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The letter to the Colossians is rich in Christology, to which all the articles of faith are intimately connected. One might even argue that Colossians possesses the most profound Christology in all the New Testament. A true, biblical Christology, centered in the cross and the empty tomb, gives life and meaning to all theology.
Colossians has much to say about the doctrine of creation. Moreover, the letter relates its teaching on creation directly to its Christology. In this way Colossians unites the presupposition of all theology (creation) with the heart and center of all theology (Christology).
Colossians is also strongly eschatological. The eschatology of the letter extends beyond those verses that speak of the life to come, for its message is constantly given with an eye on eternity. The true doctrine of Christ, who is the exalted Lord over the entire creation, refutes the false christologies that were circulating in Colossae, variations of which continue to compete against the true Gospel in the world today.
For all of those reasons, Colossians is a rich source of Christian theology that contributes a number of unique insights to the church's faith and life.
In the Logos edition of the Colossians, you get easy access to Scripture texts and to a wealth of other resources in your digital library. Hovering over Scripture references links you instantly to the verse you're looking for, and with passage guides, word studies, and a wealth of other tools from Logos, you can delve into God's Word like never before!
Interested in more? You can find all 23 volumes of the Concordia Commentary compiled in one collection.
Paul E. Deterding is pastor of Bethlehem Lutheran Church and School in Carson City, Nevada, a position he has held since March of 2000. He has served as pastor of Our Savior Lutheran Church of Satellite Beach, Florida (now Risen Savior Lutheran Church of Palm Bay, Florida), from 1981 to 1994 and as pastor of Christ Lutheran Church in Jackson, Mississippi, from 1994 to 2000. He has also served as a guest lecturer at both Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri.


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At Asian Pussy that time we were with enough clothes because in the street it was very cold (jackets, pants, etc).
I take out the coin and I explain the game ... if you fall face you remove a garment and you take a swig of whiskey, if the seal falls I take it and I take a shot of whiskey.
so we started ... face, seal, seal, face, seal and began to remove the clothes and consume liquor ... no contact or anything ... the big time came we cheated to stay her jean with bra and me in jeans and without shirt. We already had several drinks and beers on top. I threw the coin and fell the seal. I took care of myself to take off the bra and see their delicious subjects, they were erect ... try to touch them but I leave.
We launch face and then seal. I was in boxer with my cock that was coming out and she was in thong ... ufff that delight ... try to approach me, but nothing left ... he said ... you have to keep throwing ... he threw the coin she and fell face ... finally I could remove the boxer and my member came out as spring ... my mother-in-law looked at him wanting to eat it .. said good win ... and took off his thong (had a vulva so big that she was eating the thong) ... we were naked ... she put a finger in her vagina and was super wet .... made me suck his finger and finally kissed. It was a passionate kiss ... about 3 minutes ... my dick was dripping and Pregnant Porn Live more because she had me masturbandola. Our tongues became entangled in self-desire. My hand went through her rich vagina that was well shaved ... we were very hot ... she took my cock and told me we're going to bathe ... we went into the shower, I already had her hugging her back and my cock end to contact with her tremendous buttocks ... she bathed me, I to her, it was an incredible experience in the middle of the soap, the lick, the kisses, mutual masturbation ... we dried, we left holding hands and took me to his bedroom ... there on the bed had put the jar of Vaseline. Before going to bed, he bent down and hit me with a blowjob that had never been done ... I ran my glans with his tongue, gave me
This story is not over yet ... I hope you liked it.

subset: commoncrawl


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The importance of quality parts and strong supplier relations was laid bare for the Ford Motor Company Thursday, as it was forced to hit the red button on five assembly plants (and partially close a sixth) after it learned that of a defective clutch mechanism employed in certain 4-speed automatic transmissions. The costly shutdown idles plants producing F-Series pickups, E-Series vans, Expeditions, and the Lincoln Town Car. 15,000 workers are affected.
No word yet on how many units are affected, or how soon production will resume on these profit-rich vehicles, but an analyst has pegged the shutdown as costing some $34.4 million per day, before taxes.
[Source: Associate Press via Yahoo News; BBC News]


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You must use the copyright symbol © when you reprint copyright-protected material.
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Wiederum, wiederum, weit verbannt, weit verbannt. Berge, Wüste, weites Land gilt es zu durchwandern.
- by Franz Kafka (1883 - 1924) [author's text not yet checked against a primary source]
Musical settings (art songs, Lieder, mélodies, (etc.), choral pieces, and other vocal works set to this text), listed by composer (not necessarily exhaustive)
- by György Kurtág (b. 1926), "Wiederum, wiederum", op. 24 no. 4g (1985-6) [ soprano and violin ], from Kafka-Fragmente, no. 4g [sung text checked 1 time]
Available translations, adaptations or excerpts, and transliterations (if applicable):
- ENG English (Laura Prichard) , "Once again, once again", copyright © 2020, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
- FRE French (Français) (Guy Laffaille) , "Encore une fois, encore une fois", copyright © 2016, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
Researcher for this text: Ferdinando Albeggiani
Text added to the website: 2009-05-20 00:00:00
Last modified: 2014-06-16 10:03:14
Line count: 2
Word count: 14
Once again, once again, exiled far, far away. Mountains, desert, a broad expanse worth crossing.
- Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © 2020 by Laura Prichard, (re)printed on this website with kind permission. To reprint and distribute this author's work for concert programs, CD booklets, etc., you may ask the copyright-holder(s) directly or ask us; we are authorized to grant permission on their behalf. Please provide the translator's name when contacting us.
- a text in German (Deutsch) by Franz Kafka (1883 - 1924)
Text added to the website: 2020-01-08 00:00:00
Last modified: 2020-01-08 02:46:26
Line count: 2
Word count: 15


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For example I would like is je voudrais (which sounds like VOO-DRAY). After this you can plug any infinitive to make a useful phrase. So, if we add the verb boire (to drink) we get
je voudrais + boire = je voudrais boire - I would like to drink.
je voudrais + manger = je voudrais manger - I would like to eat.
tu veux + chanter = tu veux chanter dormir - you want to sleep.
nous voudrons + marcher = nous voudrons marcher - we will want to walk.... etc.
So every verb you learn can be added to a phrase using one of the vouloir conjugations. See more examples below the verb table.
If you want to improve your French vocabulary learning, using picture memory triggers will give you more effective and deeper recall of new French verbs!
Take a couple of minutes to read aloud ALL the verb conjugations of vouloir below - by (1) ROW and by (2) COLUMN . . . then check out more on this word below the verb table.
Tu veux le rouge ou le noir?
Do you want the red one or the black one?
Comme tu veux.
As you wish.


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JSR Genetics
SouthburnYO25 9EDDriffieldEast YorkshireUK+44(0)firstname.lastname@example.com://www.jsrgenetics.com
JSR Genetics provides UK and International pig producers with an unparalleled range of products and services and a wider choice than ever before of top quality breeding stock and semen. Our exemplary JSR Company Health Scheme assures our customers of total biosecurity.
JSR Genetics continues to develop a number of highly successful partnerships within the pigmeat supply chain as part of its competitive strategy to ensure that its customers remain successful in the rapidly changing market place within a global industry.
Our unrivalled prolific dam-lines and robust sire-lines offer superior meat quality and consistency to pig producers world-wide.
Other categories to which it pertains JSR Genetics
breeder pigs
Large White great-grandmothers/grandmothersLandrace great-grandmothers/grandmothersDuroc great-grandmothers/grandmothersLarge White great-grandfathers/grandfathersLandrace great-grandmothers/grandmothersDuroc great-grandmothers/grandmothersLarge-White x Landrace hybrid sowsother hybrid sowsDuroc terminal malesLarge-White terminal malessemen


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2017-07-09 IWSC MOBIL 1 SportsCar Grand Prix
This image is not available for online sale. Please contact us regarding the legal use of this image.
IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship
Mobil 1 SportsCar Grand Prix
Canadian Tire Motorsport Park
Bowmanville, ON CAN
Sunday 9 July 2017
93, Acura, Acura NSX, GTD, Andy Lally, Katherine Legge, celebrate, champagne, victory lane
World Copyright: Scott R LePage/LAT Images


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The History of the Doula
The word "doula" is derived from an ancient Greek word that is becoming increasingly more mainstream in today's modern times. In ancient Greek the word means "female servant" and does not specifically have anything to do with childbirth.
In 1969 Dr. Dana Raphael first used the term doula in a study discussing how the role of a female caregiver during birth and postpartum had a positive impact on breastfeeding. The term became more widespread in the 1970s and 1980s as the role of a doula became broader but more defined. This was also a time in medical history when the birth process in North America had gone through dramatic changes. Birth had moved away from homes and midwives and became increasingly more medicalized. Micromanaged hospital births and an alarming amount of unnecessary interventions were seen only as amazing advances in modern medicine with no thought of the possible negative long-term effects. Many women did not want to birth this way and knew they would need emotional, physical, and educational support to give birth "differently" then most women of that time were doing.
While using the term "doula" to describe this type of support started in North America, and only in the last 50 years, the care provided by a doula is not a new concept. Throughout all of history, across most geographical locations and demographics, women have provided support to other women during birth; not just a single midwife, but usually multiple women fulfilling different roles during the birth. This was often family members or women of the village or tribe who had experience in childbirth.
Today's Doulas
Doulas now are held to a specific scope of practice. They are strictly non-medical professionals who can provide a wealth of educational, physical and emotional support for women during pregnancy, birth and the immediate postpartum period. Doulas now are not just women! A small but expanding number of doulas are men. As a profession, doula care is growing. Doulas are now able to create a sustainable career doing what they love. With more reputable training organizations and continuing education options available, a doula can offer even more support to expectant families.
The medical community is also backpedalling, their research showing that "less is more" when it comes to medical intervention and the powerful impact the role of a doula can have on both the physical outcome and emotional satisfaction of a birth.
Doulas today are also not just for birth! The role of a doula to provide educational, emotional and physical support is applied to many stages of life. Here are some of the most common types of doulas:
Birth Doulas provide support during pregnancy, birth and the immediate postpartum. This includes prenatal education and emotional support through email and phone communication, as well as prenatal meetings. During the birth the doula will be present, providing support to the laboring mother and her partner (and sometimes the couple's other children, if present). After the baby has been born she is available to help with feeding support (breast or bottle), newborn care and questions the mom has about her postpartum recovery.
Postpartum Doulas provide education and practical support to the mother, newborn and family in the first days, weeks and sometimes months after birth! Their role continues where the birth doula left off. They are a wealth of knowledge about newborn care and tips. They also provide practical support such as light housework, cooking, running errands and tending to the newborn so the mother can rest, shower, or go out for some fresh air!
Fertility Doulas can help families who are struggling to get pregnant. They provide educational support by explaining the various tests, treatments and alternative care options available in their community for those facing infertility. She provides emotional support through the overwhelming disappointment and stress that often comes with going through fertility treatments.
A Bereavement Birth Doula has received special training to care for the emotional and physical needs of a family who is experiencing a loss through miscarriage, stillbirth, or an anticipated loss through a terminal diagnosis of an unborn baby. Like a birth doula, they can provide support during pregnancy, birth, and after the loss. In the days, weeks, months, (years!) after, this doula can help the family navigate the emotional waters of grief as well as connect them to other local resources.
End of Life Doulas support to people through the dying process, at any age. These doulas are commonly employed through hospices, hospitals and nursing homes. They provide companionship and encouragement to dying patients. They also provide comfort to the patients loved ones if present.
Doula work truly is a "labour of love". Regardless what stage of the human life a doula is supporting, the type of care remains the same. Compassionate, unbiased, nurturing care.
"The ancient Greek "doula" was there to listen and follow the wishes of the mother, offering her services and life experience, but also aware of the humbleness her position asked for."
-[International Doula Journal, Vol. 21, Issue 1, 2013]
Doulas, Sam and Alannah of Lake Country Doulas in Orillia!
July 2017


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Since turning pro in 2006, Graham DeLaet has become known as one of golf's best ball strikers. A three-time winner on the PGA Tour Canada from 2008 to 2009, he has posted three runner-up finishes on the PGA Tour. The first came at The Barclays in 2013 when he finished one stroke behind Adam Scott. He also finished third that year at the Travelers Championship and the Deutsche Bank Championship. He added two more second place finishes on back-to-back weeks in 2014 at the Waste Management Phoenix Open and Farmers Insurance Open. DeLaet has made the cut at a Major on three occasions: 2013 Open Championship (83rd), 2014 PGA Championship (T-15th), 2015 Open Championship (T-68th). After representing Canada at the World Cup in 2008 and 2009, DeLaet competed as a member of the International Team at the Presidents Cup in 2013.
Outside Interests: Graduated from Boise State University in 2006 with a degree in Physical Education… Passionate about the Boise State Broncos and the Calgary Flames… Enjoys being an outdoorsman, including hunting in Zimbabwe or fishing in Alaska… In 2014 founded the Graham and Ruby DeLaet Foundation with his wife to support the development of junior golfers and improve the health and wellness of children… Odds and Ends: Marks his golf balls with a maple leaf and wears red and white for the final round of every tournament to create a look known as #CanadianSunday…
Olympics: 20th – 2016 Rio Olympic Games Men's Golf Competition
Major Championships: 2017 – T7 (PGA Championship) 2015 – T-68th (British Open); 2014 – Cut (Masters), Cut (US Open), Cut (British Open), T-15th (PGA Championship); 2013 – 83rd (British Open), Cut (PGA Championships)
PGA Top 5: 2016 – T-5th (Valspar Championship); 2015 – 4th (Travelers Championship); 2014 – T-2nd (Farmers Insurance Open), T-2nd (Waste Management Phoenix Open); 2013 – 3rd (Travelers Championship), T-2nd (The Barclays), 3rd (Deutsche Bank Championship); 2012 – T-4th (Zurich Classic of New Orleans), T-5th (The Barclays); 2010 – T-3rd (Shell Houston Open), T-5th(Viking Classic)


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Johnny Abshire
Buckeye Local High
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Inexpensive Allergy Relief
We have family cats, an indoor garden and allergies. We have learned a few tricks to live in harmony with each others hobbies and loves, while still being able to breath
Shave The Cat
I live in a warm all year climate, and my cats are indoor pets. This means that is wouldn't really harm my cats if they were to have a lion cut. There would be less fur for them to lick ( the allergen is in their saliva) less fur to shed and even less hairballs. If this is not a option you see yourself taking grooming the cats every day helps to cut down loose fur and dander as well. Ask at a local shelter for the name of a good pet groomer. They may even set you up with their groomer for free.
Generic and Over The Counter
Most of the prescription strength drugs of yester-year are now over the counter. They almost all also come in generic form now. There is 24 hour relief in some drugs, such as Claritin and Zyrtec. While the name brands usually run about ten dollars, the generic is about three dollars less expensive.
Disinfect linens and furniture daily with a disinfectant spray. It kills allergens already out and about in the house. I use it on linens, beds, and other furniture. I also vacuum using baking soda as a rug powder.
An air purifier doesn't have to be expensive. I saw one at Walmart for forty dollars. It can suck all the allergens out of a small room, leaving the air more breathable and helping the afflicted sleep better at night. An added benefit is my husband has stopped snoring since we got ours.
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text: Winter Sun The best hotels in the Maldives By Condé Nast Traveller share-facebook share-twitter share-pinterest share-whatsapp share-facebook share-twitter share-whatsapp share-pinterest Ayada, the Maldives Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll, MaldivesAt 15 hectares, Ayada, on the southern rim of the Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll and just 30km north of the Equator, is big enough to get lost on, and the more walking or cycling about you do, the more surprises keep popping up. Take a stroll after dinner (there are six restaurants) and... hello, what's this? A wine-and-cheese station for a glass of rouge and a sliver of brie while sitting on a bench fashioned from a fishing boat. Or as you head off to Zuzuu (the kids' club), you might stumble across The White Room, a part-colonial, part-tropical folly (pillars and a thatched roof) of such kitschness, you half expect the ghost of Elvis to emerge in a white tuxedo. Or you could stop in at the Ottoman Lounge (a nod to Ayada's Turkish ownership) and settle in for a coffee with a squidge of Turkish delight and a shisha pipe. The Middle Eastern mood shimmies through the villas: a filigree lampshade here, a joss-stick there, a flounce of Turkish fabric over the bed. And there's a full-on Turkish bath in the spa. This far from Malé, there's not a hint of light pollution in the inky night skies; by day there are dive sites, snorkelling with whale sharks and (unusually for the Maldives) surf breaks.NUMBER OF VILLAS 62 beach, 50 overwaterTRANSFER TIME A 55-minute flight from Malé to Kaadedhdhoo, then 45 minutes by speedboatThe Couture Travel Company (couturetravelcompany.com) offers seven nights' half board in a Beach Villa from £2,597 per person sharing, including flights and transfers share-facebook share-twitter share-whatsapp share-pinterest Six Senses Laamu, the Maldives Laamu AtollThe Maldives is more famous for romantic sunsets than right-handers, but Six Senses - the only resort in the southern Laamu Atoll - sets itself apart from the fly-and-flop brigade with its Yin Yang surf break. There's also paddle-boarding and catamaran sailing, alongside the usual dive boats and house-reef snorkelling. With all that splashing about, you'll hardly notice there isn't a single swimming pool on the island. Its eco-agenda means that Six Senses does the at-times-clichéd Robinson Crusoe rustic look with feeling: to discourage the use of air-con, the beds are draped in gauzy white canopies and there are wooden slats in the walls to open at night and catch the breeze; the thatched roofs are also low-slung to keep things shady and cool. Even the twig pencils on the desk are responsibly sourced. Of course, there's no shortage of comforts - a 100-plus cocktail menu at the bar, a cheese-and-wine tower, a sensational sushi restaurant - but the vibe is very laid-back compared to some of the Maldives' more flashy resorts. And nowhere more so than in the spa, where it's all too easy to hole up in one of the thatched, nest-like pods for hours on end.NUMBER OF VILLAS 72 overwater, 25 beachTRANSFER TIME 35 minutes from Malé by seaplane, then 15 minutes by boatGETTING THERE Carrier (www.carrier.co.uk) offers seven nights from £2,540 per person, including Emirates flights from Heathrow and transfers. share-facebook share-twitter share-whatsapp share-pinterest Cheval Blanc Randheli, the Maldives NoonuEight years after the first LVMH Cheval Blanc hotel opened in Courchevel (booked solid from day one) comes beautiful Randheli in the Maldives, designed by Jean-Michel Gathy, who also created One&Only Reethi Rah. Here he's used the same large-scale, cathedral-roofed template for the beach villas, and the detailing is superb. Those insouciant little armless sofas; that Vincent Beaurin lemon-yellow sand-disc artwork, which slowly turns as the weight of perpetually falling grains of sand rotate it; the square, slate-lined pool; the de Havilland seaplane bobbing in the water; the white bicycles for getting around; the taupe espadrilles in the villas' dressing rooms. It's all so chic. In the Guerlain spa, reached by dhoni, even a glance upwards from the massage bed prompts a smile in appreciation of the exquisitely woven rattan ceiling. Some bits grate: having to press a switch to open the villa front door from the inside, for instance. But from breakfast on the terrace - molten-centred brownies, celestial with a cappuccino - to the doll-sized mouthfuls on the tasting menu at Le 1947 restaurant, named after Cheval Blanc's most famous vintage, every element confirms this as the most sensational new resort in the Maldives.NUMBER OF VILLAS 45TRANSFER TIME 40 minutes by seaplane from MaléCazenove+Loyd (cazloyd.com) offers seven nights' B&B in an Island Villa from £5,630 per person sharing, including British Airways flights from Gatwick and seaplane transfers. share-facebook share-twitter share-whatsapp share-pinterest Shangri-la's Villingili Resort & Spa, the Maldives Addu AtollNot many people know this, but down at the southern tip of this 800km island chain there's a small airport called Gan. It sits in the heart-shaped lagoon of Addu Atoll and welcomes around 10 private jets a month, along with scheduled flights from Malé. Disembarking in the unfailing warmth (it's just 60km south of the Equator), most passengers head for the five-star cocoon of Villingili. They come for the privacy, and for a sense of space unusual in the Maldives. About three kilometres long, Villingili has thousands of coconut palms and immaculately kept white sands, and every guest gets a bicycle to pedal off to the Chi spa for a coconut-milk-and-honey wrap, or to wobble home on after a lobster dinner. Villas are on the beach, over the water, and even up a tree, and there are dolphin cruises, wreck-diving, sailing in a 68ft yacht and a nine-hole golf course. But what makes Villingili really stand out is the four other islands just a short boat ride away, providing a rare insight into local life as you cycle through villages and nose about a 1960s RAF base.NUMBER OF VILLAS 132TRANSFER TIME 70 minutes by plane from Malé to Gan, then 10 minutes by speedboatTurquoise Holidays (turquoiseholidays.co.uk) has a special offer of seven nights for the price of five, from £2,595 per person sharing, including half board in a Pool Villa, flights and transfers. share-facebook share-twitter share-whatsapp share-pinterest Taj Exotica, Maldives Exquisitely presented shellfish and wahoo are now pretty standard at five-star Maldives resorts, but here chef Sheroy Kermani takes food artistry to new heights, a fact recognised across the island nation. Seafood creations such as medallions of Maldivian reef lobster with cornichon ratatouille appear on his menus alongside thyme-marinated quail with caramalised orange. This is fusion food of dexterous ingenuity. The long, thin island (it measures 700 metres by 70) has been cleverly planted with jade trees and sea hibiscus that need only scant supplies of water, with the two restaurants, bar and infinity pool on the western side (for sunsets) and the beautiful villas on the east coast. The water is an astonishing shade of aquamarine thanks to the island's setting on one of the Maldives' largest lagoons (it's a short boat ride to the nearest reef for snorkelling), and it's calm and safe for small children. The hotel also has two separate suites for couples at the excellent Jiva spa on the southern tip of the island. NUMBER OF VILLAS 54 overwater, 10 beachTRANSFER TIME 15 minutes by speedboat from MaléGETTING THERE Steppes Travel (www.steppestravel.co.uk) offers seven nights' B&B in a Lagoon Villa from £2,975 per person sharing, including international flights and transfers. share-facebook share-twitter share-whatsapp share-pinterest Soneva Fushi, the Maldives Baa AtollThis hotel keeps on getting it right. It was the the first in these parts to cut a cool swathe, brandishing its 'no shoes, no news' eco vibe with an easy insouciance that cash-rich time-poor urbanots immediately plugged into. Its owners Sonu and Eva, now that they have sold on their Six Senses empire, continue to pour all their passion into what is essentially their island home, a properly wild tropical spot shot through with all the stylish vision they can muster. Fantastical wooden houses with teardrop pools; treetop restaurants with Noma chefs; alfresco cinema screenings fuelled by visits to the chilled chocolate room; private lunches in the gardens. It is a happy place. It doesn't matter if you're here alone to bury yourself in the spa, or with a huge pack of family wanting action: the place is big enough, imaginative enough and clever enough to nail it for everyone. NUMBER OF VILLAS 55TRANSFER TIME 30 minutes by seaplane from MaléCarrier (carrier.co.uk) offers seven nights' B&B in a Soneva Fushi Villa from £3,140 per person sharing, including Qatar Airways flights from Gatwick and transfers. share-facebook share-twitter share-whatsapp share-pinterest Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru, the Maldives Baa AtollSomething to keep in mind when planning a holiday in the Maldives is that the remoteness once guaranteed by these faraway atolls can no longer be taken for granted. Resorts too close to the capital, Malé, may have views across to its high-rise skyline; others may have a neighbouring hotel within earshot or clear sight. But the gloriously isolated Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru, a former coconut plantation, has no such problems. The villas are also big and well spaced for privacy, the food couldn't be healthier (catch of the day at Fuego Grill; Lebanese mezze at Al Barakat) and the spa is truly outstanding: as well as overwater treatment rooms, it has a shady Ayurvedic area in a clearing, where prayerful therapists from a Tantric Ayurvedic centre in Indonesia administer rituals lasting hours. It's also set up to provide a restorative 14- or 21-day panchakarma cleanse, which takes pounds off like nothing else. The island's Marine Discovery Centre, run by a team of biologists whose main focus is manta-ray research, could get anyone hooked on the wondrous world revealed as one sinks below the ocean surface with a snorkel or tank.NUMBER OF VILLAS 103TRANSFER TIME 30 minutes by seaplane from MaléCarrier (carrier.co.uk) offers seven nights' B&B in a Beach Bungalow with pool from £3,585 per person sharing, including Qatar Airways flights from Gatwick and seaplane transfers. share-facebook share-twitter share-whatsapp share-pinterest Cocoa Island, the Maldives South Malé AtollBack in the 1970s, Cocoa Island was devised as a Robinson Crusoe haven by German photographer Eric Klemm, who built a few beach huts here. Fast-forward to 2002, when it was bought by Singaporean hotelier Christina Ong. Cleverly retaining Klemm's original castaway appeal, she recalibrated it as a chic retreat, conjuring a distinctive mood of restrained elegance. The result is a sublimely stylish hotel of deftly pared-down simplicity, with most of the villas styled as local dhoni fishing boats (six newer villas follow a more sophisticated pattern). From here, at high tide, you can kick back from your private deck and drift out over a coral reef. Many guests are honeymooners who enjoy the slick room service and rarely leave their offshore world-apart. Yet the island is full of sensory delights such as the Shambhala spa, with its hydro pool and dreamy treatments including a Balinese taksu massage. And Ufaa restaurant, masterminded by Australian chef Timothy de Souza, serves refined Mediterranean and pan-Asian dishes that might include roast jobfish with braised lima beans.NUMBER OF VILLAS 33TRANSFER TIME 45 minutes by speedboat from MaléITC Luxury Travel (itcluxurytravel.co.uk) offers seven nights' B&B in a Dhoni Suite from £2,529 per person sharing, including flights and private transfers. share-facebook share-twitter share-whatsapp share-pinterest Huvafen Fushi, the Maldives North Malé AtollNiyama may be the newer hotel from this group, with a proper nightclub scene, but our heart belongs to Huvafen Fushi. From the vast infinity pool that lights up with twinkling stars to the island's own dance CDs in the villas, there's a puckish air of naughtiness about this place. Perhaps it's not surprising that this is the island Kate Moss tipped up to party at with her girl gang. And where she danced on the tables, others followed. Cocktails and great food are tempting (the seven bars and restaurants include a wine cellar where dinner is served by a brilliant Maldivian sommelier), but there are also plenty of opportunities to detox in the world's first underwater spa, where you can have a massage while staring meditatively at clownfish. The spa is even more spectacular at night, a glass of Champagne in hand as you watch the lit-up coral garden: the light attracts ditzy little fish, who get eaten by canny big ones, a metaphor for life to consider as you sip your fizz.NUMBER OF VILLAS 26 overwater, 18 beachTRANSFER TIME 30 minutes by speedboat from MaléKuoni (kuoni.co.uk) offers seven nights' B&B in a Beach Bungalow with plunge pool from £2,399 per person sharing, including flights from Heathrow and speedboat transfers. share-facebook share-twitter share-whatsapp share-pinterest Coco Prive Kuda Hithi, the Maldives The ludicrously pretty and impossibly slick Coco Privé Kuda Hithi is only available for private hire. Previously a boutique hotel, the island's main building has an enormous master suite, and there are five other villas to fill. The architecture is stunning, with massive expanses of glass to draw the outside in, and natural materials and organic shapes to echo the surroundings. Every light, heat-source and sound setting can be zapped from your personal iPad, and the attention to detail is phenomenal (the place is repainted between every stay). The kitchen is yours to use, but the chef is brilliant and will prepare anything you want (stories include a specific variety of apple being flown in at a guest's request), such as baked red snapper in aromatic herbs, and banana fritters with sweet crêpes in caramel. Sun-bleached decking around the island leads to mini jungle paths where pretty wicker baubles dangle, red flowers burst and the resident fruit bat swings from palm to palm. As a bonus, the reef is monitored by a team of experts who know each turn and turtle intimately.NUMBER OF VILLAS SixTRANSFER TIME 30-40 minutes by speedboat from MaléThe island sleeps up to 12 and costs from about £4,850 per night in low season. Email firstname.lastname@example.com. share-facebook share-twitter share-whatsapp share-pinterest Jumeirah Dhevanafushi, the Maldives Gaafu Alifu AtollSet in the remote southern Gaafu Alifu Atoll, this island is so small you could stroll its white-sand circumference in 15 minutes. But what it lacks in size, it makes up for in swank: the beds are a stonking three metres wide, and the vast wardrobes indicate that most guests do not travel light and may be unfamiliar with the notion of unpacking for themselves. Each of the villas has a private pool and a mind-reading butler. The Talise spa and gym sits in the ocean at the end of an octopus-like tentacle; and 800 metres out to sea, unconnected to the island, are the Ocean Pearls: 16 overwater villas that might have been dreamt up by Ian Fleming, with a private spa, bar and Johara restaurant serving Japanese fusion food. There are another two restaurants on the island itself, Azara and Mumayaz, serving wagyu beef, foie gras and truffles to folks who order bottles of Dom Pérignon, barefoot but wearing watches worth the GDP of a small African country.NUMBER OF VILLAS 35TRANSFER TIME Either a 55-minute domestic flight followed by a 15-minute speedboat transfer, or a direct seaplane flight that takes 1 hour 45 minutesAbercrombie & Kent (abercrombiekent.co.uk) offers seven nights' B&B in a Beach Revive villa from £3,575 per person sharing, including flights and transfers. share-facebook share-twitter share-whatsapp share-pinterest One&Only Reethi Rah, the Maldives North Malé AtollWhen you spot a woman in Prada getting off one of the seaplanes arriving at Malé airport, it's almost certain she'll have been staying at Reethi Rah. The hotel is deeply glamorous: guests dress up for dinner in its dimly lit, gently gleaming environs, and sometimes for breakfast, lunch and dive school, too. Super-smart, with its stone baths designedfor two, often with a royal in residence (never seen but identifiable by uniformed bodyguards sitting outside the villa), this is an immense and hugely successful hotel, with 12 man-made beaches anda busy marina where big inflatables can be hired. There's a very Zen Japanese spa where you can fully detox, and an amazing teen zone with ping-pong tables and all kinds of watersports. Since it opened, a cookery school has been added and its overwater villas now have pools, but the beach pool villas are still the best: thrillingly big and impressive, they have wardrobes and shoe space to match.NUMBER OF VILLAS 129TRANSFER TIME 75 minutes from Malé by yacht, or 15 minutes by seaplaneElegant Resorts (elegantresorts.co.uk) offers seven nights' B&B in a Beach Villa from £3,595 per person, including Emirates flights and yacht transfers. share-facebook share-twitter share-whatsapp share-pinterest Velaa Private Island, the Maldives Noonu AtollOne of the most expensive resorts in the Maldives is owned by 42-year-old Czech billionaire Jiri Smejc, who asked his villa butler at Huvafen Fushi to find him an island. He then hired a hot-shot general manager, Hans Cauchi from the Corinthia in London, installed his former butler front-of-house, and brought in 500 Czech builders for six months. The result? State-of-the-art boys' toys (not even glossy rivals Cheval Blanc or One&Only Reethi Rah have a Seabob or semi-submarine); a Clarins spa with expert therapists, an ocean-view sauna, snow room and snooze pod; a nine-hole golf course; tennis and squash courts; an extraordinary three-storey wine tower with a 6,000-bottle, £970,000 inventory (including a 1978 Romanée-Conti for £36,000); and Aragu, an overwater, open-kitchen restaurant and Champagne lounge with a French chef. Some design elements are straight out of a granny flat in Prague: suede-effect giant-weave cushions; patchwork carpets; the hanging chair and three massive vases you have to dodge to get to the bath. But the outdoor bathrooms are quite wonderful, and four-bedroom villas plus top-notch security are great for those who must factor in space for the bodyguard and long-range-lens issues. Saudi's crown prince was among the first guests to arrive when the resort opened in December. www.velaaprivateisland.comNUMBER OF VILLAS 45TRANSFER TIME 50 minutes by seaplane from MaléCazenove+Loyd (cazloyd.com) offers seven nights' B&B in a Beach Pool Villa from £6,474 per person sharing, including British Airways flights from Gatwick and seaplane transfers. share-facebook share-twitter share-whatsapp share-pinterest Maalifushi by COMO Thaa AtollThis relative newcomer is a real asset to the smart COMO brand. Its sister hotel in the Maldives is popular with couples and this one is aimed at the next stage: parenting. At the kids' club, four- to 12-year-olds can grow crystals, fold palm leaves into parrots and learn Dhivehi (well, a few words anyway). But they're just as likely go hunting for geckos or shark spotting, in keeping with COMO's new 'Play' philosophy, which encourages children to take charge. It's all about boosting confidence. For teens, there are plenty of watersports and desert-island hijinks plus getting down with dad at family yoga sessions if they (or you) are up for it. With shady gardens and plunge pools, and just a few steps from the sand, the beach villas are best for families. There's a natural, understated vibe throughout, and children won't eat this healthily anywhere in the archipelago: coconut, cinnamon and almond porridge for breakfast, lentil cakes with crushed avocado for tea. But really the joy of Maalifushi lies in its sensational spa, where parents are likely to disappear and emerge with a much higher patience threshold. Which let's face it, means a marvellously relaxing time for everyone.NUMBER OF VILLAS 32 overland, 33 over waterTRANSFER TIME Approximately a one hour flight via the Island's sea plane from MaléAbercrombie & Kent (+44 1242 547708; abercrombiekent.co.uk) offers seven nights in a garden room from £2,225 per adult and £695 per child, including flights, seaplane transfers and breakfast share-facebook share-twitter share-whatsapp share-pinterest Per Aquum Niyama Dhaalu AtollThe clever Per Aquum group has clocked that the honeymooners at Huvafen Fushi may want to return to the Maldives with some additions to their party. That's where sister hotel Niyama comes in. Staff smile at sticky fingers, scoop up tantrummy toddlers and debate football teams with teens. The new island, Play, has at its heart a gleaming kids' club, run by an unflappable Scott Dunn-trained team. With circus-top-themed rooms, a marathon of activities, the softest sand-floored playground and a water park, it's a spirited hideaway for children, a refuge from the equatorial sun. For parents of smaller ones, the fact that the club takes kids from 12 months old is worth ordering another gin and tonic for. For those with tech-obsessed tweens, there's a separate games zone with Xboxes, computers and an awesome pair of simulator rooms: one for cinema screenings and one with kit for golf, shooting and goal-scoring practice. And, of course, there are the beaches, the snorkelling, banana boats and dhoni trips. There's not a chance in hell anyone will get bored. NUMBER OF VILLAS 48 Villas on the Play islandTRANSFER TIME A 45-minute seaplane journey from Malé to the islandCarrier (+44 161 492 1358; carrier.co.uk) offers seven nights from £6,230 per family full board, including flights and transfers share-facebook share-twitter share-whatsapp share-pinterest W Retreat & Spa - Maldives North Ari Atoll Arrival by seaplane from Malé sets the tone; and from white-tented spa to swim-up pool bar, this resort encapsulates 'jet-set glamour'. The 78 villas offer all the mod cons you could possibly want plus plunge pool, sundeck, wine fridge (as well as mini bar) and barbecue station. Over-water accommodation features glass floors and beach villas are equipped with muslin-draped daybeds that - cleverly - can be cantilevered over the pool. The resort is also big on action, with diving, kite-surfing and SeaBobs (which zoom underwater like dolphins). And there's a subterranean party place, too, with DJs spinning at the resort's 15 Below bar.NUMBER OF VILLAS 78British Airways Holidays (0844 493 0758; ba.com/maldives) offers seven nights from £2,933 per person share-facebook share-twitter share-whatsapp share-pinterest Cocoa Island, the Maldives South Malé AtollThe accommodation at this small and very tranquil resort is in 33 chic over-water villas, each with a generous private deck. So you gaze out at views of turquoise sea and fishing boats and when you feel more energetic you simply step down into the water; a coral reef teeming with marine life is a very short swim away. Of course, diving and watersports are available, but staff say most guests prefer to disappear into a world of their own. When they emerge, the tiny island offers an extensive Shambala spa and hydrotherapy pool at one end, while at the other there's an infinity-edged pool, bar, and restaurant serving Maldivian, Mediterranean and Asian cuisine. Sitting out on the soft white sands on this side of the island and watching the sunset soon becomes an addictive evening ritual. Ampersand Travel (020 7289 6100; ampersandtravel.com) offers seven nights from £2,625 per person share-facebook share-twitter share-whatsapp share-pinterest Lily Beach, the Maldives South Ari AtollTwo years ago a major refit took Lily Beach significantly upmarket and it became a luxury all-inclusive resort. The popularity of this combination shows little sign of diminishing: with 119 villas it is big enough to offer plenty of organised entertainment while still sufficiently small to retain a personal touch. The accommodation is sleek, and the complimentary facilities include two kids' clubs, catering for three- to six-year-olds and seven- to 12-year-olds. Activities there range from bug hunting to digging for treasure - and finding it.Destinology (0800 210 0422; destinology.co.uk) offers seven nights from £8,159 for a family of four (two adults, two children under 12), with all-inclusive accommodation share-facebook share-twitter share-whatsapp share-pinterest Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa, North Malé Atoll[/b] For all its glamour, a mood of laid-back friendliness is maintained at this 96-room resort and staff offer a particularly warm welcome to families, whether arranging beach picnics or excursions in dhoni fishing boats. The spa offers junior treatments ('Kuda sole' minty reflexology; 'miracle mud mask' facials); complimentary baby and children's toiletries are provided; the Reef Club (for Italian cuisine) and the Baraabaru (for Indian) have children's menus; and two clubs cater for small children and for teens. Best of all is the surf school, to which beginners, whether children or adults, are encouraged to go.GETTING THERE Elegant Resorts (01244 897538; elegantresorts.co.uk) offers seven nights from £8,680 for a family of four (two adults and two children under 12) based on a November departure share-facebook share-twitter share-whatsapp share-pinterest Kanuhura, the Maldives Lhaviyani AtollChildren get special treatment here, and can be whisked off to the Kids' Club (for four- to 11-year-olds), complete with junior-size windsurfers, or the cool Club One for 12- to 17-year-olds. There are also abundant options for all the family, from beach volleyball to table soccer. Set in an otherwise little-visited area of the archipelago, Kanuhura has 100 contemporary-chic villas, each with a butler who will organise anything from a highchair to a desert-island excursion.Seasons (01244 202000; seasons.co.uk) offers seven nights from £9,695 per family of four (two adults, two children under 12) share-facebook share-twitter share-whatsapp share-pinterest Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru, the Maldives North Malé AtollSmall and perfectly formed, Vabbinfaru is widely regarded as one of the best-looking islands in the Maldives and has an ideal ratio of beach to greenery, and a vibrant coral reef. The 48-villa resort here has won accolades for its marine-biology lab, the first of its kind to be run by a hotel group. Guests can take part in programmes such as reef and species checks with in-house divers and monitor the ongoing conservation of green sea turtles in the locality. Western & Oriental Travel (0845 277 3310; wandotravel.com) offers seven nights from £3,099 per person, full board share-facebook share-twitter share-whatsapp share-pinterest Soneva Gili by Six Senses, the Maldives North Malé AtollRustic-chic Soneva Gili is the Maldives' ultimate Robinson Crusoe retreat, its 45 water villas all thatch, decking and shutters. The mood of serenity and luxury becomes especially dreamy at the Six Senses over-water spa where glass panels beneath the massage tables add another dimension to the sensory experience. At this subtly finessed complex there's also a gym, a relaxation room with fabulous views and an Ayurvedic doctor on hand; treatments range from five-hour spa journeys to 60-minute fusion massages using a mix of techniques from Thai and Swedish to aromatherapy.Scott Dunn (020 8682 5075; scottdunn.com) offers seven nights from £3,530 per person, for a November departure share-facebook share-twitter share-whatsapp share-pinterest Angsana Ihuru, the Maldives North Malé AtollAngsana hotels are younger, funkier sisters to their Banyan Tree siblings, and this 45-villa resort exudes a gentle, eco-chic vibe. It has a large and very well-regarded spa, but the resort's really major attraction is the reef that encircles the island, widely held to be the best house reef in the Maldives. It is easily accessible from the beach and its stunning range of coral supports an enormous variety of marine life from schools of snapper and triggerfish to moray eels. White-tip reef shark are often seen at the dramatic drop-off, where the reef floor abruptly descends out of sight.Western & Oriental Travel (0845 277 3310; wandotravel.com) offers seven nights from £2,219 per person share-facebook share-twitter share-whatsapp share-pinterest Island Hideaway Spa Resort & Marina, the Maldives Haa Alifu AtollSet in a particularly undeveloped part of the Maldives' northernmost atoll, this aptly named resort has 43 secluded villas set between trees and abundant greenery. The underwater world at this barefootchic resort is especially unspoilt. The guided snorkelling trips of the house reef are impressive but it is the diving, operated by Meridis Dive, that is truly spectacular. At least 20 nearby dive sites have been surveyed including two ship wrecks and an area where on average 15 turtles are sighted per dive.Kuoni (01306 747008; kuoni.co.uk) offers seven nights from £2,149 per person share-facebook share-twitter share-whatsapp share-pinterest Anantara Dhigu, the Maldives South Malé Atoll You'll be conveniently close to Malé and the airport here, but the quality of the coral around the large lagoon is excellent and the waters are rich in fusiliers, turtles, spotted eagle rays and more. Thai-owned Anantara operates two properties on facing islands more or less as one resort. Together, Anantara Veli and larger, more luxurious Dhigu have 160 villas and seven restaurants, as well as one of the most go-ahead dive centres in the Maldives. Aquafanatics runs a wide range of courses from beginners to deepwater diving and visits around 25 sites nearby as well as others further afield. Ampersand Travel (020 7289 6100; ampersandtravel.com) offers seven nights from £2,175 per person share-facebook share-twitter share-whatsapp share-pinterest Conrad Maldives Rangali Island South Ari AtollThe advantages of size are wonderfully apparent here. The resort is spread over two islands linked by bridge and has 150 villas and seven impressive restaurants, including Vilu Restaurant (Asian-Mediterranean) and Koko Grill (Japanese). Most striking are the underground Wine Cellar, with a degustation menu to complement tastings, and the Ithaa Undersea restaurant which does exactly what it suggests: you dine 16ft below sea level looking out on to shoals of fish.Kuoni (01306 747008; kuoni.co.uk) offers seven nights from £3,055 per person share-facebook share-twitter share-whatsapp share-pinterest Vivanta by Taj – Coral Reef, the Maldives North Malé AtollAfter extensive refurbishment this 62-villa resort reopened last year as one of the Taj group's new-look affordable five-stars. There's no sense of skimping on style or the finer aspects of life here, with pleasingly spacious rooms, two restaurants for formal dining and more casual fare, and extensive watersports and diving. The charming staff have a real can-do enthusiasm. Greaves Travel (020 7487 9111; greavesindia.com) offers seven nights from £1,895 per person share-facebook share-twitter share-whatsapp share-pinterest Baros, the Maldives North Malé AtollThis understated, elegant resort has a loyal following. Among its most notable attractions are the cuisine (seafood at Cayenne Grill, Mediterranean at white-tented Lighthouse, informal meals at Lime) and the diving: new this year are innovative eco-dive courses.Abercrombie & Kent (0845 618 2214; abercrombiekent.co.uk) offers seven nights from £1,785 per personRead our feature on more of the best winter sun destinations


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Three weeks. See you later.
And now it's the wonderful Adrian Mole The Musical, which I absolutely love working on. A show whose book, lyrics and score are fresh, wittily complex and surprising, put together by a very talented hard working team, and which is still making me laugh out loud night after night despite having to work through a relentless 414 cues in two hours.
The unfed mind devours itself.
Gore Vidal
Waiting to open Door 4.
I had three very happy months working as part of Stage Crew for The Twilight Zone, during which I was known as The Spinnerman because I had to deal with the bloody bastard spinners (see above), which eventually I made my peace with. I was also Door 4. No one who worked on the show will forget Door 4 in a hurry.
Just had a very hard session talking about my Mum. He said if together we don't help me sort out my problems related to her before she dies, I'll end up on pills. which pulled me up sharp. I know he's right. So he suggested I need to take a period of time I can control, every day, to think about the "bad stuff" between her and me, and then let my thoughts be as normal for the rest of the day. So job done and I'm moving on to other things – see photo.
(I also acknowledged how much of my coping mechanism through life has been with the weapon of humour, but that's a subject for another day.)
I've just re-read that last post. It's so gloomy and I'm doing OK, so here's a photo of a lovely tree near where I live. I have no idea what it is.
So for whatever reason my blogging has dried up for months. Despite all the family nightmares I've been through, I stopped writing my diary (partly because the quiet periods I had to do it at work were taken over by busy shows), I paused this and I wrote less social emails. I used to write a handwritten letter to Mum and Dad every week. Dad has filed them all away neatly in a box. I think he hoped I would publish them. Then when Dad died I stopped those, as Mum couldn't really read them.
On the upside though I have completed two plays, and I am in the middle of a third, and early signs are this latest one will be a breakthrough. So I have been writing (despite the fact that the t key on my keyboard isn't working properly). And reading, and going to the theatre and exhibitions, and I'm taking a holiday soon.
I started seeing a psychotherapist to help support my mental health through the stress of dealing with my parents, but inevitably I've ended up working on myself – and as he says, the magic is beginning to work. I thought I was quite "normal" and problem-free, having no idea of how highly anxious I am because of stuff I won't write about here. Although I still have a way to go, the changes I am experiencing are amazing. So I guess the talking has taken over from the writing.
Mum is in a care home, something which I promised her would never happen. But she wanted it, and we could no longer afford the care she needed in our family home. Soon we will have to sell the home to pay for her care which will break my heart.
The personal nightmare of the past nine months has played out against the broader canvas of divisive, unsettled times everywhere, which made everything even harder. It's been a perfect storm. But as my Dad always said, there's far more people worse off.
I'm still stuck with the Devil Cat, now renamed Villanelle. 18 years old, deaf, arthritic and with years of hyperthyroidism, she's going nowhere other than into a battle of wills between me every day.
Life goes on.
In February Dad had to go into hospital and he spent some weeks there. Because Mum could not be left at home on her own, my brother and I came to be with them both; one of us at the hospital, the other at home. I'd sit with Dad for about five hours each day. We sat together chatting or in comfortable silence. He would be sitting on the chair next to his bed, the smartest dressed man on the ward as the hospital staff would often comment, and when he became tired he would lean gently forward and close his eyes. Anyone would think he was asleep but for the slight smile I'd see on his lips. What he was doing was listening. Listening to the snatches of conversations between staff and patients, staff with staff, patients with other patients, and patients and their visitors. Not only that, but he'd be listening to every phone ringing, every alarm bleeping, every machine buzzing. The life of the hospital was all there behind his closed eyes.
This was so typical of Dad, a man who was endlessly interested in everything going on around him: in his family, in the communities he belonged to, and in the political and social life of this country and the wider world.
Some years ago, we were having Christmas Day lunch in a restaurant. My partner took a photo on his mobile phone of us all and sent it to a couple of our friends in America whom Mum and Dad had met previously in person when they had visited the UK for a holiday. Minutes later the Americans sent back a photo of themselves. Dad just couldn't get over the wonder of this, of how technology joins up two sides of the world in an instant. When he had a stent inserted into an artery, he watched his whole operation live on a monitor in the hospital operating theatre. Life has changed so rapidly for us all in the past couple of decades, but Dad always kept himself informed and up-to-date on science and technology even though life changed beyond imagining in his lifetime.
As much as he was fascinated by what mankind has achieved, he never forgot the unsung individuals who created what we have and see around us. One of Mum and Dad's favourite television programmes was Inspector Montalbano, filmed in Sicily, in towns nestling in mountains dominated by monumental 17th and 18th century buildings. Dad didn't just marvel at their beauty but wondered about the men who had built the towns, the conditions they had worked in and the tools they had used. Looking at a mobile phone he would wonder about the components it is made of; who had made the individual parts and who had put them all together. His mind was fascinated by all levels of invention and creation.
Dad was an engineer, and I am not. Superficially our interests were very different. I read novels and play the piano and did a degree in Drama, but both Mum and Dad opened the world up to me during my childhood. I play the piano because they bought me a piano, I read novels because they gave me access to Harrogate Library, I work in the theatre because they took me to the Harrogate Theatre. We had holidays in London and I saw many plays and musicals in the West End. We saw Richard Briers in a play, and Mum and Dad took me to the stage door afterwards to see him. He came out long after the rest of the cast, apologising profusely for us having to wait for him, much to Dad's amusement, We also saw what is now an iconic production of Guys and Dolls at the National Theatre when I was 18. We sat at the side of the Olivier auditorium right behind the band, and Dad was delighted by the bass player who appeared to nod off between musical numbers and then jump to attention the second he had to play. When we were on holiday near Stratford-upon-Avon and they took me to see a Royal Shakespeare Company's production of A Midsummer Night's Dream, and I remember Dad rocking with uncontrollable laughter. I now realise is was a young Richard Griffiths who made him laugh so much. They took me on holidays all over England, Wales and Scotland visiting castles and large houses, wildlife areas and anything of interest.
Amother way Dad believed in broadening life's experiences was by changing jobs regularly. He broke away from a potential life down the mines, and later gained a degree in Maths from the Open University. After getting my own degree, they waved goodbye to me as I took up just a month's job at the Victoria Palace theatre in London operating a followspot, Now, thinking back, I can't imagine the pulling and pushing emotions they must have felt. I've lived in London ever since. When I gave up a later career in teaching and took up a part time job in a West End theatre last year (history repeating itself) I thought he would be disappointed in me. But he wasn't at all. He could see how tough teaching is and wanted me to leave it. Mum's hearing declined and I started to write a weekly letter to them both. Dad loved my letters and said they should be published. He has them all filed neatly in a box. He was fascinated by my descriptions of the repeated but ever changing nightly performances, of life backstage and the actors and theatre staff I work with. He became interested in the business of theatre, how it's run, where the money comes from that sets a production going, and how it then makes money. And he also cared about the people working in it, asking me regularly if the shows had good audiences. He understood both how precarious and how exciting it is..
Dad always said he was lucky in his career, by which he defined his life. He said so often he was in the right place at the right time. In his last month he began telling his life story in terms of his working life. It was his way of telling my brother and me to nurture contacts and connections, to think about the people around us, to keep an eye out for opportunities and take them when they come. I don't think Dad was lucky. I think he was valued and cared for by the people he met in life. He was given opportunities because he proved himself, he worked hard and diligently, he was kind and respectful. He was always learning, always questioning. He was a true life force: reflective, full of wisdom and advice, and simply one of the funniest people I have known, Dad questioned everything, swam against the tide and was always true to himself.
Dad died this morning and his suffering is over.
He helped build the engine of this plane.


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Building a career in sales requires as much sowing as harvesting. Yet too many sales techniques focus only on finding the "ripe and ready" deals today, with little planning for the future. Do you want a quick deal, or do you want a career?
Why do most salespeople wash out of their industries so quickly? For example, about 60% of new real estate agents don't make it past the year and a half mark; nearly 90% never make it past five years. Some people blame the commission-only structure of most sales positions, yet the top producers in any industry seem to make that structure work just fine. Others blame the low barrier to entry, attracting people with little or no background in being their own boss or running their own business – yet every office has a manager and every industry association offers a plethora of sales courses.
Yet the fact remains, most salespeople simply don't last.
In our experience, the turn-over rate isn't because they can't find a sale to make this month. With the amount of leads that companies can generate today for their new salespeople, getting going shouldn't really be a challenge. But the lead generation angle offers us a very good vantage point to see the problem of why so many salespeople don't last: Our research shows that more than 88% of leads assigned to salespeople are simply abandoned after a few short days, at most a couple of weeks. Which gives us a very good idea as to how salespeople who get going still don't last.
They don't sow the seeds of their future harvests.
Marketing won't do this for them, either. Marketing generates awareness, but its call to action is immediate; unless a customer is in the active consideration or evaluation stage, marketing isn't a long-term sowing strategy. What long term sales viability requires is prospecting. Long-term relationship building with prospective new clients; and long-term relationship maintenance with past clients. To sow your future sales, you must work the harvest in multiple stages: fertilizing, seeding, nurturing and cultivating your future bounty.
Plenty of traditional prospecting methods exist: Anything that creates a conversational moment works – from a telephone call to a lunch meeting to a social gathering. Even online social networking will do it, because it requires you to interact with people as people, as relationships, not an immediate "hey-you-wanna-buy-a-watch?" moments.
But in the market of the foreseeable future, creating a solid foundation for a sales career requires more diligent effort over a longer period of time. Decision making has slowed down significantly, as consumers continue to de-leverage and delay purchases big and small. So you'll need to adopt new long-term strategies that will pay off during your career – if you have a long-term strategy. For example:
- First time home buyers aren't going to "bounce back" any time soon. The numbers just don't add up. With interest rates locked at nearly-nothing for the next two years, their parents and grandparents won't earn enough on their savings or fixed-income investments to offer downpayment cash as readily as they once did. And today's twenty-somethings continue to graduate with record sums of credit card and college tuition debt. If you're interested in first-time buyers for your future business, you're might consider working with them far in advance – years in advance – of their potential purchase date. Offering advice on managing their credit, financial planning and savings during their late teens and early 20s might be the kind of prospecting required to prepare them to be your customer and break the stay-at-home-until-thirty Gen Y trend.
- People going through a foreclosure today are solid opportunities for the future. Even if they cannot afford their home today, owners in foreclosure represent consumers who bought a home before and will probably wish to do so again someday. Reaching out to offer them some assistance – not necessarily listing their home or even helping them find an apartment – would make a huge impact on someone going through a tough time. Simple things like putting them in contact with good movers, offering a postal-mail changing service, or ideas on rehabilitating their credit for their eventual return to the housing market in a few years position you as the person who reached out during tough times, not just when you needed an immediate sale.
- Mentoring other agents can be a powerful long-term prospecting tool. Even new agents can mentor other agents by motivating each other, creating momentum and sharing ideas on topics like technology that don't require a long sales record. But why limit yourself just to agents in your office? Why not reach out to an agent in another company who has lost a listing or had a sale fall through, and take them to lunch? Provide them some encouragement and support – you don't have to recruit them – keeping in mind they will be an important source of buyers for your future listings.
Of course, each of these examples focuses on people who are in some sort of troubled waters. Certainly, long-term prospecting doesn't mean only finding distressed situations, but arguably such moments are opportunities when you can be of great value to people without much more than a handshake or a hug. Reposition these examples in your mind for good times, too: Congratulating a seller on moving into a new home (even if it wasn't your listing or sale!) or mentoring agents whose careers are on an upward trend represent equally smart ways to build long-term relationships.
All that's required is a small shift in focus away from simply making a sale with every activity, to building a career for the long term.


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Before another Skype member can contact you on Skype, he must send you a permission request. If you accept this request, the Skype user will become one of your Skype contacts. However, you can also choose to deny the permission request. Should you accidentally deny this permission request, you can later choose to unblock the Skype member and restore him as one of your Skype contacts.
Double-click the Skype icon on your computer.
Enter your Skype username and password and click the "Sign In" button.
Select the "Contacts" option.
Select the "Advanced" option.
Click the "Manage Blocked Contacts" option.
Select the blocked user you accidentally denied permission to.
Click the "Unblock" button. You have now restored permission for the blocked individual to communicate with you on Skype.
Resources (1)
Photo Credits
- Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images


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Scott Inness Apron - Gooseberry Thistle
To go to the main shop and view the products in your shopping bag click here
Scott Inness Apron - Gooseberry Thistle
Price: £18.99
"A touch of kitchen chic!
This Gooseberry Thistle apron is part of the Scotland in Design range from Scott Inness - and a very striking design it is too!
Made from premium-quality cotton drill. A lovely gift idea - the apron is lightweight and ideal for posting.
Why not team it up with the matching Gooseberry Thistle tea towel?
Size: L 86cm x W 61cm approx
Background colour: cream
Black cotton ties
100% cotton drill
Water-based inks
Made in the UK


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Ted Smith, Royal Marine Commando at British, American & German Cemeteries
There are Twenty Eight Allied Gardens of Remembrance in Normandy, plus Six German. Two American, Two Canadian, Sixteen British & Commonwealth, One Polish, One French and Six German. All of the Cemeteries in La Manche and Calvados are listed.
A total over 130,000 servicemen from both sides lost their live here in Normandy.
All photographs are the copyright of Hand Maid Tours, please ask before you use them.
For problems or questions regarding this web contact email@example.com


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With a spectacular setting and two solid actors on-screen, this thriller builds enough solid suspense to distract the audience from the implausible premise. Frankly, the screenwriter might have got away with it if he had avoided the temptation to indulge in some wacky bunny-boiler plotting. But Michael Douglas and Jeremy Irvine throw themselves into the situation in a way that's both gripping and entertaining.
In rural New Mexico, local orphan Ben (Irvine) has found happiness with his girlfriend Laina (Hanna Mangan Lawrence). Then she heads to Denver for university, so he throws himself into his job as a tracker working with the local small-town sheriff (Ronny Cox). His next job is to escort the cocky billionaire John (Douglas) out to the reach to hunt bighorn. But once the two men are in the wilderness, an unexpected incident reveals John's willingness to ignore the law. And now he needs to silence Ben. So John sends Ben into the desert wearing just his underpants, following him to make sure he dies unsuspiciously in the cruel sunshine. But he of course underestimates Ben's experience and resourcefulness.
The cat-and-mouse story holds the interest due to the actors, because it's never remotely believable that John's fancy jeep could keep up with the fleet-footed Ben through all of these rock-strewn mountains and ravines. And there's never even the slightest explanation for John's sudden burst of sadism. But never mind, Douglas sells the character through sheer charisma, swaggering across the Wild West like a man who has never lost at anything and doesn't intend to now. Meanwhile, Irvine throws himself into a physically demanding role that has some surprising emotional resonance. His moral dilemma is palpable, as his integrity wobbles in the face of a fistful of cash. Together, they make a terrific odd couple, with their constant distrusting glances and bald-faced bravado.
Continue reading: Beyond The Reach Review
The cast and crew of forthcoming thriller 'Beyond The Reach' including producer Robert Mitas, director Jean Baptiste Leonetti, and stars Jeremy Irvine and Michael Douglas, discuss the making of the movie in a new featurette. Everyone had a lot of praise for the two leading actors.
Continue: Beyond The Reach - Featurette
Deserts are inhospitable places at the best of times. For one young man, things are about to become a whole lot worse. Ben (Jeremy Irvine) has been living on the edge of civilisation for years, helping to lead trappers and hunters safely through the desert to experience some of the most wild and dangerous hunting on the planet. When he is employed by Madec (Michael Douglas), a wealthy business man who has a taste for hunting, he drives out beyond an area known as The Reach. During their hunting, Madec shoots at a target, obscured by the sun's glare, which later turns out to have been a person. With his business at stake if the world discovers what he has done, Madec decides to leave no witnesses, and opts to let the desert kill Ben. Ben, however, has other ideas.
Continue: Beyond The Reach Trailer
Evan (Murphy) is a high-flying financial executive who's not as attentive to his perky daughter Olivia (Shahidi) as he should be. Sharing custody with his ex (Parker), he only barely hears what Olivia says, and is shocked to discover that her imaginary friends are giving sound investment advice. So he starts using their tips at work, which both improves his job prospects and his relationship with Olivia. But this comes undone when his boss (Cox) offers a prime promotion to either him or his smarmy office rival (Church).
Continue reading: Imagine That Review
For Evan Danielson (Murphy), life centers solely on work. As a financial advisor for major companies and clients, he must stay ahead of the competition both outside and within the firm. His chief competition is the newly hired Johnny Whitefeather (Thomas Haden Church). Playing up his Native American connections, the rival undermines Evan's confidence and when their boss Tom Stevens (Ronny Cox) suggests he will be stepping down, the race to replace him is on. Unfortunately, our hero's plans are complicated by the arrival of his daughter Olivia (Yara Shahidi). Still lost in a world of imaginary friends and security blankets, she tries her dad's nerves -- that is, until her fantasy games start accurately predicting fiscal trends. Soon, Evan is desperate for Olivia's help, hoping it will land him the big promotion.
Continue reading: Imagine That Review
Ronny Cox Saturday 6th June 2009 Los Angeles Premiere of 'Imagine That' held at the Paramount Theatre - arrivals Hollywood, California, USA
The place is Detroit, the time sometime in the near future. The part of the city known as "Old Detroit" is a cesspool of grime, slums, and toxic sludge; "New Detroit" is an empty promise of a shining new city that we see only on billboards. The police force is privatized, and one of its officers, Alex J. Murphy (Peter Weller) is grotesquely wounded during a fight with a gang. OCP, the company running the force, has had back luck creating a purely mechanical cop. So it claims Murphy's nearly-dead body and transforms it into a man-machine hybrid that's programmed to perform police work ethically. On his first night on the beat, he stops a rape in progress, shooting the rapist in the crotch and telling the woman in a chill monotone: "You have suffered an emotional shock. I will notify a rape crisis center."
Continue reading: RoboCop Review
Like a series of linked MAD TV skits done without regard to network censors - the humor is about that intelligent - the film presents the 1992 Rodney King beating and subsequent riots as a grand comic opera of greed and stupidity, going after everybody involved with equal vigor. One can get a feel for how writer/director Marc Klasfeld intends to approach his subject a few minutes in, when the car chase and police beating of King (T.K. Carter) is done as a jokey game, with a police helicopter pilot serving as the announcer ("and they're off!"), while the cops themselves, having pulled King over, place beats over the ethnicity of the guy inside. Then Snoop Dogg shows up - serving, appropriately enough, as the film's narrator and chorus - to introduce the film proper, while fireworks go off behind him.
Continue reading: The L.A. Riot Spectacular Review
Hutton plays Brian, a loyal student and rising senior at a prestigious military school. With the school on the verge of closing, Brian and his classmates bear arms so the school remains open. Things start off grandly, with the boys holding off the state police and standing for their principles. As the days pass and the stakes get higher, the students (some of whom aren't in their teens) unravel. Are they doing the right thing or are they sticking with a lost cause?
Continue reading: Taps Review
Beverly Hills Cop is actually a bit of a nutty idea -- combine a standard cop actioner with a fish out of water tale. Who would've thought that would be any good? But it works, and how, with Murphy turning in perhaps his funniest performance ever -- mocking the supporting cast at every turn (favorite targets: gay men, uptight men, and gay/uptight men) and tossing off one-liners like he's got a wad of them stuffed in his pocket. His Axel Foley, one of the most widely impersonated characters in film (remember the popularity of the "Mumford Phys. Ed." sweatshirt?), heads from rough-and-tumble Detroit to prim-and-proper Beverly Hills to investigate the murder of his best friend, uncovering a much bigger plot, of course.
Continue reading: Beverly Hills Cop Review
Listen to the band's live rendition of their song on Discovr.
Watch the video for their song 'Eclipse'.
What's new in the music world this week?
LCD Soundsystem was released on this day (January 24) in 2005.
Watch three incredible live performances from Discovr.TV.
Don't miss the K-pop titans' return to Europe.
Listen to Alex Bayly performing 'Animal'.
With a spectacular setting and two solid actors on-screen, this thriller builds enough solid suspense...
The cast and crew of forthcoming thriller 'Beyond The Reach' including producer Robert Mitas, director...
Deserts are inhospitable places at the best of times. For one young man, things are...
Undemanding audiences may warm to the strong cast and crew of this family comedy, even...
Watch the trailer for Imagine That.Evan is a very successful businessman but doesn't really take...
Arnold Schwarzenegger made a smart bet with Paul Verhoeven's futuristic splatter-pic Total Recall. Unlike...


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VIRGINIA WATER, England, March 18 (UPI) -- Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods lead the men's world golf rankings, which had no changes in the Top 10 this week.
McIlroy has a scoring points average of 11.50 and Woods is second at 10.35 with just a few weeks before the year's first major tournament, the Masters.
Luke Donald is third with an average of 7.16 followed by Brandt Snedeker in fourth with a 6.47 average and No. 5 Justin Rose not far behind at 6.44.
Louis Oosthuizen is sixth at 6.14 followed by Adam Scott with an average of 5.93 and Steve Stricker in eighth at 5.83. Matt Kuchar (5.46) and Phil Mickelson (5.44) round out the Top 10.
Kevin Streelman won the PGA Tour's Tampa Bay Championship Sunday. It was his first PGA victory and pushes him to 74th in the world rankings. That is an improvement of 131 spots from last week.
Thomas Aiken won the European Tour's stop in India, a title that lifts him from 129th to No. 90 in the rankings.


text: Welcome to Ready4Remodel, where we help buyers "Buy Fixer Homes with Fixer Loans" specializing in the FHA 203(k), HomePath & HomeStyle renovation loan programs. This is the tutorial video for the Ready4Remodel Real Estate Agent, Lender, Contractor or Home Goods and Services member who wants to build their business while revitalizing the communities they serve. http://www.ready4remodel.com


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Born to run (again): Bruce Springsteen returns to Hard Rock Calling festival
Bruce Springsteen will return to the Hard Rock Calling festival this summer, 12 months after his sound was turned off because of a noise curfew.
He will play again with the E Street Band at the event's new location at the Olympic Park on Sunday June 30, supported by the Black Crowes and Alabama Shakes; on the previous evening, indie-rockers Kasabian will headline, supported by mods Paul Weller and Miles Kane.
Last summer, Springsteen and Sir Paul McCartney - a surprise guest during an encore of I Saw Her Standing There and Twist and Shout - had their microphones turned off before they could thank the crowds. They had exceeded a three-hour time limit, exercised to comply with late-night noise restrictions.
The E Street Band's…


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Virginia TechPh.D. Human Development
Tata Institute of Social SciencesM.S. Social Work with focus on Children and Families
Saliha Bava, Ph.D. LMFT is an Associate Professor of Marriage and Family Therapy at Mercy College, Dobbs Ferry, NY. She is a Board Member of American Family Therapy Academy (AFTA) and an AAMFT Approved Supervisor. In her NYC-based private practice, she sees couples and coaches therapists in business and clinical practices. Her focus on performative methodologies, dialogue as socially just and hyperlinked identities is part of academic activism where she questions the dominant discourses of research methodology, social justice, and identity. She also specializes in trauma, cross-cultural relationships, digital life, teaching/learning and leadership. For 20+ years, she has consulted, designed and implemented performance/play-based and dialogic processes within organizational, community, family, learning and research systems. She is currently researching how people play. She lives in NYC with her partner and bonus son. Visit ThinkPlayPartners.com/playlab to learn more about her play projects and visit salihabava.com to learn more about her consulting practice.


text: Residents look for survivors after what activists said was a barrel bomb was dropped by government forces [Abdalrhman Ismail/Reuters] Syria's army and its allies have broken a three-year rebel siege of two Shia towns in northwest Syria, the government and rebel groups said, cutting off a main supply route to nearby Turkey. The breakthrough comes after days of rapid military gains north of the major city of Aleppo, with Russian air strikes playing a key role in the advance. The two towns of Nubul and Zahraa, with an estimated 60,000 population, are connected to the border by areas under the control of Kurdish militias that provided access. The Levant Front rebel group said the siege was broken "after three days of legendary resistance by the revolutionaries facing the Russian military machine, and after more than 500 raids by Russian air planes", Reuters news agency reported. READ MORE: Syria peace talks plunged into new crisis Syria's state news agency SANA reported on Thursday "mass celebrations in the streets of Nubul and Zahraa welcoming army troops and celebrating the breaking of the siege". The Al-Manar television station of Lebanese militia Hezbollah broadcast what it said was exclusive footage of Syrian government and allied fighters entering the towns. The channel showed crowds embracing soldiers and militiamen who fired into the air as they arrived. The two towns had been besieged by rebels since 2012, and reaching them had long been a goal of the government, which has also sought to sever key rebel supply routes into Aleppo from Turkey. Al Jazeera's Zeina Khodr, reporting from Gaziantep, Turkey, said that in taking the towns, the government achieved in three days what it's been trying to do for three years. "There is no doubt this is a decisive turning point because at the end of the day, Turkey is the lifeline for the opposition. What we understand from pro-government sources is that this is just the beginning - the aim is to reach the Turkish border." Meanwhile, UN-mediated talks in Geneva to end the war in Syria were paused on Wednesday until February 25. US Secretary of State John Kerry blamed the Syrian government and its Russian allies for the stall in negotiations. "The continued assault by Syrian regime forces - enabled by Russian air strikes - against opposition-held areas, as well as regime and allied militias' continued besiegement of hundreds of thousands of civilians, have clearly signalled the intention to seek a military solution rather than enable a political one," Kerry said in a statement. Sergei Lavrov, the Russian foreign minister, said on Wednesday that the bombardment would continue. "Russian strikes will not cease until we really defeat terrorist organisations like Jabhat al-Nusra. And I don't see why these air strikes should be stopped," he said. The conflict, that has lasted nearly five years, has resulted in more than 250,000 Syrians being killed. The civil war has also displaced millions more and sent hundreds of thousands fleeing as refugees to Europe. Steven Heydemann, a professor of Middle East studies at Smith College in the US, told Al Jazeera that the country was now likely to see an upsurge in fighting after the military advancements by government forces. "My sense is that what we have now created are incentives for the opposition and its regional backers to escalate their military activity in response to what they're confronting from the regime and that we're entering a period where we'll see a spiral upward in the level of violence," Heydemann said. The Syrian government and its allies were also on the offensive against rebels south of Aleppo, Syria's commercial centre, and against Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant to the east of the city split between government and rebel control. Alongside heavy Russian aerial support, the advances have been made possible by ground troops from Lebanon's Hezbollah movement and Iranian-backed militias that support President Bashar al-Assad's government. The Russia air strikes that began in September tilted the war in Assad's favour. Reports said pro-government militias from the besieged towns were able to link up with advancing Syrian army troops after the town of Maarsteh al-Khan fell. Breaking the siege opens a direct route for the Syrian army to Kurdish-controlled Afrin and brings them closer to areas run by Turkish-backed rebels near the Turkish border. Defence strategists said that the two heavily garrisoned towns could become a launching pad for the Syrian army and its allies for wider territorial gains in northern Aleppo province and to tighten the encirclement of the rebel-held part of Aleppo city. Syria rebels face strong government threat in Aleppo SOURCE: Al Jazeera and agencies War Russia United States Hezbollah Middle East


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This time I went pulp with a version of an old Hollow Earth Expedition character, Gorilla Ace!
GORRILA ACE! (aka Rowland Cabot)
Affiliations: Solo d6, Buddy d10, Team d8
Distinctions: Barnstormer, Freak of Science!, It's a Talking Gorilla!
POWER SETS: Man Turned Gorilla! Enhanced Reflexes d8, Enhanced Strength d8, Enhanced Senses d8, Enhanced Durability d8; SFX, Berserk: Borrow a doom pool die for an action, return it with a step up afterward; SFX, Second Wind: Move physical stress to doom pool for a +1 step on a die during an action; Limit, Science Gone Wrong!: 1pp when affected by Nazi science or tech.
Specialities: Acrobatic Expert, Combat Expert, Vehicle Master
Milestones: A Talking Gorilla! 1XP when he surprises crowds with his intelligence, 3XP when he uses a power stunt to save a person, 10XP when he sacrifices himself to save others.
Damn These Nazis! 1XP when he becomes involved in any adventure fighting other Nazi science experiments gone wrong, 3XP when he goes berserk on Nazis, 10XP when he stops a major Nazi superscience plot, or turns his back on aiding in stopping the same.
Rowland Cabot was a WWI pilot from Yorkshire who had been a barnstormer for the last decade and a half when he stumbled into a Nazi plot to create strange hybrids of man and beast. While in the middle of battling the bad guys, he was accidentally infected with Gorilla Serum, turning him into a Gorilla-Man.
And here's my take on a similarly flavored character, Atomic Robo (read the comic…right now!)
Affiliation: Solo d10, Buddy d6, Team d8
Distinctions: Born of Science!, Curious, Stubborn
Tesla's Robot Man: Superhuman Strength d10, Superhuman Durability d10, Superhuman Stamina d10, Enhanced Senses d8; SFX, Second Wind: Can shift physical stress to the doom pool in exchange for a +1 step on an action; Limit: Cannot heal physical trauma. Must be repaired by another character/NPC.
Gadgets Galore: Weapon d8, Enhanced Durability (Armor vest) d8; SFX, Pockets: 1PP to gain a d6 asset; SFX, Totemic Weapon: Gains d6 to pool when using his Webley MK VI .455 or his new Chiappa Rhino .357 revolvers; Limit, Gear
Specialities: Combat Expert, Crime Expert, Science Master, Tech Master, Vehicle Expert
Milestones: Tesladyne & the Action Scientists: 1XP when he uses Tesladyne assets or the Action Scientists in a mission, 3XP when he uses an asset or complication involving Tesladyne, 10XP when his actions improve or harm the reputation of Tesladyne, or lead to the injury/death of a colleague.
Weird Science! 1XP whenever confronted with a mystery involving weird science, 3XP when he uses science or tech-based stunt to thwart bad guys, 10XP when he solves a mystery involving weird science, or is bested by his opponent using the same.


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Strategically located in the heart of Hitech city IT hub near companies like Punj lloyd, Broad Ridge, NTT Data, Deloitte, Novartis, Dell, Oracle, TCS, Value Labs, HCL etc., Hotel Serenity La Vista, Hyderabad, is a budget hotel in Hyderabad. The hotel comes with fully furnished a/c accommodation which are a convenient and smart alternative to hotel suites. Hotel Serenity La Vista, Hyderabad, represents the merger of traditional hospitality and warmness with the finest of modern comfort. The hotel offers 20 well-appointed rooms which are some of the best rooms in Hyderabad. Each room has a distinct style, combining contemporary chic with traditional decor. The hotel also has an in-house restaurant that serves lip-smacking multi-cuisine food. The hotel offers a host of facilities such as Wi-Fi access, games room, 24-hour service and travel desk. Stay at Hotel Serenity La Vista, Hyderabad, and experience the best hospitality in the city on a budget.
Nearby Restaurant & Pubs
· Little Italy
· Prego
· Tabla
· Rotis
· Slounge
Distance to Property from
· Airport – 36.2Kms
· Central Railway Station – 14.5Kms
· Central Bus Station - 17.5Kms
· Car Rental
· Business Centre
Studio Single Occupancy (A/C)
Prices are per accommodation
Taxes extra as applicable
Studio Double Occupancy (A/C)
Prices are per accommodation
Taxes extra as applicable
We have been using Staybazar's services to accommodate our employees at Serviced Apartments in Chennai, Hyderabad & Mumbai during our business travels and have found the properties to be economical & value for money. The wide geographic spread of the locations enable us to find properties at ease & close to our business locations.
Head of Services Delivery, Vitage Systems , Bangalore Oct 8, 2015
We regularly use Serviced Apartments of Staybazar to accommodate our employees who come to Mumbai for induction, training, etc. We use their Service Apartments in Mumbai for our business travel as well. We are happy with the properties they have, they are close our business locations, economical and qualitative.
Prashant Reddy
Regional Manager - Administration, JustDial, Mumbai Oct 7, 2015
We regularly use accommodation of Staybazar for our business travel. We have also used their services for group accommodation of our trainees and another group of senior management. We are happy with the properties they have and are also happy with their fabulous services.
Senior Executive - Admin, Polycab Wires, Bangalore Oct 8, 2015
Staybazar has provided excellent service by getting me a room at the right place for the right price. My stay at the recommended property was comfortable.
Ganesh Gopalakrishnan
Bahrain Sep 29, 2015
Very very very nice arrangement we all were very happy n satisfied with the apartment provided ................ Value for the money spent. Thanks Staybazar !!! Good job thanks
Crispin D'Phena
Mumbai Oct 17, 2015
Kudos to Staybaar and specially to Rajasree for pleasant service. It is just "Wao Effect" for me! Actually, Started with my bad Morning when I missed my flight from Bangalore to Pune; All the meeting alignment went for toss due to this delay. Finally reached Pune by taking another flight via Mumbai and could re-align my meeting on track. Rajasree played very important role to make sure my stay at Pune is comfortable and pleasant after this bad Morning. As I was already behind my schedule, hence I could not think of booking the Hotel because of my un-certain meeting schedule. However, she was updating me the status about my stay while I was on my way in cab for the client meet. She was keeping close observation and made sure get the very comfortable serviced apartment in my budget.
Amresh Kumar
Bangalore Dec 24, 2015


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Norfolk camping & glamping holidays
Top Farm offers a range of year-round camping and glamping accommodation in the picturesque countryside of rural north Norfolk. The campsite directly adjoins 350 acres of wood and heath land, that's home to an array of wildlife, which can be enjoyed whilst soaking up the splendid views or on one of the many walking and cycling routes.
All visitors to Top Farm are extended a warm welcome and you'll soon feel at home in this tranquil and secluded location, far from the madding crowd or any other kind of crowd for that matter!
Our camping pitchs offer everything you need for a great camping holiday;
splendid views, modern facilities, electric hook-ups, a fire pit and covered cooking.
Fancy a walk on the wild side of Top Farm!? Then try our wild camping field!
We offer a fantastic range of glamping accommodation including;
bell tents, camping cabins and our beautiful shepherds huts.
Caravans & Campers
We have a dedicated site for your touring caravan, campervan or trailer tent, the meadow offers fantastic views,
is ideally located next to washing facilities and electric hook-ups are available for all.
Exclusive Event & Wedding Venue Hire
Top Farm's seven-acre Festival Field is available for exclusive hire, including indoor and covered areas, as well as our
camping cabins and ample room for many guests to camp. Don't delay plan your very own two-night mini-festival today,
with live music, bouncy castles or even a helter-skelter – the sky's the limit!
Ideal for Weddings, Birthdays, Anniversaries or just your very own family and friend 'Micro Glastonbury'.
Site Tour


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Top 10 books about Omega-3 October 04 2012
If you would like to learn more in-depth information about fish oil and Omega-3, we compiled a list of top 10 books about fish oil and Omega-3 fatty acids. Most of these books are available on amazon.com.
Please note that we are not affiliated with any of the authors, publishers, or sellers of these books -
Omega-3 Handbook by Gretchen K Vannice (Sep 2011)
The Ultimate Omega-3 Diet: Maximize the Power of Omega-3s to Supercharge Your Health, Battle Inflammation, and Keep Your Mind Sharp by Evelyn Tribole (May 2007)
The Omega-3 Connection: The Groundbreaking Antidepression Diet and Brain Program by Andrew L. Stoll (Mar 2002)
The Missing Wellness Factors-EPA and DHA: The Most Important Nutrients Since Vitamins? by Jorn, M.D. Dyerberg and Richard A., Ph.d. Passwater (May 2012)
The Omega-3 Effect: Everything You Need to Know About the Supernutrient for Living Longer, Happier, and Healthier by William Sears and James Sears (Aug 2012)
The Queen of Fats: Why Omega-3s Were Removed from the Western Diet and What We Can Do to Replace Them (California Studies in Food and Culture) by Susan Allport (Jan 2008)
Fish Oil: The Natural Anti-inflammatory by Joseph C. Maroon and Jeffrey Bost (Oct 2006)
Omega Rx Zone: The Miracle of the New High-Dose Fish Oil by Barry Sears (Dec 2004)
Beneficial Effects of Fish Oil on Human Brain / Edition 1 by Akhlaq A. Farooqui (Jul 2009)
The Fats of Life: Essential Fatty Acids in Health and Disease by Glen D. Lawrence (Feb 2010)


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In a heartbreaking turn of events a Brazilian footballer has been killed in a Colombian jet crash just one week after he found out he was going to be a father.
A chartered plane carrying one of Brazil's top football teams Chapecoense has crashed into mountains in Columbia killing over 70 people.
The aircraft reportedly went down near the town of La Ceja, in a remote area of Colombia, after taking off from Bolivian airport amid reports of on board 'electrical problems'.Among the dead was Chapecoense forward Tiago da Rocha Vieira, also known as Tiaguinho, who found out about his wife's pregnancy just one week before the crash.


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Hotels and serviced apartments
This year's Moodle Moot is being hosted in sunny Brisbane. For your convenience, we recommend staying in South Bank or South Brisbane. This ensures you'll be the shortest possible walking distance to BCEC. In terms of proximity to BCEC, the closest options are Rydges South Bank, Mantra South Bank, Vine Serviced Apartments, Capitol Apartments and Menso at Southbank.
Search for places to stay.
As an alternative, if you're on a tight budget, a large group or prefer a more homely place to stay, you might wish to check out Airbnb.


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Happy Planet Climate Change Awareness and Mitigation hit the headlines as an exciting new project getting the go-ahead from IAHV's inspirational founder Sri Sri Ravi Shankar on his UK tour on 13th June 2016.
You and Your CO2 Emissions:
Donate to Happy Planet to Compensate!
Every time you produce carbon dioxide, it counts against the global carbon budget, meaning, it contributes to global warming. To combat climate change, you can pay a carbon fee according to the UK average carbon footprint, or you can pay according to flights you have taken, or you can by by or what you want and can afford. Here are some examples:
$20 is the US government's department of energy figure for an effective carbon price.
- 10 tonnes/person/year is the UK average * $20 (£16) = $200 (£160)
- London → Bangalore 2.5 Tonnes return per person * $20 (£16) = $50 (£40)
For more detailed information, you can use this carbon calculator: http://www.carbonfootprint.com/calculator.aspx
You can see the dynamic versions of the carbon budget, carbon dioxide and temperature spiral graphs here: http://openclimatedata.net/climate-spirals/from-emissions-to-global-warming-line-chart/
Your contribution will be stretched to the maximum, and utilized effectively where the need is most. Double your contribution! Check with your Employer if they have a donation matching program.