower back joints. Lying down and even walking or running can sometimes help to improve symptoms of pain and stiffness.
Nerve Pain
Lower back arthritis usually only causes mechanical pain, or pain that results from abnormal movement of the spine. However, arthritis can sometimes cause bone spurs (bony projections) to form at the edges of the lumbar joints. These bone spurs cause a narrowing of the spinal canal, resulting in a condition called spinal stenosis in which pressure is put on the spinal cord and nerves that branch out from the compressed section of the lower spine. This nerve compression causes the nerve root to become inflamed and irritated, prompting it to submit signals wherever the nerve travels. Spinal stenosis is most commonly caused by osteoarthritis and can result in symptoms such as:
- cramping
- numbness
- tingling in the buttocks
- thighs or legs
- slowed reflexes
- muscle weakness or a problem with bladder or bowel functioning
- Staras/iStock/Getty Images


text:
Kids have been having fun learning how to play basketball at the Y since 1891. Our youth basketball leagues are a great way for kids to fine-tune their skills, practice good sportsmanship, and build teamwork. Kids in YMCA youth sports leagues learn about dribbling, shooting, and guarding.
Youth sports teams spend time on skill development during practice. Games are played once a week. Each player receives a jersey, and children must have sneakers with non-marking soles to play inside all YMCA gyms.
For team specific information including schedules, division standings, rosters, etc., please click here to log in to Playerspace.
The YMCA of Western North Carolina Family encourages parents to be involved and become part of the Y community through supporting their children at practices and games. Parents and friends can also be helpful as volunteer coaches, officials and timekeepers. Please contact your sports director or coordinator if you would like more information on how to get involved and support the league.
Sign up to be a volunteer coach
Asheville & Woodfin: Email Tyler Sanford or Colton Shelton or call 828 210 9654
Hendersonville: Email Lindsay Pegg or call 828 210 9605
Reuter: Email Corey Ginley or call 828 210 9649
Weather Policy
Games and practices may be canceled due to inclement weather. Each center maintains a Sports League Weather Hotline to help families get the most up-to-date information about cancellations. All games or practices will be canceled at least one hour before the event and the Hotline will be updated at that time.
If there is a sudden weather event, cancellation will be an on-location decision and the Hotline will be updated immediately. These hotlines will have one of three messages:
- All events are on as scheduled
- All events have been canceled
- When a decision will be made
Sports League Weather Hotlines
- Asheville and Woodfin: 828 575 2907
- Corpening: 828 575 2915
- Hendersonville: 828 575 2912
- Reuter: 828 575 2913


text:
Wheeling Park (WPHS) Class of 1984 Alumni List
Help us Update the Wheeling Park 1984 Class List by adding any names missing from the list below:
Registered Alumni
1984 Class List
- John Abbrigg
- Richard Armstrong
- Ka Ba
- Karen Barber
- Beth Barry
- John Barton
- Duane Bartsch
- Shari Bianco
- Melissa Bippus
- Diann Bopp
- Rebecca Bradford
- David Bremmer
- Lisa Carhart
- John Charlinski
- Eric Clark
- Brian Crow
- Jennifer Dailer
- Dan Davies
- Sherri Davis-Zanoli
- Laura Decagna
- Mike Delaney
- Scott Doyle
- Bill Duke
- Karen Espy
- Scott Gatto
- Heather Glaser
- Beth Glatz
- Wade Goddoe
- Karen Gordon
- Catherine Gordon
- Rita Hernandez
- Melissa Johnson
- David Kaufman
- Paula Kennen
- Dianne Lantz
- Amy Lazarus
- David Lee
- Jack Long
- Richard McGrath
- John Mcnulty
- Debbie Metz
- James Nagy
- Beth Nanny
- Edward Nash
- Paula Quanap
- David Richmond
- Daniel Ruzell
- Carla Ryan
- Katie Safcsak
- Mark Sheller
- Joan Skinto
- Jody Stillwell
- Kimberly Thais
- Toni Tsoras
- Rob Tucci
- Debbie Vitullo
- Mary Weisner
- John Wilhelm
- Shelly Wilkinson
Know Wheeling Park Class of 1984 graduates that are NOT on this List? Help us Update the 1984 Class List by adding missing names.
The top movie in theaters during 1984 was Ghostbusters, grossing over $238,632,124 in its lifetime. The most popular television series for 1984 was Dallas
Hit Songs From 1984
Hit Movies From 1984
Hit TV Shows From 1984
Reunions and Wheeling Park High School News
More 1984 alumni from Wheeling Park HS have posted profiles on Classmates.com®. Click here to register for free at Classmates.com® and view other 1984 alumni.
The students that went to school at the Wheeling high school called Wheeling Park High School and graduated in '84 are on this page. Register to add your name to the class of 1984 graduates list.
For former Wheeling Park students from WV, you can view the class reunion information that has been posted by other site visitors. In addition, we encourage you to post your profile in the alumni directory, share information about the school activities you were involved with and reconnect with Wheeling Park High School alumni.


text:
It is time for your faerie test again. As you are no doubt aware, you will be tested in spells, faerie history, and magical objects. This test is mandatory and will take place from 7:00am NST to 5:00pm NST tomorrow. If you do not take this test, all of your magic will be removed and you will have to go back to square one at being a faerie. I look forward to seeing you.
Illusen looked at the notice nervously. It was not the test she feared; it was the fact that she would not be at her glade for ten hours. In just one day so many people would offer to bring her items. If she was gone, there would be an uncountable amount of Neopets waiting to do a quest for her, but she couldn't give up any quests. It was her responsibility to give out quests no matter what (unless the person had recently done a quest for Jhudora, but that was totally another matter).
After much biting on her long green nails and tugging on her brown and green hair, Illusen came to the conclusion that she would have to find someone to replace her for the day. The Earth Faerie stood up and paced around her glade. She still had a bit of a dilemma; not just anyone could replace her. It had to be a faerie; and Earth Faerie would be best. This person had to be someone that Illusen could trust and was good at magic. As Illusen flapped her leaf-like wings nervously, she thought of any faeries she might know. Eventually, she could only think of one faerie she had a remote connection with. It was her sister who lived in the Haunted Woods and never made any contact with Illusen.
The Earth Faerie reached into her lime green skirt and pulled out a crumpled out piece of paper and a pencil. She quickly wrote down her letter and slipped it into a regal looking envelope. She then summoned a nearby Weewoo and told it to take it to her sister. Somehow the delivery Weewoos always knew where the recipients of mail lived.
Dear Ilere,
I am aware that I have not spoken to you in years, but I have a very important favour to ask of you. I need you to take my job as a quest giver at my glade tomorrow from 7:00am NST to 5:00pm NST. I am sorry to ask this of you with such short notice, but you are the only person I can trust. I am sure that you know the regulations of quest giving; we did take the same quest course in faerie school. You must understand that this is highly important.
A thousand thanks from your always loving sister, Illusen
Ilere turned the letter around in her hands as she thought. She sat at her table in her mysterious home. Her jade hair tumbled in front of her toxic green eyes. Normally she would never even consider leaving the Haunted Woods, but she knew that, for some reason or another, Illusen's Glade was very important. She had thought of quest giving when she was younger, but she had soon given up. Still, she had learned enough to know that if a quest faerie disappeared for one day, it could cause chaos. So that was why she decided to help her sister.
Ilere walked ominously as she entered Meridell. Her long cloak dragged along the grass like hanging branches. The earth faerie shuddered at the immense amount of sunlight. After spending so many years in the Haunted Woods, she had forgotten how bright it was outside. She walked slowly and carefully through the foreign land. Everywhere people were staring and pointing at her. When she turned to look at them, they immediately found something to look busy. Eventually, Ilere found Illusen's Glade; Illusen was absent.
"I guess she's left already," concluded Ilere as she sat down on the grass.
The Earth Faerie sighed at the long day ahead of her. She kept telling herself that it would just be for one day and then never again. Behind Ilere was a pile of items that Illusen had collected or gave out as prizes. Next to the pile were a pair of books marked Illusen's Log of Questees and How to be a Good Quest Faerie.
Ilere looked at the log book and declared, "I won't need the other book, but this log book may be useful."
She looked of the faces of Neopians and saw what level they were at, what they should quest for, and what they should receive as a prize. Ilere looked over the book, but did not want to have to read all of the many pages. After waiting in the hot, glaring sun, Ilere made a notice. No one was coming to her. She knew that normally there were tons of people bearing items and asking for quests. There was almost always a line all day. She looked up at the people and saw that faces were peeking at her nervously. She did look very dangerous and no one wanted to get close to her.
"Fine, if no one comes, then that means less work for me," declared Ilere.
However, by noon when the sun was hottest, Ilere could not stand to be out in the open any longer. She decided to find someone else to take her place. It probably wouldn't matter if it wasn't a faerie; after all, it was just for half a day. Soon she had an idea of someone who she could get to do her job. The Earth Faerie reached into her drooping cloak and pulled out a large leaf and half a pencil. She then began to write.
Dear Sophie,
I have a job for you. You may not want to do it, but you have to. In case you have forgotten, I rescued you when you were younger and provided you with what you needed to survive. I did all of that for nothing, so you owe me. Your power is as great as mine, so you can probably handle the job. Your task is to take over Illusen's Glade for the rest of the day. There is a book here that should help you. Good luck.
Sophie read over the letter in one hand while she stirred her potion rapidly with the other hand. Once the potion was an inky black, she sat down in her rocking chair and read the letter again. The green Ixi wore patched up clothes and a brimmed hat. Her hair was long and tangled.
"She cannot be serious," shouted the witch as she stared at the letter. "I do not work with people."
However, Sophie did feel like she owed Ilere. The Earth Faerie had not asked for anything in return until now. Sophie had been pretty bored lately and decided that if it was just a few hours, it couldn't be that bad.
As she marched out of her messy shack, she called out, "You Meowclopses be good while I'm gone."
The green Ixi stepped out of the spooky forest and into the cheery land of Meridell. She found Illusen's Glade and sat down. She had just gotten comfortable when a red Kiko approached her.
"I'm ready for my next quest," he announced.
"Oh," said Sophie as she tried to think of what to ask for, "bring me a bomberry."
"But it's my 17th quest," protested the Kiko.
"What does that mean?" shouted Sophie, who wanted to zap the Kiko into a Slorg.
She saw that there was a group of other Neopets gathering around and asking for quests too. She tried to talk to them one at a time, but she couldn't understand what they were saying. Then she noticed the two books that were beside the pile and immediately picked them up. She looked through the log book and tried to find the questees' faces. It was very difficult and the questees were getting impatient
"Hurry up already!" complained a Bruce.
Sophie was ready to use a nasty spell on anyone who was annoying her. She looked into the How to be a Good Quest Faerie book and turned to the chapter that was called Punishments. She groaned in disappointment as she saw that she couldn't do anything more severe than making them go back to level 1. The everyone in the crowd was shouting at Sophie for taking too long and that they wanted to be given a quest.
Eventually Sophie just screamed, "That's it! I'm out of here!"
She pushed aside the angry Neopets and stormed through Meridell. She kept pushing people away form her until she had arrived at the edge of the Haunted Woods. Once she was sure that no one was following her, she thought of who could do the job better than her. She needed someone who was good with people. Suddenly an idea came to her. She reached into of her pockets and pull of a piece of paper and a stick with a red ink on it.
Dear Reginald,
I know that I haven't seen you in a while, but you are still my brother. Big brothers help out their little sisters, right? Well, I need help right now. Just until 5:00pm I need you to monitor Illusen's Glade. You have much more experience with people than I do. There are some books there that can help you. I know you can do it.
The brown Lupe placed the letter down as he thought about what Sophie was asking. Reginald figured that it would not be too hard and that he could do it. He dusted off his purple suit and brushed his brown hair, then set off for Meridell.
When Reginald arrived at Meridell, the first thing he noticed was how dirty it was. There was mud and dung everywhere. People were wearing filthy clothing and walking around not caring how the dust was clinging to their fur. He avoided the buildings and watched where he stepped. He eventually arrived at Illusen's Glade, which was thankfully clean. He saw a large crowd waiting at the glade and squeezed through them.
"Attention, everybody," he called out to the crowd, "I will be giving your quests-" the crowd cheered at this- "just as soon as I finish reading these two books."
Immediately the crowds cheering turned to groaning. Reginald ignored them as he sat down and began to read How to be a Good Quest Faerie. People began to complain and urge Reginald to hurry up, but the Lupe didn't hear them. When he was reading, nothing could penetrate his mind.
Lisha cleaned off her glasses and looked out the window. She had heard a lot of excitement coming from Illusen's Glade all day and it was time she learned what was going on. The Aisha saw a large crowd, but she couldn't see Illusen. Instead she saw a brown Lupe reading Illusen's book.
"What does that Lupe think he's doing?" she asked herself.
She decided to put a stop to this chaos. She grabbed her star wand and walked to the stair and out of the castle. She rushed along the green grass and to Illusen's Glade.
"What is going on here?" she asked the Lupe.
"I am replacing Illusen," explained Reginald. "As soon as I finish this book, I'll start taking giving people quests."
"You'll never get done in time," scoffed Lisha. "Let me take over; I have magic to help. You can go home."
Reginald left gratefully and Lisha announced, "I will be running things in an orderly fashion now. Who was first."
The red Kiko stepped forward and Lisha snapped her wand. Magically, the log book opened to his face.
"Bring me a bottle of purple sand," said Lisha as the Kiko rushed off.
She continued the rest of the day following that process. She soon sped up her work and by 4:59pm everyone was happy.
"Now I can go home," said Lisha as she left the glade.
Just after she left, Illusen landed at the glade gracefully.
"I passed again," she said to herself, "and it looks like Ilere had no trouble at all running my glade."
The End
Also by yoyote


text:
We are in the last 30 days of Eric Schmidt's reign as CEO of Google. Whether you look at his new position, Executive Chairman, as a promotion or demotion may not matter after all.
Businesseweek is reporting that Schmidt is on the short list of candidates to replace US Secretary of Commerce, Gary Locke. The current secretary has been tapped to fill the role of Ambassador to China. Locke would be succeeding Jon Huntsman who's resignation as Ambassador to China is effective April 30th.
During Google's last earnings call it was revealed that Google co-founder, Larry Page, would move to the CEO position and that Schmidt would take on the newly created Executive Chairman position. In that position Schmidt was to have more of an Ambassador for Google role. During a Q&A at MWC last month Schmidt said that his travel schedule would increase rather than decrease while Page ran Google from his office in Mountain View.
Eric Schmidt has been an open supporter of the Obama administration. He was also on the President's transition advisory board. Schmidt was recently in attendance at a dinner in California for top technology leaders that also included Steve Jobs and Mark Zuckerberg among others.
Pfizer CEO Jeffrey Kindler is also reported as being in the running.
Source: Business Week


text:
Tesla has announced it will be rolling out a software update to its electric cars that will deliver an autopilot mode. Before you get excited by ideas of being driven home from the pub, this will not turn your car fully autonomous; rather, it will bring the ability to change lanes and park itself.
Tesla's software Version 7 will be available to the public on 15 October and will enable Model S and Model X owners to parallel park hands-free, automatically steer the car within road markings and safely change lanes on motorways when you turn on your indicator signal. With the current Tesla line-up having sensors, cameras and radar fitted on the vehicle this software will look to utilise these to allow for a more hands-off experience.
Some features that have been teased by Musk in the past are still yet to arrive, such as the "Summon" button, which will see your Tesla drive itself to your location. But we might not have to wait too long as he is optimistic that fully autonomous cars will arrive by 2017 and is fully supportive should Apple be building its own self-driving car.
Tesla Software Version 7 release date and price
Version 7 will be made available worldwide as of 15 October over a course of five days and will cost Tesla owners $2,500 (£1,600) to enable the autopilot features of the update. Owners will be able to update their cars over-the-air. Musk announced the new release over Twitter and said there will be a "new look" interface on the Tesla in-car entertainment system, even for those who do not opt for the new autopilot package, with a "more comprehensive UI" coming in version 7.1.
The update will also be available with the same features for the newly announced Model X, which claims to be the safest, fastest and most capable SUV in history.


text:
Designation: July 30, 1968
This building used to be the focal point of every important town function. Built in 1862, it is an example of the early Romanesque Revival style of architecture, and it is the only remaining example of the small town hall of the 1860s period.
STATUS Designated Individual Landmark
Local Voices
"I don't know what the City would be without HDC. [They] testified before LPC time after time and helped us focus on the right issues. We would not be an historic district without HDC! "
Doreen Gallo: DUMBO Neighborhood Alliance
Local Voices
"Use HDC as a resource because they know what they are doing and can offer advice on how to go about creating a district from every front: architectural, political, LPC, and the media. I had floundered prior to my involvement with this invaluable organization."
Fern Luskin: Lamartine Place Historic District; Friends of Lamartine Place & Gibbons Underground Railroad Site
Local Voices
"HDC provided guidance and shared information during that process—we knew which Council members were going one way or another and we changed a few minds. I don't think NoHo would have had as cohesive a district had it not been for HDC's aid."
Zella Jones: NoHo Historic District; NoHo East; and NoHo Extension
Local Voices
"I remember Richard saying at a meeting, we have someone here from HDC, Nadezhda Williams, Director of Preservation and Research, to help us. She said to us, 'You are not the only ones going through this.' HDC included us in an enormous community"
Erika Petersen: West End Preservation Society


text:
29 Nov2010
This was probably the culinary equivalent of test driving a Porsche Boxster. Viking and Wolf ranges might be high-end Mercedes' and BMWs, but I suspect La Cornue would rate a notch above that… And the La Cornue family of stoves range from entry level Porsches to bona fide Bentleys, with the largest and most doodady La Cornue's reaching well over $100,000 if you want a custom designed island filled with La Cornue stove love. And that isn't even the most expensive stove in the world, this one is, at $4 million when ordered in gold — now THAT is ridiculous! :) The entry point for La Cornue is their Cornufé line that starts at say $7,000 more or less, just a little more than the larger Vikings, so they are definitely trying to broaden their market. Their bigger stoves are significantly higher in the $35,000-50,000 range. While I love cars as well, I think a great stove is far better value over the long term… :) If I win the Lotto55 this evening I would design a house, around a kitchen, around a spectacular island with a stove to die for. Then I could probably be cremated in it if it had enough BTU's…
Now, let me just say that allowing an "outsider" to use one's kitchen and tools is a potentially touchy subject. I certainly don't like others touching my knives if they don't know how to cook… So it was either a sign of true friendship or an act of desperation that our friends, R and D, invited me to cook a meal one evening during our short stay in San Francisco. I was most happy to oblige… the prospect was indeed as exciting as the time a niece-in-law once arranged for me to test drive a BMW 7 series on my birthday, shortly after the cars were put up for sale in the local market. I loved the center burner of the La Cornue, and you could fire it up to 17,500 BTU's, but I didn't need that much heat that evening. I particularly liked this heat lamp that came in handy for softening butter quickly but also for keeping food warm while you finished other dishes.
For dinner we had two main courses, a Pork Milanese of sorts served over a bed of arugula and surrounded by the treviso leaves and lots of lemon wedges…
And an entire side of salmon, completely encased in soft butter with lots of chopped basil mixed in. Nothing fancy, all done in less than an hour, but I have to admit, I make a terrible mess in the kitchen, though I am certainly willing to clean up… :) We also had a large platter of heirloom tomatoes, a salad of young artichokes with parmesan shavings (post up next), bread, and a dessert platter of peaches and assorted berries… Many thanks to R & D for letting me cook in their kitchen, it was wonderful!
wow…. when will you post something that does not look tempting, I wonder. I am jealous of everything on this picture.
Nov 29, 2010 | 6:36 pm
amazing stove….that's why I love marketmanila (MM), it shows me things I've never encountered before…you're like my national geographic magazine but in the foodie side=)
Nov 29, 2010 | 6:57 pm
MM, very interesting and informative post.
Nov 29, 2010 | 8:26 pm
Agree with cusinera….i know of the Viking line, but not this one. Thanks, MM for enlightening us. A $4 million stove is mind-boggling.
Nov 29, 2010 | 8:29 pm
santa, are you listening? i've been exceptionally good this year! ;-)
Nov 29, 2010 | 8:33 pm
I love La Cornue. It is indeed a class above Viking and Wolf.
I would definitely want one of those in my kitchen which would probably take a whole wing of my dream home … if I win the grand lotto that is :D
Nov 29, 2010 | 8:56 pm
Cusinera, you speak for a great number of us – how nice to be informed and surprised every day from the boundless curiosity of MM.
Nov 29, 2010 | 10:04 pm
yes my dream is a kitchen with a house. meaning the center of attraction is the kitchen :
Nov 29, 2010 | 10:15 pm
MM, I smiled reading this topic, for I told my husband who was doodling/designing our "future house" to start his drawing with a kitchen in mind, the house built around it. I said I wanted my own utensils closet, away from what everybody uses everyday. I volunteer at a Food Pantry at our church and I cook for the workers. I brought my own knives and cooking equipment and placed them in an"aparador". I found later that at days I am not present, some people often use my stuff for they look good/shiny/sharp. Ohh….that makes me frown. I then decided to buy some cheaper tools for them to use. and put a simple lock on the aparador. I also put there my other mix/ingredients, electrical cookware including pots & pans. I was a litle comfortable doing that but could you call me selfish?
Nov 29, 2010 | 10:58 pm
"I certainly don't like others touching my knives if they don't know how to cook… So it was either a sign of true friendship or an act of desperation that our friends, R and D, invited me to cook a meal one evening during our short stay in San Francisco."
well, you certainly do know how to cook MM! Amazing kitchen equipment your allowed to work with over there! as with the others, thank you very much for sharing this with us! :)
Nov 29, 2010 | 11:00 pm
I remember seeing one at a store some years ago. I think it was at the Williams-Sonoma flagship store, but I'm not sure. Anyway, it was about the same size (in terms of width and number of burners) as a 48-inch Wolf, but if I remember correctly the price tag was over $40,000!!! It was definitely a looker, with unbelievably gorgeous detailing. Your friends' range looks even nicer than the one I saw on display.
Anyway, a burner that does 17,500 BTU is about right for high-end stoves. Viking ranges usually have 15K BTU burners + 1 burner at 18,500 BTU, while Wolf ranges have all burners at 16K BTU. This is with natural gas as fuel; propane (aka "gasul") fuel produces lower BTU.
Nov 29, 2010 | 11:23 pm
MM, same dream… a house built around the kitchen!
Nov 30, 2010 | 4:23 am
When I was in college (a long, long time ago) I dreamed of owning a fabulous house with a huge La Cornue stove in my kitchen and a Bentley in the garage. . .Today, I'm still dreaming about it ;)
Maybe one day. . .
Nov 30, 2010 | 5:25 am
Once again, I learned something new just reading your posts MM! I've never even heard of read of La Cornue before. I also dream of a house built around a fabulous kitchen, now I have to include La Cornue in that dream. hehe
Nov 30, 2010 | 10:16 am
for those who can afford more than "just" a Viking or a Wolf, but can't afford a La Cornue, an alternative is the beautiful Lacanche. Check out their largest model, the Sully 2200. http://www.frenchranges.com/col_sully2200.shtml…. Or, if you like, the pricier Delaubrac: http://delaubracranges.com/ranges.php?r=range6 — still cheaper than La C. for those who would rather go for function than form, and specifically "wokkers", there's also the BlueStar, which offers the highest BTU burner available for residential ranges (among other things, including salamanders, etc.): http://www.bluestarcooking.com/bluestar-product-category-free-standing-ranges.html. Not as pretty (though it can be custom-colored) as the French ranges, but still in a class by itself. Enjoy :)
Nov 30, 2010 | 11:33 am
My mom's an extremely great cook of Chinese dishes, specially the high heat, quick-cooking stir fries. When she was equipping our home abroad, she would lament that the Vikings et al didn't have a high enough BTU. She searched and found a 25,000BTU gas burner from Dynasty. She was so happy that she eventually bought another for our Manila home!
Nov 30, 2010 | 7:52 pm
that there is a gorgeous stove! like a gorgeous woman, you can't take your eyes off her although i bet the stove's beauty will last longer. hehe
Nov 30, 2010 | 8:08 pm
ayayay! what a beautiful stove. It will certainly accommodate a lechon de leche. I certainly agree with all the above. Dream on.:)
Nov 30, 2010 | 10:29 pm
I have an aunt who's an avid "wokker". When she was remodeling her kitchen she toyed with the idea of getting a BlueStar because of that 22,000 BTU burner. However, a good friend of hers who services high-end stoves for a living told her that if she got one, he would be at her house quite often for service calls. Basically he said if she wanted heat at all costs, get a BlueStar. But if she wanted a better balance between heat and reliability, get something else. So she got a Viking with the 18,500 BTU burner, which she calls her happy medium. lol
Nov 30, 2010 | 11:26 pm
Gold kitchen, that would really be decadent. But if you won the 700M lotto maybe but then again you did not.
Dec 1, 2010 | 6:21 am
Doodady is a GREAT word!
Dec 1, 2010 | 10:02 am
I must say…for $4million, that gold Huraxdax stove looked quite ugly!
Dec 3, 2010 | 6:09 pm
Just had our kitchen finished, after a looong 16 years wait. I wanted all high end toys to go with it, naturally. My husband and I were browsing about in Wm & Sonoma and saw this monstrosity of a range. WOW!! was all we can say. It was exquisite beyond words. Do you know that they (from France) will come to your house and measure with specifications before they sell it to you? Needles to say, I think "my high-end" kitchen was duly downgraded. It was a nice try, though.
Jan 7, 2011 | 7:17 am


text:
With a name like Luke Skywalker, it's a wonder we didn't see a basketball-Star Wars crossover before. Well, actually, we could have, but the plans for the Death Star Basketball ended up in a trash compactor somewhere. I think we prefer these RJ-K5 Astrofresh Basketball Droyds, part R2-D2 and part Knicks basketball. Unfortunately, these are just for show, so you won't be able to head out to the hardcourt and work on your patented Skywalker move in grand style.
The orange and blue brings the Knicks spirit, possibly a tribute from the artist who created these, JK5, who is based in New York. They don't come a moment too soon, either. With Linsanity wearing off and the Knicks finding themselves mired in another losing streak, Knicks fans need all the good news they can get. The other option is a retro red, white, and blue offering that'll leave you wondering how a one-on-one game between Doctor J and Darth Vader would go. I think it would depend on whether or not force powers are allowed. Then again, given the magic he brought to the court, Doctor J is probably a Jedi, anyway.
You can cop these force-filled basketballs for $100 each off Kidrobot.


text:
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 Tablespoon distilled white vinegar
- ½ cup nuoc mam (fish sauce), available at Asian markets
- ½ cup fresh lime juice
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup sugar
- In a small bowl, soak the red pepper flakes in the vinegar for 10–15 minutes.
- In a second bowl, combine the fish sauce, lime juice, garlic, and sugar.
- Stir in 1½ cups boiling water and the pepper-vinegar mixture.
- Stir until the sugar is dissolved. Allow to cool. Serve at room temperature.
- Store in a jar in the refrigerator for up to 30 days.
Pho bo (Beef Noodle Soup) is the signature dish of Vietnamese cuisine. It is often eaten for breakfast, purchased from sidewalk vendors on the way to work or school. Pho bo is also a common home-cooked meal, and it is a fun dish to prepare for a group. Seated around a table with dishes of ingredients in the center, each person is given a bowl of spicy beef broth. Then, each selects his or her vegetables and noodles to add to the broth. No two bowls of pho bo are alike.
Dessert is not as common in Vietnam as it is in North America, except perhaps for a piece of fresh fruit. One exception is sweet coconut custard, which might follow a celebratory meal.


text:
"My cuisine is modern American with global influences. Which basically means that I can do whatever the fuck I want."
Take a young, talented, ambitious chef who doesn't have the physical space to let their skills shine. Provide them a venue – and an audience – to show what they can do. Host the evening somewhere that avoids the eye-watering rents paid by most restaurants in Hong Kong. It's pretty clear, pretty quickly, that Test Kitchen is a smart and timely idea.
The inaugural evening featured 26-yr-old New Yorker Kwame Onwauchi. In addition to a hugely-impressive resumé and fascinating life story, he has a refreshingly no-bullshit way with words, as shown by his quote which started this piece – and also launched his one-off dinner at Man Mo Café in Sheung Wan.
Kwame was raised in The Bronx where his life in food began at the age of just five, helping his mom with her small catering company that she ran from home. After nearly falling off the rails as a teenager she sent him to live in Nigeria for two years but, on his return, he decided to enrol in the Culinary Institute of America before securing work at legendary venues Per Se and Eleven Madison Park. He was then invited to join a cooking tour competition, Dinner Lab, which he promptly won.
Along the way he met Vincent Mui, an affable fellow chef who had spotted a potential gap in the Hong Kong dining landscape and invited Kwame over as the first guest chef;
Unfortunately Kwame is returning to the US shortly as he's opening his first restaurant in Washington D.C. but, on the strength of five very accomplished courses, we can only hope he's back before long in Hong Kong.
Abalone was diced and served with a corn masala, more cream than spice but still clearly Indian, along with cashew nuts and flowers.
Butternut squash was poured over pickled squash and toasted pepitas. Even if the parmesan foam alonsgside didn't provide the expected umami hit, it was still a clever and damn fine bowl:
The dish that stood out more than any other for me was the Pompano fish served with a lapsang souchong cream, red shiso, crushed and dehydrated tomato and burnt citrus. The burnt citrus was a DIY affair as charred mandarins, lime and lemons had been left on the tables as decoration and quickly became interactive dining:
On paper, the ingredients shouldn't have come together as seamlessly and beautifully as they did in the palate. Add in textural contrast, nuanced but complimentary flavours and bonding with your table squeezing citrus over perfectly poached Pompano to deliver one of the most successful fish dishes I've had in a long time.
A hard act to follow, but a hunk of A4 wagyu gave it a good run for its money next to a sauce soubise (onion), pickled quail egg, Marsala jus and Shimeji mushroom. It was a prettier dish than its predecessor and again showed utter confidence in excellent produce. The pickles hiding in the white of the egg were an unexpected but welcome addition.
Rounding things off was Kwame's version of the French classic île flottante or floating island. A toasted almond crème anglaise was sensational, poured over mangosteen and yellow pitaya, a type of dragonfruit. The meringue island floating in it was tiny but heady through the very clever use of thyme to lift it above the sweetness. I just wish there had been more of it.
All told, Kwame Onwuachi is a young chef with a very bright future ahead of him and his mini tour of Asia (he was in India prior to HK and is heading to Thailand) will doubtless broaden his repertoire still further. It just means, of course, that the next chef taking up the challenge at #TestKitchen has a seriously hard act to follow.
For more on Test Kitchen go to fb.com/testkitchenhk


text:
Commercial Property Owners InsuranceWe can only provide property owners insurance throughout the UK, including Northern Ireland. Our Commercial Property Owners Insurance is especially designed to meet your individual needs. We know that your commercial property is extremely valuable, and we also understand that the kinds of cover you need will vary depending on your tenants' business. We can cover for takeaways, restaurants, offices, beauty salons, grocers, and more.
Commercial Property Owners Insurance Cover
- Buildings cover as standard
- Property Owners Liability to cover any unexpected legal expenses
- Contents and terrorism cover available


text:
I heard a statistic recently that Airbnb is the world's largest property company and doesn't own any property. Not sure if the statistic is correct but it is certainly believable. Airbnb have shot to prominence in the last couple of years. Loads of my friends use it to book their holidays ahead of old favourites such as Owner Direct.
So what about becoming a host on Airbnb? Earlier this year research from Colliers said bookings in London had risen by 130% in the year to July. An amazing 4.62 million nights of accommodation were booked on the site.
If you have property in London, one of the most popular global destinations, you could make significant sums. In fact, one Airbnb landlord reportedly made £11.9 million in 12 months, albeit they do own/manage 881 properties not just one apartment or family home! Increasingly many of the properties on the site are managed by property management companies, not private individuals renting out their owner occupied property or second home.
That doesn't mean you can't cash in, but you should do so with open eyes.
What Homeowners Need To Think When Hosting On Airbnb
Do your research, start with Airbnb itself. They have a guide on there to talk you through what is involved and how it all works. You'll need to pitch your price correctly, again some local research will help here.
It is not without risk, extreme stories have surfaced this year with "pop up brothels" appearing that have been booked via the site. You are letting strangers into your home so you really need to be confident it is right for you.
Next you need to consider what your mortgage company might think. I am going to assume that many of the host Airbnb-ers in London have elected not to tell their lender they are renting out a room, rooms or even their whole property. This is very likely to be a breach of their mortgage terms and conditions. If you are renting out your whole home then your lender will probably insist you apply for consent to let, this may trigger extra interest charges and an admin fee. Usually when you get consent to let the lender is assuming you are doing it long term and any tenant will be subject to an assured shorthold tenancy agreement. However this won't be the case if you are renting your house out for a week via Airbnb. Definitely a grey area.
If you are just renting a room then lenders tend to be OK if it is a lodger type arrangement. In this situation a lodger would need to sign an occupiers consent form (this is for the benefit of the lender – if the mortgage is not paid and they need to repossess the lodger waives their squatters rights). Again this is not practical if the lodger is only there for a night or two.
I have asked lenders how they would feel about Airbnb and have had different responses from flat no, to a flat yes and lots in between. Annoyingly though I have had different answers from the same lender at different times. I think they are not entirely sure how to deal with it. They obviously know it is going on and it is too impractical to police it.
I think problems will only arise should something go wrong. What I mean is something may happen while a room is occupied that results in an insurance claim. Has your insurer been notified? If so when you claim they may well check that your lender is aware. If your lender is unaware then that could invalidate a claim, leaving you out of pocket.
So I would say you need to be very careful as lenders have not really published any rules for Airbnb but some have been quoted as saying they will work with each individual case on its own merits. If your lender says 'no' and you still want to pursue Airbnb you could consider remortgaging with a lender who says 'yes'. For advice and support in this process, contact me on 020 3355 4841 to discuss your specific circumstances.
In summary if you are thinking of Airbnbing your London home: do your research, speak to your lender and make sure you have the correct home insurance. Good luck!


text:
The Internet of Things is a market that continues to explode. According to Cerasis, IoT is defined as "a network of dedicated physical objects that contain embedded technology to sense or interact with their internal state or external environment," with an estimated value growing to $14 trillion by 2022. In a short time, we expect a transformation from the "Internet of Things" to the "Internet of Everything."
IoT devices span from the popular wearables we see in shopping malls to smart vehicles (such as Arrow's SAM car) and smart cities, all the way through to AI. The 10 most popular IoT applications, determined by SauceLabs, are depicted here:
Such a dramatic shift toward IoT creates an impact in every part of a business. The increased amount of generated data, devices supplying that data and combination of users and devices accessing that data creates a new spin on old considerations for the enterprise. Each business must ask itself: "Is our infrastructure ready for the IoT onslaught?"
Big data, security and cloud come back to the forefront, with DevOps teams right alongside.
IoT and Big Data
Every IoT device uses sensors, which can generate millions of bytes of data or more. This data is related to personal information, such as healthcare statistics, as well as industry information, including supply chain, warehouse and transportation management. The big data movement that started several years ago with the rise in social media and web scale computing has become more critical as both structured and unstructured data has ballooned to sizes such as the yobibyte (10248 bytes=1YiB). As we move forward, big data analytics, frameworks and applications like Hadoop, Splunk, Cassandra and MongoDB have become more critical in day-to-day operations. Although big data started out running on bare metal servers, trends are moving toward big data applications and frameworks running on hyper-converged architecture. ZDNet offers a view of how 10 companies have used the Internet of Things and big data to improve their business practices.
IoT and Security
Security is another factor IoT brings to the forefront for the enterprise. Each device must connect into the environment and have the correct permissions to do so. Each user also needs to have the access to do their job from anywhere. As a result, we continue to increase the number of devices and mediums we use to connect and continue to communicate across a multitude of new platforms and solutions. In October 2016, there was a DDOS attack against several major social media platforms. A New York Times article stated, "Users reported sporadic problems reaching several websites, including Twitter, Netflix, Spotify, Airbnb, Reddit, Etsy, SoundCloud and The New York Times." According to Symantec, enterprises need to audit the devices on their networks and reevaluate their BYOD policies to ensure they are requiring end-users to perform necessary security checks, including:
- Changing default passwords on IoT devices
- Using strong encryption methods for configuring Wi-Fi on IoT devices
- Performing routine updates to IoT devices to keep firmware up to date
IoT in the Enterprise
When evaluating the use of IoT in the enterprise, we find that the core functionality of each one of these devices is different. Additionally, the data from those devices can be used to provide data to multiple systems, including BI, warehouse management and even HR. Each application is developed and honed for specific use cases. In order to gain a competitive advantage, businesses are implementing DevOps principles to ensure accurate, effective communication between developers and IT teams. This paradigm shift allows for efficiency and automation of software delivery and system changes.
The development of each of these applications is often done in the cloud, allowing burst and shrink for software developers testing new software or features. In order to accommodate these bursts, the IT teams must be sure that their infrastructure is ready. Our Arrow ECS Podcast, "Bursting to the Cloud and Other Questions," covers many of the concerns to address with your customers, such as:
- What does an end-user need to do to have their current IT department ready to "burst" workloads?
- What does a user need to consider when determining if it makes sense to move a workload to the cloud?
- What should users know before moving core applications to the cloud?
- What is Arrow offering for agnostic and vendor-aligned solutions?
Developing Strategies
In the coming years, it will be important to consider the growing role that IoT will have in businesses and their data centers. From securing endpoint devices and managing incoming data, to developing applications based on new frameworks that can use that data, there are considerations to be made up and down the enterprise architecture stack.
Arrow sits in the middle of this technology ecosystem and can serve as a communications point among all parties. Fill out our become a partner form to get the conversation started.
This article was originally published in January 2017 and has been updated for comprehensiveness and accuracy.
Last modified: November 6, 2019


text:
Personal injury lawsuits may seem easy enough, but they can be more complicated than you realize, particularly if you have never been in a lawsuit before. That is why you need to have some help. The following article will give you some great advice for winning your personal injury case.
Finding the right lawyer can be difficult for your personal injury case. When you are looking, make sure to consider people with specific abilities in personal injury cases. A lot of knowledge in this field is required to win a case; therefore, the more knowledgeable and experienced they are, the better.
When searching for a lawyer to represent you in a personal injury case, you should first be careful to avoid "ambulance chasers". Check with your local bar association for a list of reputable attorneys. Then outline the details of your case to the prospective attorney and follow any advice you are given.
A good place to find a competent attorney is with your state's American Bar Association. The Bar can give you good local recommendations and help you verify each lawyer's good record before you contact potential lawyers.
Although personal injury lawyers advertise in the yellow pages, the better way to find a good lawyer is through word of mouth. If you don't know anyone who has used a personal injury lawyer, check with the local bar association. They may be able to point you in the right direction.
How quickly does a lawyer get back to you? The answer to this question should play a huge role in which attorney you choose for your personal injury case. Anyone who leaves you hanging for days on end is no good. To figure out how long it will take once hired, multiply how long it took for them to first contact you times three.
When you are in a car accident, you need to make sure you have the correct identity of the other person involved. Make sure they show you their drivers license. This should be in the police report, but make sure that the officer on the scene gets this information to you as well.
When you want to win a personal injury case, look for a boutique firm. The smaller, more specialized firms tend to do a better job on such a case. They have the passion and drive, plus the knowledge and experience necessary to get you a win or a big settlement offer.
Never hire a divorce lawyer to oversee your personal injury case. This may seem like common sense, but many people feel that the lawyer they've already dealt with is great, so why not get them to help? Instead, ask them for a referral for someone who specializes in this type of law.
A great way to find a good personal injury attorney for your case is to use referrals. Getting referrals from colleagues, family members, or friends is a great way to narrow down your attorney search. Many of these people have gone through the same process as you. This allows them to provide you valuable information on the process and how they succeeded with their attorney.
Personal injury legal issues are not easy for the layman. Keep this information in mind to make it easier on yourself. Utilize this information so that you have the best chances of obtaining a fair settlement.


text:
She Tried: Shorty Out Here Azz Out In Dunkin Donuts Trying To Convert A Gay Dude!
Looked like he was considering it for a minute.
Posted By Joe
Please click the "Report" button below if the video on this page is not working properly.
Comments will only be displayed by verified emails. No Spamming or Racism.


text:
eBook Formatting
At 1106 Design, we go beyond simple file conversion and hand-code your eBook files from scratch, keeping in mind the quirks of each device, to ensure your eBook will display well.
We'll provide two validated files: Kindle (.mobi) and ePub, which you can upload to the eBook seller of your choice
Prices start at $790 US if 1106 Design has designed your print book.
If 1106 Design did not design your print book, please use the Contact form to upload your file and request a custom quote.
Sell your eBook directly from your website
Tiktakti makes it easy to sell eBooks from your website and is now available through 1106 Design!
Tiktakti is a flipbook that lets potential customers read the first ten pages of your book right from your website. To keep reading, customers are given the option to purchase the book via PayPal and receive a password that unlocks the remainder of the book. Tiktakti works on any device and guards against piracy, since your book cannot be downloaded. There is no need to install a complicated eCommerce platform and you keep 100% of your revenue from eBooks sold via Tiktakti.
Click on the Publish Like the Pros cover below and see our eBook in Tiktakti (or click here).
To see books with the purchase function installed, please see the following samples (not 1106 Design clients):
Add Tiktakti to your website: $300.00 US (Files and installation instructions only. Technical support is not included.)


text:
For most of us, Presidents Day is a day off from work and a time to relax and spend time with family and friends, or maybe it is a day to get that last pile of snow out of the driveway! Whatever you plan to do, make it a playful day. Also, reflect on what Presidents Day is about. For me, it is about recognizing great leaders of our country who, despite very difficult circumstances rallied a nation to overcome them. George Washington and Abraham Lincoln were incredible leaders who never gave up and kept the vision of a better tomorrow alive in their words and actions. This same spirit and determination can also be seen and heard in communities all over the country. Leaders are stepping up to make change happen, and community members become leaders as they stand up and take action to better their community.
An example of a community and its members standing up to make change happen can be found in Birmingham, Ala. As a part of a plan to revitalize an impoverished and underserved area of Birmingham, the YWCA of Central Alabama established an initiative called "YWoodlawn" which will provide low-income and transitional housing for families experiencing homelessness or economic struggles. The YWCA believes in the power of play and envisioned the role a playground would serve for teachers/caregivers during the day and for parents and relatives at night. Their vision became a reality on November 5, 2009, as 260 volunteers from the community and The Home Depot came together to build a great place to play.
Although the playground has only been around for three months, the impact on the community can already be seen and heard. One community member that was very involved in the planning, but could not be at the build is thrilled to see the impact. This community member lives right near the playground and has been over there every day after the build. He described his feelings about the playground in such an inspiring way: "Once I realized how much of a surge this project would be for this neighborhood and the people who live here I realized I don't want to give that up . . . I want this to continue to be about more than just a playground but to be about bringing new and wonderful things into these kids' lives all the time."
You can see pictures of the YWCA of Central Alabama playground build here!
Inspiration Monday is a regular KaBOOM! blog feature.


text:
Lest We Forget, United We Standon July 3, 2010 at 7:10 pm
Happy 4th of July. It's not often popular these days to express patriotism or nationalism. The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan seem to have worn down our collective spirit. Stolen our sense of pride and community will. If there's one thing I've learned from playing Civilization, it's that Democracies don't like protracted wars.
The counter lesson is that it's not possible to play the game without war. Part of that is because Civilization is a game based around the goal of global conquest, and so any comparison between it and the real world is a touch juvenile. Despite that, war remains a necessary practical reality of the real world.
Regardless of your feelings about war, or the involvement in your nation in it, the 4th of July is not a simple jingoistic celebration of violence, imperialism or national offense. It is a celebration of victory over tyranny, of freedom, of independence. Celebrate in any way you see fit. Grill hot dogs, watch the race, shoot off some fireworks, punch aliens in the face, this is your day, do with it what you will.


text:
The following service is for books that have images, and/or charts, maps, bulleted lists, numbering, tables.
1. Images/Charts/Tables: Handling images/pictures/charts/tables in book, resizing, adjusting or cropping as necessary.
2. Formatting/layout of book interior: Done in Microsoft Word. This includes a copyright page, dedication page, one abbreviated title page, one full title page with logo, acknowledgments page, table of contents, sections, chapters, running headers and page numbers,"About the Author" and/or "Other Books By" page. Upper case for first line formatting style or drop caps, clip art, small photo on full title page if desired.
3. Your input: You can choose your font preference if there is one. Or we will choose one that is widely used in the book industry and reader friendly for both PDF and print.
4. Types of files you receive: You will get a high quality PDF and a formatted Word document.
Price $249
For books with more than 25 Lists, Images and/or Citations, Charts, Tables, please request a quote.
Note: Please submit a final, edited manuscript. If textual or image changes need to be made after work begins, a new service must be purchased.
No refunds after work or correspondence regarding work begins.
Thank you and we look forward to working with you.


text:
I <3 Matt's work. His tom waits stuff is fabulous (especially "Hell Broke Luce" from 2010). Great find CoW!
Country Artist Sturgill Simpson's Bizarre Cover of Nirvana Classic "In Bloom"
By Charlie Hintz on March 24, 2016
For his latest album, country artist Sturgill Simpson recorded a cover of Nirvana's 1991 hit "In Bloom."
A country version of "In Bloom" is strange enough, but this video by director Matt Mahurin is completely bizarre. What the hell is it all about? I have no idea, but I'm quite fond of Mahurin's style…even if the sound of Kurt Cobain's lyrics sung in twangs and croons makes me shudder.
This song is from Sturgill Simspon's upcoming album A Sailor's Guide To Earth available April 15th.


text:
Last Saturday, during the 7th edition of Auto Land Expo, people associated with the automotive industry - both amateurs and professionals - had the opportunity to meet.
There couldn't be missing AS-PL stand at the event. The company presented new and regenerated products from the offer. The cross-sections of starter and alternator were also very popular.
The event gathered a lot of special guests, like Adam Kornacki and Patryk Mikiciuk - presenters of programs in TVN Turbo (automotive TV). They were leading the discussion panels and answered the questions from people associated with the industry.
Auto Land Expo is one of the trade fair definitely worth being. Great atmosphere, a lot of attractions and visitors – says Wojciech Kuś, Regional Sales Director Central Europe, Eastern Europe & Asia at AS-PL Sp. z o.o. The presence at that kind of events promotes and enlarge the brand awareness among the customers. The fair trade was organized very professionally and we are happy that we had the possibility to present our offer – adds Wojciech Kuś.
For lovers of the burned tires smell and the roar of engines, there were also several attractions - freestyle motocross, drift cars, motorcycle stunt or monster truck.
The Auto Land Expo 2018 trade fair was a success and a visible satisfaction for both exhibitors and visitors.


text:
Try or purchase EZproxy
Learn more about downloading a trial or purchasing EZproxy.
To test or use EZproxy, you must have the EZproxy software and a WSKey. You can download the software on this site at Download EZproxy. For trial license requests, please complete the EZproxy Trial Request form. For quote requests and pricing, please complete the EZproxy Quote Request form. For all other inquiries, please email email@example.com.


text:
Sixth Circuit: Continuous, Warrantless Fixed-Point Surveillance Okay
Ten weeks of continuous, warrantless surveillance from a public utility pole did not violate a defendant's Fourth Amendment rights, the Sixth Circuit held.
Rocky Houston was a convicted felon who lived at a family farm compound, comprised of a brick building, a trailer, and a farmhouse. Billboards and hand-painted signs critical of government officials and depicting the dead bodies of a law enforcement officer and his civilian ride-along companion (the murder of whom Houston and his brother were tried, but ultimately acquitted) hung approximately twenty yards off the road. Blue tarps blocked views of the trailer's doors and foliage blocked views of Houston's house.
Initial ATF attempts at drive-by surveillance of the farm were unsuccessful because their vehicles "stuck out like a sore thumb" at the rural property. So, the ATF directed the utility company to install a surveillance camera on a public utility pole located roughly 200 yard from the farm's trailer, without a warrant. At trial, an ATF agent testified that the camera's view was identical to what agents would have observed had they driven down the public roads surrounding Houston's farm.
Warrantless monitoring of the farm continued for ten weeks until the Sixth Circuit issued a decision expressing "some misgivings" about the constitutionality of long-term warrantless surveillance of an individual's backyard via a pole camera. At that point, the ATF obtain a warrant for the continued use of the pole camera watching Houston's farm.
Soon thereafter, ATF agents arrested Houston and executed search warrants for the three residences on the farm, seizing twenty-five firearms attributable to Houston and his brother. The government subsequently pursued a single count of being a felon in continuous possession of a firearm. Over Houston's motion to suppress, the district court allowed the government to present the pole footage showing Houston possessing firearms at the farm at trial. A jury convicted Houston and he was sentenced to 108 months in prison. Houston then appealed his conviction to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit.
On appeal, Houston argued, in part, that the video footage used to convict him was obtained through a violation of his Fourth Amendment rights. The Sixth Circuit disagreed, reasoning that Houston had no reasonable expectation of privacy in the activity captured by the pole camera because the camera had the same view enjoyed by passersby on public roads. In other words, the footage only captured what Houston made public to any person traveling on the roads surrounding the farm.
The appeals court further clarified that its prior "misgivings" about the constitutionality of continuous, warrantless electronic surveillance were merely dicta, and that now presented with a live controversy on the issue, it did not believe that continuous monitoring from a fixed point violated the Fourth Amendment. The court reasoned that in Houston's case, the ATF could theoretically staffed an agent under disguise to sit atop the utility pole and obtain the same footage captured by the surveillance camera. The Fourth Amendment does not require law enforcement to go to such lengths when more efficient methods are available, the court held.
The court also wrote that even if the ATF could not have practically obtained the same surveillance without the camera, the footage was still acceptable obtained because any member of the public could have made the same observations over the ten-week period as the camera.
The court concluded its discussion of the issue by acknowledging, "if law enforcement were required to engage in live surveillance without the aid of technology in this type of situation, then the advance of technology would one-sidedly give criminals the upper hand. The law cannot be that modern technological advances are off-limits to law enforcement when criminals may use them freely."
The court thus held that the surveillance camera footage was properly admitted into evidence at Houston's trial.
Read the full case: United States v. Houston
This case law update was written by James P. Garay Heelan, associate attorney, Shaw Bransford & Roth, PC.
For thirty years, Shaw Bransford & Roth P.C. has provided superior representation on a wide range of federal employment law issues, from representing federal employees nationwide in administrative investigations, disciplinary and performance actions, and Bivens lawsuits, to handling security clearance adjudications and employment discrimination cases.
Posted in Case Law Update
Tags: case law update, michael j sgarlat


text:
The results of a study that compared the Atkins, Zone, Ornish and Yale/LEARN diets are out and the Atkins diet beat out the others in terms of weight loss (though not by much) and--more importantly--health statistics. While I'm no fan of the Atkins diet (it includes lots of unhealthy dairy products), it is certainly closer to the optimal science-based diet (an ancestral/Paleo/biologically appropriate diet) than the Ornish diet, which was largely inspired by Ornish's conversion to Hinduism rather than science [if the reports are correct at "Sri Swami Satchidananda, founder of Integral Yoga," http://www.swamisatchidananda.org/docs2/health.htm and "A Matter of Lifestyle," Frontline magazine of India, http://www.hinduonnet.com/fline/fl1606/16060920.htm]. It didn't take long for the gurus of the losing diets to start spinning the results. Dr. Dean Ornish in particular tried to re-interpret the results in a more favorable light, but his words only further undermined his cause.
Ornish said, "It's a lot easier to follow a diet that tells you to eat bacon and brie than to eat predominantly fruits and vegetables." That's hardly a criticism, since a diet that's easier to follow is more likely to be maintained, and thus more likely to be successful in the long term. Given that the Atkins dieters lost a bit more weight than the Ornish dieters and had better health statistics, the fact that the Atkins diet is also "easier to follow" is a definite plus.
Professor Kelly Brownell of Yale University said the study "shows that nothing works very well." It's amazing that Brownell admits here that his LEARN (Lifestyle, Exercise, Attitudes, Relationships and Nutrition) diet doesn't work very well and is no better than the other major diets, despite also including an exercise program. If he believes that, then why is he still promoting LEARN?
Zone diet creator Dr. Barry Sears said the study "had a good concept and incredibly pathetic execution." Could the fact that the dieters who tried to follow his soy-promoting diet lost the least weight have anything to do with his response?
These sour-grape comments contrast sharply with those of some prominent scientists. Walter Willett, chair of the department of nutrition at the Harvard School of Public Health said, "This is the best study so far to compare popular diets," pointing to the size of the study population, the duration (a year) and the small number of subjects who dropped out. The study's findings "are pretty much in line with what all the other studies have shown comparing Atkins and low-fat diets," according to Bonnie Brehm, assistant professor of nutrition at the University of Cincinnati College of Nursing.
It seems the diet guru's definition of a good study is one in which his diet comes out on top.
Here's a link to the study report:
Gardner CD et al, "Comparison of the Atkins, Zone, Ornish, and LEARN diets for change in weight and related risk factors among overweight premenopausal women: the A TO Z Weight Loss Study: a randomized trial." JAMA. 2007 Mar 7;297(9):969-77.
Friday, March 09, 2007
Atkins Beats Ornish, Ornish Spinning
Posted by Paleo Phil at 9:15 PM No comments:
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)


text:
Many people overlook mainland Ecuador en-route to and from the Galapagos Islands, and this is a truly a shame. Our private Ecuador tours show you a small country with incredible biodiversity and human diversity due to its distinct regions:
Andean highlands, where indigenous villages and excellent hiking opportunities abound; Amazon rainforest, where intimate nature experiences are accessed via jungle hikes and canoe rides; the Pacific coast, where laid-back beach towns and high-quality waves attract international backpackers and surfers; and, of course, the infamous Galapagos Islands where visitors can come face-to-face with fearless wildlife.
Pre- and post-Galapagos recommended destinations: There is so much diversity to see on our private Ecuador tours to the nearby splendors of the region, including the Andes, Cuenca coastline, and Amazon is almost enough to make your visit to the Galapagos a bonus. Although the Galapagos is famous for its tame wildlife viewing because many of the animals there have no fear of people, there are many more species of life living throughout Ecuador and in its lush Amazon basin.
each of our private Ecuador tours are a masterfully choreographed experience with exclusive local access and an impeccable standard of service sewn into every detail
This is our craft. Our commitment.
Ericks Sheets
a bit about
essential to crafting private Ecuador tours is knowing what experiences await
click an image
Quito's historical center, or "Old Town," is the most picturesque and interesting part of the city and is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is considered the best preserved historic center in Latin America and seems worlds apart from the more modern areas of the city outside its borders.
The historical center has cobblestoned streets, expansive plazas, and impressive churches and monasteries that reveal a mix of Spanish, Italian, Moorish, Flemish and indigenous influences. In this neighborhood, you will find a few heritage boutique hotels and a 5-star beautifully restored historic mansion, all of which have a lot of local flair.
Ecuador's coastal cuisine is seafood-heavy and ranges from the famous ceviche, or raw fish marinated and "cooked" in citrus, to seafood simmered in coconut and garlic lime sauces. The coast also uses a lot of plantains and the bolon de verde, or fried green plantain dumpling stuffed with cheese, is a staple breakfast item. In the Andean region, you will find much more pork, yucca, potatoes and varieties of corn, from fresh corn humitas to fried or baked whole pig, to llapingachos, or fried mashed potato pancakes.
Due to the chillier climate in the highlands, soups are also core to the Ecuadorian Andean diet, and of course the cuy, or guinea pig, is considered a local delicacy. The Amazonian cuisine of Ecuador incorporates a lot of exotic fruits, yucca, plantains and river fish. The most typical dish from this region is maito, or slow-steamed fish in bijao leaves. Ecuadorian cuisine is truly a feast for the senses!
In Ecuador, the incredible Amazon jungle is most accessible than in any other Latin American country. It is also home to a remarkable biodiversity -- one acre of rainforest may be home to 70,000 species of insect.
There are approximately 800 species of fish, 350 species of reptiles, including anacondas and iguanas, over 300 species of mammals, including monkeys and jaguars, thousands of species of plants, trees and insects and an estimated 1600 species of birds - more than double the number of all of North America.
With trained guides you can take in all of these natural wonders all day and unwind in one of the area?s comfortable lodges. Kids of all ages especially love the rainforest as there are unique, one-of-a-kind experiences in the jungle which you will never have the opportunity to enjoy elsewhere, like seeing a chattering troop of wild monkeys pass overhead.
Enjoy a half-hour flight or 5-hour drive from Quito to the exquisite biodiversity of the Amazon Basin. The renowned Yasun? Biosphere Reserve, unique to Ecuador, is believed by many to be home to the most diverse set of species on the Earth. Take in Ecuador?s legendary bird watching, including the spectacular toucans, macaws and tanagers.
Visit the home the Taromenane and the Tagaeri tribes, who remain untouched by the modern world within the borders of the Yasun? National Park. Savor the region's traditional cooking in the Amazon, visit the pristine Yasun? National Park, where a controversial oil reserve lies underneath, or the Sumaco Napo-Galeras, Cayambe-Coca and Llanganates nationally protected parks of the Ecuadorian Amazon. The protected Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve is home to the beautiful Garza Cocha Lake.
Ecuador is an ecological phenomenon. It is no larger than the state of Colorado but ranks among the top ten most ecologically diverse countries in the world and is the only country in Latin America where you will see the most biodiversity per square mile.
Due to the variations in altitude from its position on the Equator and close proximity to the Andes Mountains, Ecuador contains nearly all of the climate steps in the world.
It is also a wonderful place to watch and identify many species of birds including the country?s distinctive, brightly colored colibries (hummingbirds). The colibries are found in nearly every type of habitat from sea level to the country?s city centers to the high altitude Andean regions and 5000-meter glaciers. Marvel at these attractive birds? ability to survive high up in the Andes by diminishing their heart rate and dropping body temperature by 25? Celsius to conserve energy in the cold and often freezing paramo nights.
The mainland alone is home to over 25 volcanoes (some active, some semi-active and some dormant), many of which offer top-notch hiking and climbing possibilities in unique settings.
The impressive Avenue of the Volcanoes links the capital, Quito, to the colonial cities of southern Ecuador, including architectural gems such as Cuenca. Wild mountain scenery and indigenous villages, untouched by contemporary life, make for a fascinating journey into the past when travelling through these dramatic southern highlands.
Ecuador is a playground for adventure enthusiasts. Banos, at the foot of Tungurahua Volcano, is the country's adventure mecca, where travelers can find adrenaline-pumping activities like puenting (bridge jumping), canyoning, excellent whitewater rafting, downhill biking, rock climbing, zip-lining, parasailing and more.


text:
Millwall boss defends changes to tactics and starting XI
IAN Holloway says he will continue to mix up his tactics and starting line-up.
The Lions boss has dismissed the "myth" that continuity is the only route to success.
Millwall's XI and formation has regularly changed from game to game, and Holloway insists it would be a mistake to blindly stick with the same team after a draw or defeat.
So until the Lions are challenging at the top end of the Championship table, he will keep tweaking his set up.
"Sir Alex Ferguson never picked the same team twice – hardly ever," Holloway said.
"We are not Manchester United but if we do not aspire to think like them, then what are we ever going to achieve?
"Bristol City have picked the same team over and over again and they're flying in League One. That's continuity and that's fine if your team wins every week.
"If your team isn't winning, are you going to pick the same team again? For me, it's a myth."
Rather than worry about keeping a settled side, Holloway wants his players to be flexible so that they can adapt to different opponents and situations within games.
He added: "You have to make sure everybody in the squad knows their job and what they should be doing.
"If you go behind in the Championship, you've got to learn different tactics otherwise you'll never break teams down.
"Every team is very good at getting two banks of four in defence. When we were 3-0 down to Wolves, Kenny Jackett actually put five in midfield and we had to break down nine players.
"Luckily for me, I've learned how to do that sometimes. But I said to a fan after the game, 'if we'd started in that formation we'd have been hammered'.
"We will practise things over and over again. And whatever we practise, every player does it. Whether you're in favour or out of favour, I get you doing what's right.
"The best managers in the world train all of their players in the same way and every player will know four or five different formations.
"The top players in the world can switch from formation to formation without any excuses. Whereas the England national team can't! And those are our top players.
"But the Dutch know how to do it. We had a bloke in on trial the other week, John Goossens, and he knew exactly what I was talking about.
"He was quite good but we got him in the wrong year. If this was next year, I'd have taken him because I'd have more of the budget to play with."
Goossens has since signed for Indian Super League outfit FC Pune City.