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Acoustic artists in various genres can gain exciting radio and web exposure through this competition and the 8th Annual International Americana Music Awards (IAMA) deadline is fast approaching. IAMA promotes excellence in Acoustic Music Performance and Artistry. Acoustic artists in various genres can gain exciting radio and web exposure through this competition. Participating sponsors include D'Addario Strings, New Music Weekly, Loggins Promotion, AirplayAccess.com, Tanager Music Software (Songframe), SongU, Acoustic Cafe Radio Show, Reverbnation, Sonicbids and XM Satellite Radio.
The latest edition on IAMA's Acoustic Music Radio program is now online:
by clicking here.
IAMA is open to all independent artists and labels. Unlike other music industry competitions, IAMA focuses on developing new markets for Acoustic artists, labels and with or without CD releases. Past years' winners include David Francey (Canada), Liz Longley, The Refugees (USA), Kate Lush (Australia), Wayne Southards (USA), Larry Pattis (USA), Omega (Uganda), El McMeen, etc. Last year's winner went to Canadian folk singer-songwriter David Francey who won the overall grand prize as well as the Best Folk Artist. David Francey is also a Juno awards winner (Grammy equivalent) and is a prolific singer-songwriter touring all over North America.
Win prizes in 8 different categories: Best Male Artist, Best Female Artist, Best Group/Duo, Folk/Americana/Roots, AAA/Alternative, Instrumental, Open and Country/Bluegrass. There will also be an Overall Grand Prize winner awarded to the top winner worth over USD $11,000, which includes radio promotion to over 250 radio stations in US and Canada. Winning songs will be heard on radio. Winners and runner-ups will be featured on our CD compilation. Also, we feature up to 10 different artists get featured and promoted on IAMA website every month, which provides a review, ratings, CD information and more.
Judging is based on excellence in music performance, songwriting, composition and originality. Winners are selected by a panel of established artists and industry professionals. Winners and finalists of the Awards will be featured in the IAMA website and e-newsletters, read by music press, talent buyers, promoters and other industry insiders. All songs submitted must be submitted must be original and submitted online or via CD, the artist may also perform original material not yet released and written by other songwriters or composers. Cover songs are permitted.
Deadline to enter is November 9th. Information: www.inacoustic.com.
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On February 18, 2015, the Fourth District Court of Appeal decided the case of Norman v. State, 2015 WL 669582 (Fla. 4th DCA 2015). The defendant in Norman was arrested and charged with the offense of open carrying of a weapon, in violation of §790.053, Fla. Stat. (2012). He filed a motion to dismiss, which was denied by the trial court. However, the court certified three questions to the Fourth District Court of Appeal, all of which related to the constitutionality of Florida's open carry laws. Those questions were: (1) is Florida's statutory scheme related to the open carry of firearms constitutional; (2) do the exceptions to the prohibition against open carry constitute affirmative defenses to a prosecution for a charge of open carry, or does the State need to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that a particular defendant is not conducting himself or herself in the manner allowed; and (3) does the recent "brief and open display" exception unconstitutionally infect the open carry law by its vagueness?
Recent Favorable Case Law on Search and Seizure
On February 13, 2015, the Fifth District Court of Appeal decided the case of Oliver v. State, 2015 WL 585536 (Fla. 5th DCA 2015). In Oliver, the defendant was a passenger in a vehicle that was stopped for an inoperable tag light. The stop itself was not challenged on appeal. After the stop, the officer, in an aggressive manner, ordered the defendant to "keeps his hands on the f***ing dashboard." After a canine sniff alerted the officers to the presence of drugs in the car, the officers searched the defendant and found marijuana and a firearm on his person.
Medical Marijuana "Certificates" in Florida: A Legal Non-Entity
Our ever vigilant clients recently brought to our attention a website claiming to be able to provide medical marijuana certificates. The website states that medical marijuana is already legal in Florida for those with a medical necessity. The website also claims that if a patient can prove medical necessity to a law enforcement officer, they are not subject to arrest. However, these claims are completely untrue.
Leaving the Scene of an Accident
There are three types of leaving the scene of an accident charges in Florida:
Racial Progress in the United States
March is the anniversary month for the famous protest along Alabama's Edmund Pettus Bridge led by Martin Luther King Jr. in his mission to achieve fair voting rights. Fifty years later, the fight for equality for African-Americans is not over.
Opinion Issued by the First District Court of Appeal
The First District Court of Appeal has issued an opinion in a case in which we represent the Appellant. It states:

subset: commoncrawl


text: This vintage necklace bowknot embroidery boldly embroidered into the jewelry design, full fashion avant-garde taste. It mainly black color background with white bowknot embroidery, the entire costume necklace looks lovely and elegant, like a 70's ladies, grace. In the face blown retro fashion, as fashion's you, how can you miss the Vintage Bowknot Embroidery Black Pearl Necklace?


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Low-cost Flights, E book Low-cost Flight Tickets, Fly Low cost With Finest Deals
The Cheapflights app helps you search, compare and e book low cost flights from a whole bunch of airlines and travel brokers globally. We all the time attempt to find the perfect offers with the airlines so yow will discover low-cost international fares in minutes with Vayama! The first thing to learn about discovering an affordable flight is there isn't a magic bullet or one secret ninja trick.
View prices for the busiest flights departing from airports throughout the US. helps you ebook flights for the most affordable value, assured. Is a number one travel comparison web site that lets you find cheap flights, hotels, car leases and vacation packages on-line.
Indian and Middle Eastern airlines supply low-cost flights all through the subcontinent and Africa. To be able to give you the perfect low-cost flights you may construct a vacation round, the app asks you to think in broad terms. …


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Fueled by easy money the nineteen-twenties were boom times like never before. The post-war recession was forgotten as everyone
went on a spending spree. Credit, and not savings, enabled consumers to boost corporate profits to new levels.
Boom and Bust in the U.S. and World Economies
The 1920's saw new discoveries and inventions in nearly every field of endeavor that became the foundation of thriving businesses.
Patent attorneys did a roaring trade and nearly every man fancied himself as an inventor if the number of
patent submissions was anything to go by.
New business and production methods along with progressive business philosophies allowed manufacturers to boost turnover and to make large profits which they plowed back into new factories and wage rises. Department store and service station chains used massive
buying power and operating efficiencies to lower prices while increasing service and choice, helping wages to go further. Henry Ford used his huge buying power
to setup discount grocery stores selling cheap groceries for his employees, much to the annoyance of local store owners.
Increased incomes, along with the introduction of credit funded a huge increase in consumer spending. Only some of the increased affluence found its way into
insurance as a provision for retirement.
There was an economic recession in 1921 but it was allowed to run its course without political interference and as a result it was over in 18 months.
As the economy picked up, easy credit and speculation created stock market and property bubbles that had devastating effects when they eventually ended.
People living in the cities and areas of industry benefited most from the increased prosperity although there were arguments to the contrary. Those living in rural areas did not benefit to the same extent,
and this was made worse by widespread drought. This encouraged population movement from rural
areas to cities, a trend which has continued down to the present day. In 1926 alone the Department of Agriculture calculated that the nett
migration in favor of the cities was over one million people.
Farmers banded together and incorporated their farms to achieve economies of scale in order to survive the hard times. All sorts of farmers
from orchardists to wheat farmers formed corporations. Rather than a dozen farms each having their own tractor, truck, harvester etc,
the corporation needed much fewer. Bulk purchases and sales reduced costs and increased marketing opportunities respectively.
Herbert Hoover, the Commerce Secretary, organized within the Department of Commerce a Bureau of Standards that promoted standardization of practices and equipment
with the objective of reducing waste in time, labor, materials, and capital within certain industries. The standardization was necessary to help industry cope with the
rapidly increasing demands being placed on it by consumer purchases.
Shoppers were able to buy big ticket consumer items like cars, fridges, washing machines, pianos, vacuum cleaners, furniture, and radios
on time payment. Previously, these expensive items were only affordable by the wealthy. Advertising targeted at stay-at-home mothers was designed
to persuade them that instant gratification through instalment plan purchases was the new ideal. Once one maufacturer or retailer offered instalment purchases the competition
were forced to follow suit. About half of all instalment debt was for automobiles. It was estimated that 75 per cent. of all automobiles, 85 or 90 per cent.
of all furniture, 80 per cent. of all phonographs, 75 per cent. of washing-machines, 65 per cent. of vacuum cleaners, 25 per cent. of all jewelry, and the greater
part of all pianos, sewing-machines, radios, and electric refrigerators, were sold by partial payment. About $140,000,000 worth of clothing was also sold per annum on this plan.
When British manufacturers saw how instalment selling had boosted American business they introduced "buying on tick" to Great Britain.
Rampant consumerism saw changes in advertising methods as businesses competed for the consumer dollar. Claude Hopkins, Bruce Barton, Edward L. Bernays and
Ivy Lee were at the forefront of this new style of advertising where instead of listing a products specifications and qualities they stressed the benefits in terms of lifestyle
improvement. These advertising men were so successful that politicians started using them to promote themselves, their party and policies, and so the spin-doctor was born.
As advertising standards declined Commerce Secretary Hoover attempted to rectify the situation through a "Truth in Advertising" campaign designed to improve business ethics
in managers of larger companies from the top down.
NOTE: Unlike the boom times in America, it should be pointed out that people living in Europe in the 1920's, Germany and Austria especially, suffered massive hyperinflation
that destroyed the wealth of the middle class and led to political and economic turmoil in the affected countries.
The growth in number of millionaires is shown in Tax Reports by the Treasury Department, who reported that there were 21 individuals with an annual income of over one million dollars in 1921, 75 in 1924, and 207 in 1926. There were an estimated
fifteen thousand U.S. millionaires in 1927, and at least one billionaire (cumulative nett worth), nearly four thousand of these living in New York, including three thousand living on or near Park Avenue.
The rich splurged on apartments on Park Avenue and filled them with antiques and expensive paintings. The upward spiral in prosperity seemed to have no end and as always happens in this situation the easy money found its way into speculation. Using borrowed money,
speculators pushed up the price of houses, land and shares.
Bonds and Treasuries which had been one of the main investment vehicles were passed over in favor of speculating for quick profits in shares. The
Share Market climbed to dizzy heights as
speculators bought stocks on margin from Wall Street brokers and brokerage houses that sprang up everywhere. Following heavy advertising and well
publicized successes, the general public who had never previously invested in stocks joined in looking for easy profits. Shares could be purchased
for a down-payment of 10%, the remainder of the price being financed by a loan from the share broker. When stock prices eventually slumped many
investors had to sell shares to meet "margin calls" forcing share prices to drop further, exacerbating the problem and leading to the Share Market
crash of October and November 1929.
Financial transactions were at an all time high, especially cash transactions as people used dollar bills instead of larger denominations for
everyday purchases like gas for their automobile. As a result dollar bills wore out faster than ever forcing the Government to print them at a faster rate.
The Government tried to encourage everyone to use silver "cartwheel" dollars but their appeal fell on deaf ears as people preferred the lighter weight
and convenience of paper.
It was no coincidence in this time of financial plenty that executive salaries ballooned to extravagant levels, widening the gap between management and the workers.
Wall Street and the Banks grew fat on the fees involved in private equity buyouts and corporate mergers and paid large christmas bonuses to their staff. Business ethics collapsed and corruption was widespread
at high levels in politics and business, leading to some high profile trials. One of these was the Doheny oil lease corruption scandal. These were all signs that the boom times were about to end.
From one extreme to the other – Boom to Bust. The magical prosperity vanished almost overnight as people lost confidence following the 1929 Stock Market crash, and despite everything that governments could do, America and
much of the world slipped into a harsh depression that only ended ten years later with the start of World War 2.
At the beginning of the 20th century there were no federal income taxes in the United States. In 1908 President Roosevelt endorsed both income and inheritance taxes.
In 1909 the income tax amendment passed through Congress and the last State ratified the Sixteenth Amendment on February 13th, 1913.
In April 1913 Pres. Wilson set
an income tax of 1% on incomes above $3,000 and applied surcharges between 2% and 7% on income from $20,000 to $500,000.
In 1914 the top tax rate was 7%, in 1916 it was 15%, in 1916 it was 67%, in 1917 it rose further to 77%. The top rate eventually fell to a low of 24% in 1929 but
steadily increased again over the following decades. This taxation scenario was played out in most western countries as this
comparison of British and U.S. taxes in 1930 shows.
The potential market in China with its 400,000,000 population was viewed as the opportunity of all opportunities by American businesses seeking to maintain growth
in their industries and U.S. businessmen were encouraged to learn Chinese. Chinese imports were at the one billion dollar level in 1927 and growing at about 30% per year. American exports to China included kerosene
and cigarettes.
Tariffs were used by most countries to protect their local industries by making it expensive for overseas competitors to do business.
American tariff law set up to protect American businesses contained a uniform schedule of rates for all countries and prescribed penalties when a country attempted dumping or unfair discrimination against American trade. Because it was
relatively inflexible it created more problems than it solved and led to trade wars with countries like Canada and France.
Due to its financial and military muscle, the U.S. was able to influence the tariff levels in other countries like China.
Coal was the primary fuel for heating and cooking in the home and also to feed the furnaces powering the boilers of factories and ships, although oil was starting to make inroads. Coal-mining was an important
strategic industry that employed thousands of miners, many who died prematurely in accidents or from lung related disease caused by dust.


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John and Jean on the Esplanade along the Thunder River Trail.
We did a 4 day/3 night backpack trip from the North Rim in Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona.
We descended into the canyon on the Bill Hall Trail to the Thunder River Trail and camped the first night at the upper Tapeats Creek camp. We continued down the Thunder River Trail to the Colorado River and followed informal route downstream to Deer Creek where we camped the second night. We continued on the Deer Creek trail to the Esplanade where we camped the third night. We ascended out of the canyon on the Bill Hall Trail.
Follow this link to read about this and all of the other backpacking trips and dayhikes we have done in Arizona.
Follow this link to see the collection of all of our Arizona photos.
To see more photos of the great places we have been check out our photo collections
To read about the other great places we have been go to www.panafoot.com


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In the art world patronage is important, being patronised, not so much. Over the years New Zealand dealers and public funders, via Creative NZ, have been big supporters of the Melbourne Art Fair. And why not? When it started out it was the only game in the region, NZ was taken seriously, some sales were made and a good time was had by all. As often happens though, as the years rolled by, the Melbourne Art Fair became not so appealing. The novelty wore off, costs were high and suddenly Auckland had its own Art Fair and that did the job for most dealers. The NZAF 2011 edition was a big success in its new digs and, while there was a couple of big name Australian galleries missing, it's a fair bet they might be back next time.
So when the Melbourne Art Fair starts offering 'selected New Zealand galleries' an "Industry Assistance Package", you have to wonder whether they've dumped their PR advisors and decided to fearlessly go it alone. Motivated apparently by "recent events and the subsequent economic downturn" in New Zealand, the Melbourne Art Fair is offering its stands for August 2012 at half price ($11,000 down from $22,000). Only this 'bargain' rather than being presented for what it is, a discount to try and get more New Zealand dealer support, has been offered as a 'donation'. How very thoughtful.
Image; NZ dealer awaits an approach by the Melbourne Art Fair


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Located on the site of what was a tackle and bait shop in the 1930s, All Water Seafood & Oyster Bar draws inspiration from the materials and tools once sold here. The new concept celebrates Seattle's maritime industry, which you'll see everywhere from the portraits of fishermen to the articulated shelves. With details like worn wood and white brick, the rustic design evokes the simplicity of a fishing boat plying the seas for a fresh catch.
With Executive Chef Benjamin Closson at the helm, you can expect a menu that reflects the seasons, as well as the bounty that is Pike Place Market — at more than 110 years old, one of the longest-running markets in the country — located just down the street. From boat to plate in less than 24 hours, each elegant dish is one to be savored.
Monday – Friday: 6:30 AM-10 PM
Saturday – Sunday: 7 AM – 10 PM
Bar Hours
Sunday – Thursday : 11AM – 11PM
Friday – Saturday : 11 AM-Midnight
Happy Hour
Join us every day from 3 - 6PM for food and drink specials // View Menu
Late Night Happy Hour
Why limit Happy Hour to the early evening? Join us for a night cap to end your night // View Menu
10PM - 12AM, Friday - Saturday
10PM - 11PM, Sunday - Thursday
Available during Happy Hour on Thursdays - Saturdays, enjoy 1/2 dozen local, freshly shucked oysters and two (2) glasses of Muscadet for $25. // View Menu
Private Dining
Private Dining is available for groups between 12-35 people. Learn More


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My article on the Henderson-Brooks-Bhagat Report, 50 years later, what has the GoI got to hide? is posted on Rediff.com website.
After the defeat in the 1962 war with China, the Indian government requested Lieutenant General Henderson-Brooks and Brigadier Prem Bhagat to prepare a report.
Fifty years later, it remains one of India's most secret documents.
What on earth has stopped the government from revealing the report to the Indian public, asks Claude Arpi
Click here to read...


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Smartstage movable clip-on seating that has worked for professional presenters, theater houses and educational institutions across this nation. Calling out the best providers and installers towards the allowing your guests to feel comfortable while being entertained and educated.
Allowing your guest to feel at home because seating is our business, our custom, our past and our way of life. The proper seating experience using smartstage seating allows your guests to enjoy the experience of entertainment to ultimate extreme.
Smartstage includes a wire variety of seating and styles for every appication and venue. We supply excellent selection of mounting methods, comfort, cushion and fabric selection to meet tand agree with your facility requirements.
Seat construction
Seating must be constructed in accordance with ASTM certified assembly process, under ISO 9001 guidelines, fabricator must demonstrate QC and testing processes and management.
Fabric attached over 1/4″ backer board, w/ 1/2″ fire retardant polyurethane foam, density 2.6 lbs per cubic foot. 6 fasteners per panel min.
Fabric to foam adhesion, custom fabrics
See fabric swatches for standard available fabrics. Specialty fabrics may be available if they conform to our unique formulated 3 in 1 foam adhesion technology.
Typical fabric construction
Marquesa Lana Olefin yarn, 100% solution died, continuous filament Olefin. Shall have 13 fill picks per inch, 13 warp ends per inch, weight 16 Oz per linear yard, including backing.
Fabric fit and installation
Fabric will conform to all corners and edges without exposed folds or creases. Fabric and foam pad will be removable for maintenance or replacement if required. Stiching will not be visible.
Hinge mechanisms & testing
The hinge mechanism shall be certified to pass seat cycle oscillation testing, ASTM designation F851-87 test method for for self rising seat mechanism, and sandbag testing. Testing will require a force of 500 lb load, with over 100000 cycles, without failure of sign of wear.
Fire retardancy
All fabric shall meet or exceed class 1 flammability requirements of the US dept of Commerce, standard 191-53 per bulletin # 117, (California)
Material of back
The seat back will feature the most advanced ergonomic design, allowing the user optimum comfort for lengthy durations, while maximising lower lumbar support, shoulder, back and leg curvatures with proper air ventilation to contact areas.
Material of bottom
Seat bottom construction will have ergonomic and longevity features inherant. The front edge of the cushion will permit proper under leg support, and not "flatten" within 10 years of normal use. Cushion will also have conduits in the surface pad design for air to flow while in use.
Chair bottom and back body
Lightly textured surface, constructed double wall, polyethylene plastic w/anti-static compound, wall.125″, rotational blow molded. Parts will be free of voids, and all edges will clean and smooth, with no exposed air holes.
Paint and plastic
Where applicable, Nema LD3, HGS, (General purpose type, .048″ thickness), will be cut and trimmed for durability and smooth handling.
ASTM test, F89, D1248-78, Value – III
ASTM – D1248-78, Value A
ASTM – D1248-78, Value 5
Melt flow
ASTM – D1238-79F, Value – 10g/10min, 10g/10 min
ASTM – D1505-68, Value – 59.3 lbs/ft3, 0.950g/cm
Mechanical Classification – Tensile strength at yeild
ASTM – D638-77A, Value – 3700 psi, 25 Mpa
MC – Elongation at break
ASTM – D638-77A, Value – 800 %
MC – Tensile modulus of elasticity
ASTM – D638-77A, Value – 120,000 psi, 830 Mpa
MC – Flexural stiffness, Canteleiver beam
ASTM – D747-70, Value – 115,000 psi, 790 Mpa
MC – Tensile impact
ASTM – D1822-79, Value – 125 ft. lbs/in2, 26 joules/cm2
MC – Impact brittleness temperature
ASTM – D746-79, Value – <-105degree F <-76 degree C
MC – Environmental stress crack resistance
ASTM – D1693-70, Value – 450 hrs.
MC – Hardness, Shore D
ASTM – D2240-75, Value – 68
Plastic panels and parts standards
Plastic shall meet or exceed performance standards as defined under N.E.M.A.
All woods components will be solid finished wood, or plywood featuring a minimum of 10 layers per 1/2″ of wood. All exposed wood will be finished and sanded with sealant, and stained (if required) or laquer as per specification.
Steel pan
Any applicable sheet steel products will be formed or stamped with smooth radius corners. All edges wil be folded and there shall be no exposed drilled or puched openings. All steel pans or parts will be treated, with a baked on protective finish, and be rustproof.
Steel tubular components
Tube will have rounded edges, and all cut areas are to be ground free of burr. Tubing will receive a phosphorization treatment before powdercoated as per specification.
Cast steel components
Casting shall be solid steel, free of voids or seam slag, grit blasted, and pre-treated in iron phosphate wash before paint.
Cast aluminum components
Cast aluminum standard us a 11111 alloy, with a secondar hardening process. Final casting is washed and treated before a baked on powdercoat paint application as per specifications.
All welded connections
All welded connections, will be mig welded with no voids and tack welds. Any weld ground flush will have been V grooved. Welds are to be certifiable under the AWC.
Extruded aluminum components
All aluminum components will be extruded using a 6061 – T6 alloy, or 6351, T6 and be treated to prevent oxidisation, or deterioration. All cut edges will be free of burr, and have no exposed opening greater than .250″.
Padded fabric panel, connection to seat back
All panels will be connected to seat back using rust proof, and oxidization proof fasteneners, and to be hidden from pulic view or access. Fastening system will allow removal of panel if required, without damage. There wil be a minimum of four connection points per panel.
Seat back hardware
All hardware components are to be minimum grade 5, stainless, or zinc plated to prevent rust. All nuts must have nylon insert, and be tightened into lock position.
Seat back testing
The seat back shall be certified to pass seat cycle oscillation testing, ASTM designation F851-87 test method for for self rising seat mechanism, and sandbag testing. Testing will require a force of 500 lb load, with over 100000 cycles, without failure of sign of wear.
Flame testing and certification on fabric
All fabric shall meet or excede class 1 flammability requirments of the US deptof Commerce, standard 191-53 per bulletin # 117, (California)
Flame testing and certification on foam pad
All padding shall meet or exceed class 1 flammability requirements of the US dept of Commerce, resiliant cellular materials, commercial standard 191-53 per bulletin # 117, (California), method 5903.2
Acoustical properties
Seat will conform to acoustical testing as defined ISO 345, meeting sound absorbtion coefficient range of .25 to .51, while subjected to full frequency projection of .27 to .65 Hz.
Abrasion resistance
Tested at 250 lb load at 45 degree force angle, provides a friction force of 16 %
Outdoor durability test results
Test requires exposure to rain & dew. Dew is more damaging than rain because it remains on the material for a long time, allowing significant moisture absorption. A long, hot condensation cycle reproduces the outdoor moisture phenomenon. Test must be accredited to perform ASTM G154 accelerated weathering tests.
UV resistance testing
UV testing requires exposing samples to 42 cycles of 8 hours of UVA-340 ultra-violet light at a temperature of 60C followed by 4 hours of condensation (dew) at 50C for a total of 21 days of exposure.
Plastic flame retardancy
Plastic shall have a maximum burn rate of 6″ per minute as defined in accordance under ASTM D635, or dept of motor vehicle safety standard NO. 302.
Smartstage experts will come to your site to oversee load in and assembly of your new system, and also train your in-house team to understand the flexibility of Smartstage, and the many combinations possible. We will stay on site until the last spot is polished. Our stages are so easy to install, we know you can do it, so we also provide phone and internet assistance as required.
Smartstage seating is built to national standards for fire, weight and load limits. Our chairs are tested for impact and durability over 100?000 crunches and bends.
We manufacture several widths of chair to suit your audience and space limitations. Curved elevations can be clean by using variation in width to even row ends too.
Smartstage seating is largely maintenance free, always inspect for damage from rowdy audiences, as damage can be an accident risk to your next crowd. Clean floor and seats with mild soap and water if and as required, surfaces are durable and contain "stain guard" properties.
Smartstage provides a one year warranty for the entire system. Feel free to call our home office service department for inquiries on your new system.
Email: email@example.com
Phone: 702 951 9585
Smartstage will accept returns on stock items, with a restocking charge, providing product remains new and not used or shows. Custom made product cannot be returned. Changes or cancellations are acceptable under similar terms to returns. If it's a custom, we need to hold on to your deposit though to cover lost time and materials. Delays and storage. Order too early? No problem, we will help you. If your venue is not ready to accept delivery yet, we have many ways to warehouse your order for you, just let us know your situation.
Smartstage is not a bank, but we are linked in with some. We will help you in every way to fund your new Smartstage purchase, including term financing, leasebacks, and rent to buy.
Theatre, Lecture Hall, Auditorium, Movie Theater
19″, 20″, 21″, 22″, 23″, 24″, some vary for on models and configurations. Typical row spacing can start at 32″ and go up.
Floor mount, flat or tiered, riser mount, telescopic, movable ganged in sets of 3 or 4, straight row or radius, Single unit movable.
Fabric colors and textures.
Seat finishes, colors, wood, back & bottom.
Cupholder, pouches, and other options.
Aisle lights, numbering, and plaques.
Smartstage recognizes the needs of guests with disabilities, as defined by the American Disabilities Acts. We continue to make every effort to comply with state and federal accessibility regulations.
We will be happy to draw your room, stage and doorways with your new Smartstage seating system in place, which will give you a nice visual. Then we tweak the design with you, ensure in meets your budget, then move forward to build it for you. It gets assembled on site, and takes a few days.
Please email your information to firstname.lastname@example.com or call 702 951 9585.


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Freddie Flintoff visited Pineapple Dance Studios in Covent Garden as part of the BBC Sports Relief 2016
Debbie Moore and Freddie had a quick chat between filming.
The article serves as a tribute to Debbie's achievements in promoting the importance of dance to physical and emotional health.
Focussing on an eye-catching photograph from the early days of Pineapple, the Daily Mail recreated the pose with Debbie at Pineapple Dance Studios in Covent Garden.
In a wide-ranging interview covering all aspects of Debbie's rigorous approach to fitness and health, the tough lesson we learned was that there is no way to avoid the hard work necessary to remain healthy and engaged – even for a super model!
Click here to read the article on the Daily Mail website.
The focus of the day was leadership in business, mentoring and opportunities for women in the workplace.
Debbie said "Things are very different for women these days, there is much more mentoring for women. In the 1980's I received lots of letters from women saying they wanted to start their own businesses but their husbands wouldn't let them and they didn't have any confidence!"


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Particular bodies: registered societies: conversion to a Companies Act company
Where a registered society converts to a Companies Act company under CCBS14/S112, this does not cause one entity to cease and another to come into being. They are treated as the same entity both before and after the conversion. Clearly however the entity, from the date of conversion, will no longer be treated as subject to the various special provisions applying to registered societies.
Such a conversion does not give rise to any deemed or actual disposal of chargeable assets by either the society or its members, or the receipt of any income. However, the provisions of TCGA92/S126 to S130 (reorganisation of share capital) should be borne in mind (CG51700 onwards).
It follows that where a registered society is a principal member of a group, a conversion will not stop it being the principal member of that group. Furthermore, where the registered society had acquired an asset in an intra-group transaction, the conversion will not lead to an occasion of charge for CG purposes.


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Moderate trekking involves 5 – 6 hours a day walking at a steady pace below 4000 meters for around 10 days trekking trip.
Classic Annapurna sanctuary trek with side walk with religious hub Muktinath reward with authentic cultural experience of the remote countryside setting as trek leads through the unraveled Mustang region stunning with dramatic landscapes, natural caves with awesome arts carved in it and Muktinath temple; Mecca for both Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims and travelers.
During the trek also named as Annapurna Base Camp trek enjoy the Himalayan scenery from the diverse angles as the trek proceeds along the undulating trail through terraced fields, green meadows crossing deep canyons, rivers, swinging bridges draped with prayer flags. Apart from the cultural immersion trekkers thrill with the captivating glimpses of the Annapurna I, Mananslu, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre for the life time memory and with visit to religious haven Muktinath temple; shrine nestled on the backdrop of the mountains, making the trek not only trekking journey but also cultural and spiritual journey to be revered for whole life.
There are so many components to this great trek – an experience for body, mind and spirit.
Welcome to Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. A Lantang Ri Trekking & Expedition representative will greet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. When you are ready you will be collected from your hotel lobby and driven to our Thamel office where you will be formally introduced to your trekking guide. We will go through all your trek itinerary and arrangements with you an ensure every detail is in place. We will also ask for your passport photographs and any other details so that we can organize all permits required for your trek and the region you will be exploring.
Today our office will secure your trekking permits and arrange domestic travel details. While you also recover from your international flight jet lag we can utilise today to escort you to some of the fantastic cultural highlights of Kathmandu. We will collect you from your hotel in the morning and provide you with a very knowledgeable sightseeing guide. The highlights of any tour of Kathmandu always include visits to the main religious and architectural sites of Swayambhunath, also known as the Monkey Temple; Pashupatinath Hindu temple on the banks of the Bagmati River in eastern Kathmandu; and the ancient royal heart of Kathmandu at Durbar Square.
Durbar Square: This is a UNESCO world Heritage site and deservedly so. It comprises a royal palace which has many buildings and courtyards that are now a fascinating museum of the history of Nepal and its royal Malla Kings heritage. Some of the royal buildings date back to the 12th century and now function as a wonderful museum focusing on royalty history. Outside the palace in the Durbar Square area there and many beautifully designed and constructed temples, each with its own historical and special religious significance. Your guide will tell you fascinating stories about each structure and explain its religious function and associated beliefs. The quality of woodwork and detailed figurative carving on many of these temples is exceptional.
Swayambhunath Buddhist Stupa: Is a 2000 year old Stupa – a religious hemispherical structure – that is the most important of all Buddhist shrines. It is the focal point of Buddist belief in Nepal. The main stupa structure is very large and its ornate central spire carries the all-seeing eye of the Buddha who observes all adherents and knows all. Your guide will escort you on a walk around the stupa – it is spiritually and culturally important to ensure you walk in the correct direction – and explain some of the history and significance of the stupa.
Pashupatinath Hindu Temple: At the very large and complex Pashupatinath temple we explore aspects of the Hindu religion. This old and very revered complex of buildings and shrines is dedicated to the Lord Shiva, one of the main deities of Hinduism. While Lord Shiva has multiple forms he is often seen as the destroyer. And this has great significance for the Pashupatinath temple as it is the site of many Hindi ritual cremations each day. Pashupatinath is considered by Hindus to be an auspicious site for passing from one stage of life to the next through the purifying and destroying flames of cremation. However, on a happier note, visitors may also get to see the temple in a buoyant festival mode with one of the many Hindu festivals celebrated every year.
Drive or fly to Pokhara. The flight is an optional extra for this itinerary. Pokhara is located about 200km west of Katmandu on the shores of the beautiful Lake Fewa. Pokhara is a mixture of restful and busy. It has the atmosphere of a relaxed "resort town" where visitors take it easy seeing the sights and resting before their Annapurna or Mustang trek and once again upon their return. But is also a busy place with all these visitors arriving, leaving and exploring the lake and nearby sights of Pokhara. The option to drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara provides an opportunity to experience more of the real Nepal beyond the national parks and trekking trails. The scenery and people you will meet on the drive is also worth the experience.
Drive from Pokhara – 915m starting altitude – ascends the Himalayan foothills to Phedi – 1,130m altitude. From Phedi we commence the actual trek and head for Pothana at 1,900m altitude. Your legs will face some challenges today as the trail ascends all the way to Pothana. The first stage takes you through forested trails filled with birds and wildlife and brings you to the wonderful little village of Dhampus and its fantastic views of the Annapurna massif and its many icy peaks. You guide will point out many of the highest and best known peaks in the Annapurna ranges, the adjacent Lamjung Himal and the Mount Manaslu region. After a break at Dhampus the trail leads onwards and upwards along forest-clad trails to Pothana. Your entire journey today will take five or six hours to complete and you will be rewarded again at Pothana with more fantastic mountain view scenery as you take a well earned rest in the late afternoon.
The trek today from Pothana to Ghandruk (1,940m altitude) usually takes about six hours to complete. The trails leads northward along the Modi Khola valley. The initial stage involves a descent along forested trails to the bottom of the valley. The trail then follows the river northward through a string of small communities that focus on farming and trekking. You will pass many beautifully tended terraced farms and almost as many enticing teahouses and rest stops where you might like to take a break over a hot tea and taking in the wonderful environment and mountain scenery. The final stage involves an ascent back up the valley wall to reach Ghandruk village. The location provides some fantastic mountain views, particularly to the beautiful peak of Annapurna South, Mount Hiunchuli, Mount Gangapurna, Annapurna III and sacred Mount Machhapuchhre which is also known as Fishtail – the reason is obvious when you see it. Get some rest this afternoon but do make some time to visit the little museum in the village and also make sure you do a little shopping at the great little local handicraft center.
Today's trek to Ghorepani at 2,853m altitude goes through lots of twists and turns and ups and downs and totals a net ascent of about 900m. So there is some serious walking today and it is likely to take about five hours to complete. The trail will take you through thick Rhododendron forests that may be in flower when you are there – the sight is spectacular. You will continue westwards crossing small streams and traversing high ridges that offer some great mountains views. However, towards the end of the day the trail will descend once more and deliver you to busy little Ghorepani village. You will most likely find there are many other trekking groups here as they are all drawn to this location by nearby Poon Hill. So get some rest this afternoon and prepare for a big day tomorrow.
Today is the scenic highlight of your trek. You will depart Ghorepani before dawn and ascend to the vantage point of Poon Hill just to the south-west and looming above Ghorepani. Your goal is to arrive on Poon Hill just before the sun starts to rise over the Annapurna Massif and its many peaks. Poon Hill (3,232m) is about 500m higher than Ghorepani and the hilltop provides uninterrupted views in every direction. Watch the first rays of the sun hit the summit of Mount Dhaulagiri (8167m) to your west and the other icy peaks of the main Annapurna Massif – Tukuche Peak (6,920m), Mount Nilgiri (6,940m), Varaha Shikhar (7,847m), Mount Annapurna I (8,091m), Annapurna South (7,219m), Annapurna III (7,855m), Machhapuchhre (6,993m), Annapurna IV (7,525m), Annapurna II (7,937m), Lamjung Himal (6,931m) and many other gorgeous Himalayan peaks. Make sure you have fresh batteries in your camera, you're going to leave Poon Hill with lots of fantastic photos and memories that will last a lifetime. But once the sunrise show is over and you catch you breath it is time to descend the hill and trek on to Tadopani.
Trek from Tatopani to Ghasa (2,013m altitude) is very easy as the ascent is very gentle along the Kali Gandaki river. Walking time today will probably be about five hours or a little more. The trail starts and ends today in the massive Kali Gandaki Gorge, said to be the deepest gorge in the world. But the lower sides of the valley floor are home to many small farming communities and citrus farming is very popular in this section of the trail. So make sure you stock up on some wonderful organic oranges and vitamin C today. You should also make sure to keep looking upwards as you trek and glimpse towering peaks far above and even waterfalls tumbling from some of the side streams draining into the Kali Gandaki. We even pass through an impressive section of narrow gorge and cliffs. Another hour or two northward will being you up from the riverbed and to the nice little village of Ghasa. Your guide will explain the cultural and architectural changes you may notice as the trail heads northward towards Tibet. This region of Nepal has had many centuries of Tibetan influence as trading caravans have passed through this valley taking goods and salt between Tibet and India
The trekking today is also easy as you head further north along the Kali Gandaki valley. When you leave Ghasa you leave behind citrus farms but when you arrive in Marpha are in the centre of the Nepal apple growing region. You will have plenty of time today to stop and visit many of the little farming communities along the valley sides. If the fruit is in season the farmers will enjoy you taking an interest in their orchards and buying some new season apples. When you reach Marpha you should also make sure you sample some home-baked apple pie and a drop or two of the local and invigorating apple brandy. But before you go too far you should also pay a visit to the very important Buddhist monastery at Marpha. A blessing from the monks may assist you on the remainder of the trek.
Another day of easy trekking along the river bed. If you keep a careful eye on the rocks as you walk today you might even find a fantastic fossil of ancient marine live that swam in oceans here millions of years ago. Walking time today will be around five to six hours and you will gain nearly 200m in altitude by the time you reach the half-way point of Jomsom located at 2,713m altitude. So the gradient is low, the walking easy and the scenery stunning as usual. You will have Annapurna I to your right and Mount Dhaulagiri to your left – both ice and snow-capped monster mountains over 8,000m high. You will take a break in busy Jomsom – the main airport for the region and a major hub for transporting trekking groups into and out of the region. The second phase of today's trek continues northward and you will find the climate and geography change markedly over the course of the day. The further north you trek the dryer the conditions become due to the rain-shadow effect of the Annapurna Massif mountains. They block much of the rain-bearing clouds from India, even during the annual monsoon season. So you will find conditions for farming becoming increasingly difficult and communities becoming more dependent on livestock grazing of the rugged valley sides. When you arrive in Kagbeni at 2,897m altitude you will have gained about 400m in altitude over the five or six hours walk today. Spend some time in the afternoon exploring wonderful little Kagbeni. It sits high on a defensive ridge above the river and is a maze of narrow lanes with stone walls and traditional houses. The local people are always happy to greet new visitors.
Trek today will strain a few leg muscles that had little work to do during the last few days on the river bed. Now you head eastwards out of the Kali Gandaki valley and up a side valley that leads all the way up to the Thorong La Pass which is part of the Annapurna Circuit trail. But the trek today will not go as far as the high pass, instead your goal is Muktinath. You will leave Kagbeni at 2,810m altitude and reach an altitude of 3,795m when you arrive in Muktinath – the altitude gain today of nearly 1,000m is considerable. At this altitude the reduced atmospheric pressure means you will have just 64% of the oxygen in each breath compared to sea level. So expect to be breathing a bit harder today as the trail get steeper and the altitude higher. You will pass through a number of small communities this morning such as Jhatkot, which has a very old monastery you should pay a short visit to, and your guide will explain the increasing influence Tibet has had on this region of Nepal. You will also notice the increasingly arid conditions as you make your way through dry river-lets and over expose ridges. By early afternoon you should reach Muktinath village and then continue on to the village of Rani Pauwa where the Muktinath Temple is located. Your guide will introduce you to the many Buddhits and Hindu elements of the temple and you may also meet some of the monks who reside, study and meditate at the temple. If you wish you make also take the invigorating and spiritually significant walk under the 108 water fountains of the temple. You will also learn about the five elements of all creation that come together at this temple. You will then return back to Muktinath village where you will spend the night.
The trek changes direction today and comprises a long descent from Muktinath back to Jomsom. You will easily complete in just one day what earlier took you two days of ascending. Expect to be walking for about five or six hours. You will have spectacular mountain vista views from the high ridges with many of the Annapurna peaks visible plus towering 8,167m Mount Dhaulagiri to the west on the other side of the Kali Gandaki valley.
The flight from Jomsom to Pokhara which takes about 20 minutes and will depart early in the morning. The strong winds that rush through the Kali Gandaki Valley most afternoons mean flights cannot be operated at this time. So you will be back in Pohkara early in the day with plenty of time to explore the town, perhaps go boating on the lake or even go paragliding! Just ask your guide for assistance booking and arranging any of these activities.
After breakfast in the morning you say goodbye to Pokhara and head back to bustling Kathmandu by road. You may also choose to fly back to Kathmandu as an optional extra to your itinerary. You will be delivered back to your Kathmandu hotel at the end of today's travels.
This is the free day to explore a little more of Kathmandu and complete your gift shopping. In the evening you will be collected from your hotel for a fun farewell dinner and Nepali cultural dance – so don't forget your dancing shoes!
We will meet you at your hotel and take you to the airport in plenty of time to meet your flight home.
My company has been helping people plan and experience the Himalayan treks and tours of their dreams for over 25 years. Please Let me assist you with you inquiry.


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A tribute to all Canadians, my friends, their families and many others, those I know through a blog, or an email, or somewhere else .
This day, the national day of Canada, is to celebrate the anniversary of 1st July, 1867, enactment of the British North American Act 1867, which united three colonies into a single country called Canada within the British Empire .This was originally called Dominion Day ,but was renamed in 1982, the year the Canada Act was passed.
When I look Northwards, in sky colours like these, I'll think of you all.
Enjoy your day, celebrate in style, share happiness with all Canadians on your day.
Quotation of the day,author unknown, for all my distant friends
"There is no distance too far between friends,
for friendship gives wings to your heart"
Greetings from Jean


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Rise of the Planet of the Apes
Well, they finally really did it; those maniacs, they blew it up. Bereft of the social commentary that made the original Planet of the Apes so great — and that the Mark Wahlberg remake at least tried to preserve — all that we're left with in Rise of the Planet of the Apes is special effects, bad dialogue, and worse acting from a big shaggy animal. I refer, of course, to James Franco.
Now, this isn't meant to be a prequel of either "original" movie, but instead stands as a reboot from the ground up of the franchise. And this time they start with an origin story. Dr. Will Rodman (Franco) is close to a gene-therapy cure for Alzheimer's, which is even more poignant since his father (John Lithgow) suffers from that very disease. Unfortunately, one of the lab's test chimpanzees sorta freaks out right before a big demonstration, which puts an end to funding. The lab is liquidated, and Will only manages to save a baby chimp which he names Caesar (Andy Serkis, at least as an adult).
As it happens, Caesar received a dose of the therapy in utero, and so he turns out to be rather fantastically intelligent. Will tries the therapy on his father, which works for a while, but eventually his father's immune system learns to fight the virus used to deliver the new genetic information. But Will manages to secure new funding and begins to research a more "aggressive" delivery vector, which seems to be based on a hemorrhagic fever for some reason.
Anyway, Caesar tries defending Will's father from a real jerk of a neighbor, and is sent off to a primate shelter for his trouble. The shelter is run — badly — by Brian Cox and his two sons, one sadistic (Tom Felton) and one evidently an idiot man-child (Jamie Harris). Behind the Potempkin village of the play area lies an array of cages basically adapted from Oz. Is it any wonder Caesar starts planning a rebellion?
The graphics are nice, but after a couple rendered chimp-tracking shots they get a little boring. The real work went into the chimps themselves, but they're still not really out of the Polar Express uncanny valley. It helps to have Serkis do some great facial pantomime for e adult Caesar, but even so the effect is only almost, but not quite, lifelike.
On the other hand, that actually fits the movie, since James Franco's acting is also almost, but not quite, lifelike. It's especially bad in his voice-overs, which he delivers with exactly the pacing of a fifth-grader asked to read a passage aloud in front of the class. But there are a number of scenes which call for Will to look confused, so Franco is at least in his element.
It's a shame that Lithgow's role comes to an end so early, since he delivers what's easily the best performance of the film, though Tyler Labine does a pretty good job as a research assistant and patient zero of the escaping virus.
Worth It: no.
Bechdel Test: fail.


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PC Big Box Heaven!
Here's a happy way to start the week: a huge pile PC gaming nostalgia!
And for a bonus pic, here's some #pcgamer discs we remember from when we were younger. Always a delight to see these little guys. Any old school PCG subscribers out there?
Come in and tell us your favorite pc gaming memory for a 20% discount on your purchase of used games, anime, and manga today.