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Quinn's shots over the fence were his second and third of the season (Elan Kawesch).
CAMBRIDGE, Mass. – Sophomore Conor Quinn tallied a pair of home runs on Saturday for the Crimson, but Harvard fell twice in a doubleheader against Dartmouth, 3-1 and 2-1. Harvard fell to 16-23 on the season, and 8-10 in Ivy play, while Dartmouth improved to 17-23 overall and 10-8 in the Ancient Eight.
Prior to the contest, Harvard honored the dedication and hard work of its 10 seniors: Mitch Klug, Michael Loughlin, T.J. Laurisch, DJ Link, Sean O'Neill, Sean Poppen, Shaun Rubin, Matt Sanders, Nick Scahill and Joey Sliepka.
Game One: L, 3-1
Junior Nick Gruener threw his seventh-consecutive complete game and Quinn hit a home run, but the Harvard offense stalled as Dartmouth took game one, 3-1. Gruener fanned five over seven innings, allowing six hits, three runs and one walk against the Big Green. The homer was Quinn's second of the year, and his eighth RBI of the season.
An RBI-groundout gave Dartmouth a 1-0 lead in the first inning, and the two squads played scoreless baseball until the top of the sixth when a two-run single gave the Big Green a 3-0 advantage. Harvard got hits from senior Mitch Klug, sophomore Matt Rothenberg, and freshmen Trent Bryan and Ben Skinner, but the team didn't put a run on the board until Quinn's blast in the bottom of the seventh. The sophomore took a two-out pitch and belted it over the wall in left center.
The rally was short-lived, however, as the Crimson dropped game one, 3-1.
Game Two: L, 2-1
The second game of the day was a pitching duel between senior Sean Poppen and Beau Sulser, but the Harvard offense only managed one run, and the Big Green came away with a two run victory. Poppen threw 6.1 innings, allowing seven hits and two runs with four strikeouts, while senior Nick Scahill pitched a scoreless 2.2 frames to close the game for Harvard.
Quinn sparked the Harvard offense with a home run and a double, going a game-best 3-for-3 at the plate. Junior Josh Ellis, sophomore John Fallon and freshman Devan Peterson also registered hits for the Crimson.
Dartmouth took an early 1-0 lead in the third after an RBI-single to right field, and doubled its advantage with a run-scoring single to center field in the seventh. Harvard left four runners on base throughout the game, and finally got on the board when Quinn teed off for his second home run of the doubleheader in the eighth inning.
A single from Peterson and subsequent advancement to second base threatened to tie the game, but Harvard could not push the run across, eventually falling in the contest, 2-1.
Harvard finishes its season on Sunday, May 1 with a doubleheader at Dartmouth. First pitch is set for 1 p.m., and will be broadcast on the Ivy League Digital Network.

subset: commoncrawl


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MindReader – Enhanced memory for technical editors
Easy access with a well-populated memory
When you begin using MindReader, you can access a well-populated memory: You can use files in all current DTP-, Office-, text-, and standard file formats. You can use shared memory resources with the translation memory system Transit as well as receive memory packages from your translation department or language service provider. You are even able to use data from third party systems.
Multi-format memory: Fully leverage all of your resources
Thanks to the format-independent authoring memory from MindReader, you can fully leverage all of your available text resources.
You may have more than you think: Your company's website, product brochures from marketing, device texts from product development, modules from your technical writer's content management system, or translations from your language service provider.
DTP, Word, PowerPoint, text, HTML...
With an easy import function, you can import all documents suitable for the memory: From Office applications (MS Office or OpenOffice) to DTP formats (FrameMaker, InDesign, and QuarkXPress) as well as HTML, SGML, XML, and many other text formats. MindReader even supports the import of "older" documents from WordPerfect or Interleaf/Quicksilver, which still exist. This is especially helpful if you want to create follow-up documents using a different authoring tool.
Shared multilingual memory resources with Transit
Your translation department possesses a comprehensive translation memory that will be used for translation by the translation memory system Transit.
You can use these same resources with MindReader. At all times, you can make use of the database you currently use for translation.
You can use all translation languages as authoring languages in MindReader using the multilingual translation memory. This way, authors and translators in any location are speaking the same language.
Memory packages from Transit
You can still use the translation memory even when you cannot directly access it: Your translation department or language service provider can easily pack a project package, which you can unpack in MindReader with one click of the mouse. This way, you can get started already having a validated authoring memory and use the "memory" from an external department or service provider.


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around town today
4pm: rachel mousie. the littlefield. free. >>
6pm: liquid hologram, jennifer simone, organtica, stattinius. urban artifact. 21+ free/-21 $5. >>
7:30pm: bluegrass comet all-stars. the comet. free. >>
7:30pm: passafire w/ lionize, 20 watt tombstone. southgate house revival. $14. >>
8pm: open mic. $3 jameson. molly malone's. free. >>
9pm: sm wolf, haybaby, darlene, dinge. northside yacht club. free. >>
10:30pm: sunight. an informal and sometimes-themed improvisational musical happening. the comet. free. >>


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Reviews of supply contracts, pricing system underway
Jun 17, 2016
Dairy farmer representatives on the ADF Markets, Trade and Value Chain Policy Advisory Group (PAG) gathered in Melbourne this week to discuss a range of measures to establish a fairer, more transparent dairy market.
Simplifying supplier contracts and agreements featured heavily and methods to make them simpler and more transparent. Further to this the lack of transparency regarding milk pricing, and its ability to be retrospective is unacceptable and must be addressed.
The PAG also reviewed the methods to give clear, independent and credible market and price signals to dairy farmers and how this might be practically applied to the Australian dairy market.
Providing farmers with the right tools and resources to manage the opportunities and risks associated with a fluctuating dairy market was also a focus to help bolster the industry's resilience in the long term.
Significantly, the meeting agreed upon the need to modernise the Australian industry's pricing structures and contracts to recognise the complex operating environment that farmers face, to better balance financial risk along the supply chain. ADF is working with all state members, levels of Government and industry to achieve these endeavours.
ADF continues to press for the release of the full dairy support package as soon as possible and will update farmers as soon as this information is released.
We have had a couple of operational changes at ADF in recent weeks, with the resignation of ADF CEO Benjamin Stapley announced yesterday. The ADF Board has already taken steps to ensure that the role of CEO is well served in both the short and long term.
Contact has already been made with former ADF CEO John McQueen, now an industry consultant, to step into this important leadership role on an interim basis while the recruitment process is completed. Mr McQueen steps into the role as early as Monday morning and there will be a smooth, effective transition so no time is lost in fulfilling ADF's mission to lobby for a stronger future for Australian dairy farmers.
These are unprecedented times and we need to ensure we have the right leadership balance to effectively address these issues, while not losing sight of other priorities important to building farmers long term sustainability.
The small team at ADF, remains committed to driving strong policy to transform the way our industry operates for the better.
Many farmers have been calling our offices in recent weeks seeking advice, assistance and information on what ADF is doing on their behalf. We encourage
you to keep connecting with ADF to ensure we effectively represent your interests.
David Basham
Acting ADF President
Early pricing signals essential
Jun 10, 2016
Many in the dairy industry feel under enormous pressure at the moment. Farmers not only have the challenge of adapting their business plans to recent price shocks – we also pick up the paper to read about it every day. With more processors' opening milk prices due in coming weeks, following Warrnambool Cheese and Butter's (WCB) announcement today, no doubt some will feel the pressure begin to mount once more.
We recognise that the announcement from WCB will come as a shock to many, given it is well below the cost of production. Despite the disappointing low
price, we must recognise that they have heeded calls for early price signals and provided much needed certainty to their suppliers.
While we are an industry under pressure, we are also an industry that has the know-how and motivation to overcome these adversities and thrive in the long term. No one is alone in this scenario and we need to ensure that all farmers feel supported during tough times.
ADF, together with our state members and Dairy Australia is fighting for our farmers. We can't solve all of the issues farmers are currently facing, but we can work to relieve some of the immediate pressures and accelerate change to ensure this doesn't happen again.
We have welcomed the promises made by State and Federal Government, now they must stop playing politics and deliver. Farmers need certainty as to their options right now.
While we await Government decisions, there are industry resources available to help farmers manage the impact of recent events. It's important to make the time to take up these opportunities. Dairy Australia's Taking Stock provides free one-to-one business analysis that can help you prepare for the season ahead.
The Dairy Farmer Central website launched this week by the Victorian dairy industry, lists all of these tools and more. It also signposts events - some of these events will inform and help you plan for the season ahead, others provide an opportunity to take time out from the farm and get some perspective. We are working to make this website applicable Australia-wide.
These tools are not a silver bullet to restore our businesses but they will help navigate the challenges, so we can move toward a stronger, fairer and more sustainable future.
David Basham
ADF Acting President
Have You Responded to the Regional Wellbeing Survey Yet?
Dec 09, 2015
Open until the 31 December, the 2015 Regional Wellbeing Survey forms an important piece of social research that farming organisations and government agencies draw on to understand farmers' views and social impacts on a range of regional issues.
This year's survey covers issues such as drought, water reform, green tape, CSG and mining, sustainable farming practices, markets, farm finance, and innovation.
With more than 9000 respondents in 2014, the survey results to provide a sound statistical policy resource.
For more information and to complete the online survey visit: http://www.regionalwellbeing.org.au
World Milk Day - Celebrating our farmers
Jun 01, 2015
Monday 1 June, is World Milk Day.
The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations started the day of recognition in 2001, and we're using the occasion to celebrate the Aussie farmers who work hard to produce this delicious, nutritious beverage.
For Australian dairy farmers, producing and delivering premium milk is a matter of pride. This is why Australian dairy has a reputation for consistently high quality and safe products worldwide.
They work hard 7 days a week, 365 days a year to create fresh, great tasting and wholesome fresh milk that Aussies consumed almost 2.5 billion litres of in 2014 alone.
Each daily on-farm activity involved in producing the milk, whether ensuring the cows are healthy or efficiently cleaning milking equipment, contributes to the quality assurance of dairy products. From the twice daily health herd checks during milking to stringent testing for milk headed for the processor, safety is ingrained in what we do.
Our industry is known for being a 'dairy deli' in that we place great importance on the quality rather than quantity of supply and this is what sets us apart. It's our point of difference to focus on our high quality standards and it's something our industry must maintain (even with our aspirations of growth) as we will never compete on quantity or price with our major competitors.
Dairy farmers work rain, hail or shine to produce our milk and want to be known for being prosperous, trusted and world renowned for the nutrition of our dairy products. Like any Australian, dairy farmers hope to see the effort put into our work reflected in our returns.
Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF), as part of the Australian Dairy Industry Council (ADIC), is committed to ensuring our dairying sector has a sustainable future. That's why we're working with our farmers, processors and industry partners, including Dairy Australia, to ensure that dairy continues to enhance livelihoods, improve wellbeing and minimise its environmental footprint well into the future.
This commitment is recognised and promoted through the Dairy Industry's Sustainability Framework. The second Progress Report has just been released and shows that while we still have hurdles to overcome, progress is being made. This Framework highlights to the rest of the world that Australian dairy is acting on its social, economic and environmental responsibility.
To produce, refrigerate, transport, process, distribute and deliver fresh milk requires a considerable amount of daily planning, work, risk and investment on the part of dairy farmers and processors.
So why be a dairy farmer? Is all the milk worth it? Dairy farmers would say yes ten times over – because they're passionate about it.
This World Milk Day, we ask that everyone remember that milk is made from hard yakka, pure passion and a commitment to sustainable practices. It is made by an Aussie dairy farmer.


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The Winds Resort Beach Club in Ocean Isle Beach offers an extensive choice and variety of hotel rooms & accommodations, one, two, and three bedroom suites with kitchens and living rooms as well as our four, five, and six bedroom Resort Houses perfect for a large family or group for a beach wedding.
Most of The Winds' oceanfront accommodations, rooms and suites overlook lush subtropical gardens and our breathtaking island beach.
All rooms have a sitting area with wet bar, microwave and refrigerator, and balcony. All suites have compact or full kitchens, ocean-side living rooms, and ocean side sun decks.
The well-appointed bedrooms offer a sanctuary of privacy for comfortable accommodations. Each bedroom has its own private bath, private deck, cable TV, wet bar with refrigerator, and two beds, either doubles or queens. Each cottage has a well-equipped kitchen complete with microwave and dishwasher, dining area, central climate control, cable TV, washer/dryer, and a large porch. Each of our four bedroom cottages has a large, private whirlpool spa all its own, which allows for everyone in the family to relax and rejuvenate while here on vacation!
The six-bedroom cottages are ideal for families or groups with children. These cottages overlook the large Palm court pool and are close to the indoor pool. Though not directly oceanfront, all of The Winds' Resort Cottages are just steps from the beach, between the ocean and the marsh. They offer direct access to the spectacular Ocean Isle Beach and include all the free amenities of The Winds Resort Beach Club.
Why Choose The Winds Resort?
With so many North Carolina wedding places to choose from it can be a difficult decision to choose the perfect setting for your wedding ceremony and reception. At The Winds Resort Beach Club in Ocean Isle, near Myrtle Beach and Wilmington, you will find the ideal tranquility and breathtaking venue for your oceanfront wedding. The Winds plays hosts to many special weddings and can assist with advice on everything for planning and preparations.
The Winds Resort Beach Club in Ocean Isle will help you arrange all the details of your wedding from accommodations, to the ceremony, and reception.
The Winds Resort Beach Club, the perfect North Carolina Wedding Venue, offers everything you need to make your day exceptional and one to remember forever. To begin planning your dream wedding call us today 800-334-3581.
If you are considering a destination wedding here at Ocean Isle Beach we would love to meet with you! Planning a wedding, especially one that may not be in your hometown, can be difficult. We would love to show you around the resort property, give you a tour of our venues and answer any questions you may have. Please let us know if you would like to pay us a visit and we will do our best to accommodate you!
The ceremony, the reception, the catering, the decorating, the flowers and the photography… it can all come together in one location, The Winds Resort on beautiful Ocean Isle Beach North Carolina!


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RIP: Greg Giraldo, 1965-2010
With a heavy heart, the sad and shocking news is true: Greg Giraldo died Wednesday at the age of 44. Giraldo had been hospitalized since Saturday evening in New Jersey after an accidental overdose of prescription medication — he was halfway through a four-night run at the Stress Factory in New Brunswick, N.J. A statement from the family and funeral arrangements, along with planned tributes and funds, are pending. Giraldo's management, The Collective, issued a statement this evening: The Collective mourns the passing of our great friend and colleague Greg Giraldo. As you may know, Greg was the father of three young children and genius comedic talent who was revered, admired and loved by our comedy community. Comedy fans knew Giraldo as much more than the guy who torched celebrities and fellow stand-ups at Comedy Central's annual Roasts, or the third judge this summer on NBC's seventh season of Last Comic Standing. He was one of our best social critics, delivering biting commentary in comedy clubs across the country. The fan who shot footage of Giraldo last Friday night at the Stress Factory, the night before his overdose, wrote to me: "After the show, he met his fans by the bar. I got a picture with him, and he also signed my "Midlife Vices" DVD. He was an awesome guy!" His peers also knew him as an awesome guy...Read More


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Among numerous VoIP providers in the market today, Efonica is leading the VoIP revolution with a robust package of innovative products and services that anyone can use, anywhere.
Offering free member-to-member calling as an exciting complement to a full range of enhanced paid products, services and features, Efonica is designed to work with or without PCs, and on wireless, broadband, and even dial-up Internet connections. Efonica's solutions combine flexibility, convenience, and value, no matter where in the world our members might be.
Efonica serves the needs of global communications marketplace, from residential customers eager to bring friends and family together, to business customers requiring simple, fast reliable and secure connections with employees, customers and vendors. With the cooperation of its strong network of in-country partners, Efonica has achieved a successful and growing presence in over 100 countries, with a particular focus on the emerging markets in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, the Americas and the Caribbean.
Around the corner and across the globe, people everywhere are enjoying the benefits of Efonica's universal accessibility and remarkable ease of use. It's simple, it's cost-effective and it can be yours – today.
Efonica Updates!.
We are pleased to announce the release of our new Symbian mobile dia ...
Read more
Efonica's Partner Programs are designed for success – both yours and ours. We have several distribution models suitable for a variety of sales channels and strong value propositions for companies in almost any industry. Find Out More


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Online credit card payment for events is via DPS.
DPS is one of the largest and most reputable online credit card processing companies with bank level security and certification with all of the major banks.
The NZSA, Ubiquity and Engage never see, access or store credit card information. This is sent directly to the bank. The PX Fusion technology makes it seamless and it appears all as part of Engage.


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heart of a Child ministries blog
about family life, mothering, homeschooling, farming, and the things that are important to the hearts of our children
Holy Week
The word "holy" means to set apart. Therefore we are called, as families, to set apart this week from the others.
How do we do that?
For me, it means to draw into simplicity, silence, play, prayer, and to draw further into family.
Jesus said that He came for the poor- to free them from their poverty. We are the poor!
Our deepest poverty in our culture today is the poverty of silence. We are all so busy. There is so much noise and so little down time....and the core of family is being destroyed because of it.
Therefore this time of Lent and Holy Week is a time to recognize this poverty, to draw into it and to allow Jesus to combat it and resurrect through it within our bodies, within our choices, within our prayer and within our families.
Every year is different for us during Lent. as family....because we are at a different place in our lives and in our journey. Yet, I would like to share some things that we have done that have drawn us into deeper stillness and joy of the Lord.
This Holy Week was begun by serving the poor and the homeless. It was so good to connect with the materially poor as we have so much (too much)..and Jesus invites us to holy simplicity. We typically then take this Holy Week to begin the process of clearing out the stuff....of cleaning out closets, clothes and extra toys that we do not need. When the process is done, we bring the items back to the homeless shelter.
As a homeschooling family, we also choose to stop the academic learning. We set aside, the books, the schedules and leave more time for the Lord to move in different ways.
This year, He has moved us to watch the movie Jesus of Nazareth - as in years past. Last night was a joy as we all got out blankets and sleeping bags and camped out on the floor in front of the movie. We ended at the Last Supper and it drew forth a beautiful discussion about the Eucharist and the Passover Meal and how Jesus was the new Lamb, the New Covenant, fulfilling Old Testament teaching. With no time constraints, many then fell asleep on the floor, some crawled in bed with us and continued the talk. What a gift!
Last year, we washed each other's feet on Holy Thursday. We cooked our own Cedar meal and ate it low, on the floor, as Jesus would've done with His disciples. All the kids said that they want to do this again. It was fun pulling out the water and having the 3 year old wash the 14 year old's feet and all the way in between. There was splashing and joking and silliness, as families do. I also invited the kids to say something nice about the person whose feet they were washing - to say something that they appreciate about them, a favorite memory with them, etc.
Going to adoration as a couple and one on one with the kids has also come forth during Holy Week and it has been wonderful to experience the silence and time with the Lord - one child at a time. Sometimes younger kids bring crayons and I love to see what they create in that silence. There is much fruit when we enter into the quiet of our hearts with the Lord and with one another.
Also, Stations of the Cross and Confession as a family during Lent or Holy Week has always been important . To receive God's graces in this beautiful Sacrament is simply gift.
This Holy time also always opens up the space in our family for more natural play - for going into nature. God finds such joy in watching us delight in His creation and I find great blessing in delighting in my children as they come up with new games outside, jump on the trampoline, go on a bike ride of hike together. Praise God!
May each one of us during this Holy Week, choose to set it apart, to enter into the silence, into simplicity and to allow the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus to live big within us and within our families. Amen!
Leave a Reply.
Nikki Schaefer
Nikki is a Catholic homeschooling mother, author, artist, speaker and founder (inspired by her daughter in prayer) of Heart of a Child Ministries. She writes about her experiences as a wife and mother, homeschooler and hobby farmer.


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Download Our Whitepaper
To learn more about the technology and architecture that underpins mdPlay, download our whitepaper below.Find out More
Precisely retransmit all market data feeds received during specific trading periods to accurately re-experience market conditions in pre-production environments, create completely customisable test scenarios for replay and address MiFID II's algo stress testing requirements
Delivering on-demand access to real-world market data, via a cost-effective service that can be implemented within a matter of hours, mdPlay enables quality assurance and stress testing teams to really put trading systems and algorithms through their paces.
When performance issues arise in today's extremely fast and automated production environments, millions of dollars in trading losses can stack-up in a matter of minutes. In these situations, the pressure is on for engineering and testing teams to quickly implement a robust fix.
Responsible for locating and resolving the issue, then effectively testing and tuning debugged systems, these teams need to confidently assure the business that should the same set of circumstances reoccur their systems are guaranteed to respond with greater resiliency. However, if they can't accurately recreate the situation, locating the root cause and determining if a fix has actually worked, without inadvertently impacting the performance of a downstream component, can prove extremely difficult.
Whilst many firms operate a duplicate of their production environment for quality assurance testing, many lack access to the actual data their systems were consuming when a particular incident occurred. This limits the testing team's ability to effectively replicate the scenario, often because they:
These issues also limit how adequately new and enhanced trading software and algorithms can be tested before being released into production. Under MiFID II, investment firms will face demanding algorithmic testing requirements, including the need to ensure that trading systems and algorithms don't 'contribute to disorderly trading conditions, and can continue to work effectively in stressed market conditions,' (RTS 6, Article 5, 4d). This is a direction being echoed by numerous other regulators globally and will necessitate firms to conduct periodic testing to ensure they can comply. The inability to effectively emulate realistic environments can lead to situations where the degree of testing that can be performed is disproportionate to the risk presented. Should unexpected market developments occur, unanticipated behaviour can then ensue resulting in market disruption, trading losses and regulatory fines.
Delivering the data necessary to accurately re-create real-world test environments for effective quality assurance and stress testing, mdPlay has been designed to enable firms to overcome these difficulties.
mdPlay provides testing teams with access to the actual market data streams received during any given trading period, so they can be quickly and easily replayed to precisely replicate the conditions experienced. The replays include all of the data that was being received simultaneously from every single venue the firm was consuming data from at the chosen point-in-time. All of these data streams are then replayed in a fully synchronised manner, with +/-20 nanosecond precision. Furthermore, to enable users to test how their systems cope under stressed conditions, customisable test scenarios can be curated where data is made available for re-transmission over pre-production networks at multiples of the originally recorded capture rates.
With this service, firms can continuously build-up a library of different trading conditions available for replay, using market data from any asset class. All of which are created on the client's behalf by Velocimetrics' dedicated professional services consultants. Firms can also take data they have previously captured (prior to deploying mdPlay) and Velocimetrics can then build this additional data into new test scenarios, so it's also made available in the library for replay. Multiple users across the business can then digitally access these replays on-demand from a Playlist. They simply select the data they wish to retransmit and click play!
mdPlay is a highly cost-effective service that can be implemented within a matter of hours, with minimal resource and on-going maintenance requirements.
With mdPlay, users simply request the market data received during a specific time period, such as a certain segment of the trading day or the entire day, and it's curated for them. The Velocimetrics team adds the file to the firm's library and users can then immediately retransmit the data as many times as they wish with +/-20 nanosecond precision.
mdPlay offers the ability to capture and replay real market data streams, versus just synthetic or test data. In doing so, enabling subscribers to very effectively test how their algorithms and supporting systems will react when faced with the possible variances in the market data's volume, content and rate experienced in production.
The retransmitted market data ticks are timed so precisely that even listening components are unable to distinguish between the original captured packed stream and that being represented. With a mdPlay capture, every single inter-packet gap is faithfully reproduced with nanosecond range precision, offering the data streams necessary for accurate testing.
Clients subscribing to the mdPlay service can also request the curation of specific test scenarios for retransmission. The scenario might be, for instance, that the data received during certain periods on a specific trading day is manipulated so it's replayed at various speeds, such as, 5 or 10 times that at which it was originally received.
With mdPlay users can stream files that enable market data events to be re-experienced as an exact replica each and every time the data is re-transmitted. This approach enables the same test simulation to be meticulously repeated time and time again, providing testing teams with the conditions necessary to prove without a doubt if an enhancement has, or has not, been successful.
mdPlay enables subscribers to immediately request a copy of the exact market data feeds being consumed by their systems when an incident occurred. By retransmitting this data in their pre-production environment, firms can precisely replicate the situation originally experienced. This can be achieved within a matter of hours of the incident happening. In doing so, creating the conditions necessary for engineers to quickly identify why certain components reacted in a particular way and identify the problem's root cause. This approach eliminates the need to trawl through log files or employ other time-consuming methods to achieve this goal.
Once a fix has been implemented testing teams can then consistently replay the market data necessary to recreate the original trading conditions. This provides testing teams with the confidence that should the same market events reoccur, their enhancements will ensure that the firm's algos and trading systems respond in a more positive manner, limiting potential future trading losses.
Therefore, with mdPlay firms can reduce the time and cost associated with identifying a problem's root cause and increase the accuracy to which solutions can be tested.
Under MiFID II, investment firms will be required to test the design and performance of their algorithmic trading systems, trading algorithms and strategies, prior to their initial deployment or substantial updates. The goal of which is to ensure that they don't 'behave in an unintended manner;' (RTS 6, Article 5, 4a) or 'contribute to disorderly trading conditions, and can continue to work effectively in stressed market conditions,' (RTS 6, Article 5, 4d).
These tests are required to take place in non-live environments, therefore it's going to be important for investment firms to be able to create and run realistic test scenarios in their pre-production environments. The type of tests that really put their algos and all supporting components through their paces. Enabling investment firms to record and replay with high precision the market data received during any given trading period, and request the creation of specific scenarios, mdPlay can help firms create the environmental conditions necessary for effective testing.
The MiFID II algorithmic testing requirements include the need for firms to annually self-assess their algorithmic trading systems 'to ensure they are capable of withstanding increased order flows or market stresses.' The MiFID II regulatory technical standards require investment firms to 'design such tests to be specific to the nature of their trading activity and to their trading systems' (RTS 6, Article 10) and that these tests include 'running high messaging volume tests using at least twice the highest volume of messaging received and sent by the firm over the previous 6 month period.' (RTS 6, Article 10, a)
To address this mandate, investment firms will need to identify and record 'the highest volume of messaging received and sent by the firm over the previous 6 month period.' and then put in place the capability to test that their systems can cope with double this capacity.
With VMX EndToEnd and the mdPlay service, investment firms can effectively detect, record and then re-transmit the highest volume of market data messages received or sent at twice the speed, or indeed any other rate the firm wishes. In doing so, enabling investment firms to very easily stress test their algorithms, and all supporting components, to meet this requirement and conduct effective capacity planning.
Furthermore, subscribers can request the exact replays they require to simulate market conditions, shaped by not only MiFID II's regulatory requirements but also their specific business needs, instead of just being restricted to the testing scenarios provided by trading venues. Additionally, these market data feeds can be replayed on-demand, in a precisely repeatable manner, as many times as the subscriber wishes.
Some trading venues distribute new feed formats for a limited time, during out-of-hours periods such as weekends. Thus enabling participants to test against these feeds. This often requires testing teams to work the unsociable hours these feeds are available.
With mdPlay, subscribers can capture and record the feeds and then replay them in their testing environment at a time suitable for them. This eliminates the need for weekend testing and removes time limitations, as teams can re-replay the data as often as they wish.
With mdPlay, users can also understand if there were any underlying network issues impacting the data consumed during a specific trading period. mdPlay can accurately detect market data sequence gaps and generate detailed message rate statistics, achievable at sustained speeds of over 1.2 million packets per second, per feed.
This enables users to:
By capturing and automatically discovering which market data streams are being consumed, the time, effort and costs associated with manually identifying which market data streams are present in an environment is dramatically reduced. This means that Velocimetrics is able to implement the mdPlay service so clients are up-and-running capturing data within a matter of hours. This data can then be quickly curated into replay files, available for retransmission into their test environment.
Furthermore, mdPlay continues to automatically detect the presence of market data feeds on an on-going basis, minimising the maintenance overhead.
The software required by firms to take advantage of the mdPlay service is deployable on servers as small as 2U. As such, mdPlay incurs a nominal datacentre footprint, limiting the financial implications of rack space and it's associated costs.
To learn more about the technology and architecture that underpins mdPlay, download our whitepaper below.Find out More
Blog: mdPlay: Assessing the price performance spectrum of replay mechanisms
MiFID II: Deriving business benefit from algo testing requirements
Blog: Effective system and algorithmic testing: Why using real-world data really should be a pre-requisite
Blog: Assessing market data quality: The risky business of focusing on the channel and ignoring the data traversing it


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Thursday, September 16, 2010
Hunger Challenge 2010: Days 1 & 2 and Recipe: Chicken Fried Rice
picked straight off the bush - added a burst of sweetness and healthy antioxidants. Total breakfast cost (including milk): $1.10. A bit on the high side because of the blueberries, but I still had plenty to get me through the rest of the day.
My lunch of Brown Rice, Veggie and Tuna Salad is filling, nutritious, and full of flavor, so I knew I'd be set for the rest of the work day. At just about $0.85 per serving, this counted just slightly towards my $4/day allotment. A small box of raisins for snack ($0.17/box in a 6 box snack), and I was up to $2.12. Unfortunately, I wasn't up for much more than serving myself a leg & thigh quarter ($0.76) and some brown rice with tomatoes that first day, so there's nothing fun & new to share from my first day of the Hunger Challenge. Good news is that I got through the whole day on just $2.88. Not bad for Day 1.
Quick & Easy Fried Rice with Asparagus, this dish was another good example of how to make one bare bones staple turn into a giant, tasty meal that could be stretched out for ages...
Chicken Fried Rice (makes 4 servings; total cost per serving: ~ $0.60)
1 c brown rice (cold leftovers work best)
1 c cooked chicken, diced
1/2 c frozen peas & carrots
1/2 medium yellow onion, diced
2 eggs, lightly beaten
3 T soy sauce*
2 T plus 1 t cooking oil
Heat a small fry pan or skillet over medium high heat. Add oil followed by the eggs, and cook until fluffy and no longer moist. Set aside.
In a larger skillet, heat the remaining oil and add the diced onion. Sauté over medium high heat until the onion just begins to soften, then add the frozen veggies and rice. Cook until the vegetables have thawed and the rice has softened. Add the scrambled eggs and soy sauce, and stir fry for another 3 minutes, or until the entire dish is completely heated through. Garnish with chopped scallions (if you have them), season with extra soy sauce if you like, and enjoy!
*Hunger Challenge Tip: If you don't have a bottle of soy sauce on hand, don't fret! Putting together a few packets of soy sauce will do the same job in a pinch.
3 comments:
- Anonymous9/17/2010 04:06:00 PM
I'm avoiding sodium, soy sauce has a lot I've heard. Is there a healthy substitute?ReplyDelete
- Anonymous9/20/2010 10:44:00 AM
you might be interested in bragg's amino acids. it is not cheap, but it is a great alternative to soy sauce.ReplyDelete
Hi there - I know I am commenting on a post that was from awhile ago, but I felt it was the most appropriate one to start on because it hit home with me the most. I just found your blog yesterday and I have to say it is already a real inspiration to me. I recently quite my relatively high paying (but soul numbing) corporate job to go back to school to pursue my passion in the theatre. However, that has also left me financially in a pretty tight situation. I was lucky enough to be approved for SNAP assistance 2 months ago, which most college students aren't, because I am an adult and not under my parents support.ReplyDelete
I was reading about this hunger challenge you did and was thinking "Oh my goodness! How hard would it be to eat on $4 a day??" and then I added it up and realized that is exactly how much I get monthly from food stamps, I had just not looked at it by a daily total yet. So even though I am a good cook, and I try to get creative, I find myself getting into ruts and then spending money (I don't have) on fast food on campus or using my food stamps on junk food that is quick to microwave in between classes.
But reading your posts is really giving me a kick in the pants again to get back to eating healthy, preparing more from scratch, helping my $30/week budget stretch as far as possible, and NOT find myself resorting to convenience food on a regular basis.
So thank you, I appreciate it, and I feel your budget straining pain!! I guess it a $4 a day challenge for me every day...what a shock that is!


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The Princess Front Door Canopy
Enhance your front door with our best-selling Princess door canopy. The apex design adds a refined aesthetic to the front of your home, and the GRP (Glass Reinforced Polyester) material provides a solid, maintenance-free roof to protect your family and guests from downpours. The Princess comes in two different sizes and is available with or without the curved, internal legs – depending on your design preferences.


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There's usually one or two days a year where you wake up, roll out of bed only to quickly regret it. Usually piggy backing on some sort of holiday (or birthday perhaps) the morning after is certainly nothing to celebrate. Most of us have a tradition to cure what ails them, flat gingerale like your mom used to give you, a shot of apple cider vinegar was the prescription back from my bar-tending days, and most people agree that a greasy plate of bacon/eggs/burgers or poutine will set you right.
My hangover cure is vitamin rich, full of nutrients and well, a jigger of vodka. Enter Walter, a premium blend of tomato juice, spices, horseradish and clam juice, hand crafted in small batches and filled with the right blend of sugar, salt and spice to get your head screwed back on straight.
With all that good stuff, it's just as important to note what it is missing- namely high-fructose-corn syrup, MSG, or artificial colours or flavours. Clearly, Walter has his stuff together. So at least that makes one of us!!
While Walter does come either well spiced or mild, I always add a salt rim, which of course, my body requires to make a full recovery after losing so many fluids the night before. A squeeze of lemon gives me a jolt of vitamin C, another vitamin flushed down the toilet (sorry to get so literal there). The celery stalk is mostly a giant stir stick, but could suitably turn into a snack I suppose.
To celebrate this classic Canadian cocktail, the illustrious Fairmont Royal York created a custom blend with hints of cumin and chipotle. Only available at the hotel, this iteration of Walter, dubbed 'The Royal Caesar' won't necessarily earn you a seat at the throne, but might keep you off a different one for long enough to keep the room from spinning.
Walter is ready, willing and able, and available, at your better grocery stores.


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Tags: brisbane festival, marketing, P4 Group, public relations, QBANK, spicers retreats, weekly wrap
Success doesn't come from what you do occasionally. It comes from what you do consistently. – Anonymous.
As we kick off another week, we take a moment to reflect on our team's achievements from last week in our latest weekly wrap!
Welcome back ACCU!
We're delighted to be working with the Queensland ANZAC Centenary Coordination Unit (ACCU) on a PR campaign to commemorate the 100 year anniversary of the Battle of Polygon Wood. To honour the courage of the 57,000 Australian soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice, a tree-planting ceremony will take place in Roma, Cloncurry, Cairns and Rockhampton on September 24th. We worked with the ACCU earlier this year on the Battle of Bullecourt and are delighted to be working with them once again.
Not all heroes wear capes…
The QBANK Everyday Heroes Awards nominations are open and some incredible stories of human courage and bravery are coming out of the woodwork! Last Monday, the awards unearthed the incredible story of Jason Lim, an Ipswich paddle-boarder who saved a surfer's life on the Gold Coast earlier this year. Jason's story made the front page of the Queensland Times, but if you didn't catch it in the paper, you can read it online here. Well done to the QBANK team for securing this great piece!
Nominations for the QBANK Everyday Heroes Awards close September 1st so make sure you nominate your everyday hero here.
Two top prizes for Spicers Retreats
Huge congratulations to our client Spicers Retreats, who won a handful of awards in the Savour Australia Restaurant & Catering Awards for QLD and NT. Spicers Tamarind Retreat in Maleny took out the top prize for Best Asian Restaurant and Spicers Balfour Hotel, right here in our stomping ground of New Farm, took our Brisbane's Best Breakfast. We know where we'll be this weekend…
T-minus one month until Brisbane Festival!
And just like that, we are officially one month out from Brisbane Festival! Our amazing Brisfest team have been all systems go in the P4 office, having already achieved 100 pieces of media coverage! If you haven't already, jump over to the Brisbane Festival website to check out the incredible shows coming into town this September and book your tickets now to avoid disappointment!
At P4 Group, we're highly experienced in delivering successful integrated communications campaigns that allow our clients to stay ahead of the game and connect and create valuable relationships with their target audiences.
Want to know more about how we can assist your business in today's fast-paced world? Learn more about our services here.


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Cameron extends warm welcome to VIP lunch guest at Number 10
British PM emphasises positive state of Anglo-Irish relations
President Higgins waves as he leaves after meeting with prime minister David Cameron at Number 10. Photograph: Reuters/Luke MacGregor
The workman fiddled with the red carpet outside the door of No 10 Downing Street just minutes before President Michael D Higgins's chauffeur-driven Bentley, adorned with the Tricolour, pulled up.
The presidential motorcade had come from the Royal Society, attracting waves from curious onlookers, while a police motorcycle escort stopped all of the traffic on Whitehall "with one wave" of their hands, to borrow from the lyrics of the Mountains of Mourne .
British prime minister David Cameron, who had arrived back from prime minister's questions in the House of Commons, was already outside the door, beyond the red carpet, brushing down his jacket before coming forward to shake the President's hand.
The party moved quickly inside.
The prime minister and President went upstairs, where they sat in armchairs before offering short statements to reporters and TV cameras who had filed in to hear them.
Reflecting the efforts of the British side to make the visit a success, Cameron extended "an extremely warm welcome, Mr President", adding: "it is really remarkable how Anglo-Irish relations have not only been transformed but I see them on an ever-increasing gradient.
"I am really excited by the things that we are now doing together, two countries and two governments," he said, enthusiastically, "I am excited by some of the new projects that we are talking about."
'A real privilege'
Conscious that many of his predecessors had been in office during difficult days in Anglo-Irish relations, he said: "It is a real privilege to be prime minister of the United Kingdom at a time when Anglo-Irish relations are on such an up.
"I am determined to do what I can," he said, adding that Ireland and the United Kingdom enjoyed "a very special partnership" — both are now "not just neighbours, but really good friends and deep friends", he said.
Air of enthusiasm
The air of enthusiasm was mirrored by the President, who said he was "so pleased to say thank you as well for the incredible reception that I have received" during the first and second days of his state visit — the first-ever by an Irish head of state.
Equally, the President, a one-time emigrant himself to Britain, said he had taken the opportunity of thanking Queen Elizabeth for the reception she gave at Buckingham Palace for members of the Irish community in Britain.
On a day when he had given one major speech already and with another to come, the President talked of the importance of Britain for Irish companies.
Saying that he was "absolutely delighted to be here and to be making this historic visit", he said Anglo-Irish relations are enjoying "a great deepening kind of co-operation that is very important. It is obviously there in trade and the economy.
'Indigenous sector'
"I think of our indigenous sector exporting as it does 40 per cent of its produce to Britain and equally Ireland being Britain's fifth-best customer. It is very important in trade. During the visit, I have just come from the Royal Society, over the years Irish science, Irish technology, Irish culture, Ireland's presence in the English language, all the things that we have done together."
At Windsor Castle on Tuesday night, the President said he and the queen had separately spoken in their speeches at the state banquet of how "our proximity that has sometimes stopped us from seeing the richness in each other.
'Great opportunities'
"But I hope that the visit will enable great opportunities for the deepening of the peace process that we have, one that requires our continuing vigilance," he said, before the two adjourned for lunch.
"Let's see what more we can do together," said Cameron.


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Itsy Bitsy Spider Found In Woolworths' Salad Following Salmonella Recall
The Simpson's family was right, "you don't win friends with salad". A disgruntled Woolies' customer has posted a video of a huge huntsman spider she found in the Italian style salad mix. Also Woolworths and Coles pre-packaged salads have been recalled due to Salmonella outbreak.
In the post, Zoe Perry said: "Hi Woolworths, Shopping as per usual for Italian Style Salad Mix….get it home….Mum goes to open the packet and we are greeted by….Is this what's actually behind the "salmonella" callbacks? Kind Regards, An arachnophobic family"
So far Perry's post has attracted over 42,000 likes, 61,500 shares and 62,000 comments.
A Woolworths' social media representative responded quickly to Perry's post on Facebook with:
Spider-gate follows Woolworths and Coles recalling prepackaged salads after they were linked to a spate of salmonella cases in Victoria. So far 54 people have been diagnosed with a rare strain of bacteria and two were hospitalised after eating leafy greens linked to Tripod Farmers, based in Bacchus Marsh, west of Melbourne.
The outbreak is believed to be linked to a fertiliser sourced from chickens and used to grow the lettuce.
List of recalled products:
- Woolworths brand: Spinach 100g, Rocket 100g, Salad mix 100g
- Wash N Toss: Watercress 100g, Sorrell 50g, Baby Cos 100g, Spinach 100g, Salad Mix 100g, Rocket 100g, Kale 100g
- Coles brand: Spinach 60g, Rocket 60g and 120g, Spinach and Rocket 120g, Spinach 120g, 4Leaf 120g and 200g
- SupaSalad: SupaSalad 180g, Green Coral 180g, Supamix 1kg, Spinach 1kg, Rocket 1kg, Baby Cos 1kg, Spinach 180g


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I have mixed emotions about this. It just seems odd to me to end a tiranical rule so violently. Yes, they say he caused the death of 1000s of people, but did not our president do the same the Iraqi people? Yes, I know our cause is just right? It is all so subjective.
I hope they are not making a martyr out of him.


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Optoma BL-FU185A Projector Lamp Assembly
Posted by Chris @ TVLampsforless on 8th Sep 2016
Here is a rather unique Optoma lamp assembly in that is supports a wide array of popular projector models. The lamp model BL-FU185A is also known as SP.8EH01GC01 by Optoma as the official part number. This lamp supports well known models such as the PRO250X, HD66 and TX536 to name a few. Most of these projectors have quite a few years on them but we still offer the lamp for them for those who have not yet upgraded.
This projector lamp uses a modest 185W bulb made by Philips and like many Optoma projectors - it puts out an impressive maximum lumens rating of 3600. For such inexpensive projectors the projectors powered by this lamp made for a valuable buy. As with all of our other items, this lamp comes with our standard 180 day TVLampsforless warranty and ships for free using the given code found on its product page.
Product can be purchased from the following link:


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HFH Camp Lanowa is located just an hour outside of New York City in Harriman State Park. Our campers, ages 9-13, spend two weeks in a safe and fun environment during one of our three summer camp sessions.
Camp Lanowa features an outdoor dining hall and a large indoor recreation hall (where they host their summer dodgeball game), as well as dance, theater, and music classes.
Since 1989, HFH Summer Camps have helped over 14,500 campers experience the great outdoors through the hiking and exploring of wooded trails, swimming and boating in a mountain lake, sleeping in cabins, and telling stories around a campfire. Additional activities such as arts and crafts and journal writing are aimed at keeping children stimulated and learning during their stay.
Our camps are accredited by the American Camp Association. Counselors are trained in safety procedures and peaceful conflict resolution. Swimming is supervised by CPR and First-Aid trained lifeguards. HFH Summer Camps provides transportation to and from the camp from convenient pick-up/drop-off locations in each borough.


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Zuhlke is happy to once again support Hack Manchester, a 24-hour coding competition hosted at MOSI, and part of the Manchester Science Festival.
We will be providing mentors to support and encourage the teams working on the challenges. Software engineers and consultants from our London and Manchester offices will be on site throughout the competition. They include:
Christopher Burdett Smith Whitting
Christopher has been developing software for the past 8 years, specialising in embedded devices, and has experience using a vast array of CPU Architectures and Operating Systems. He is an active member of Zuhlke's IoT and Embedded delivery team. He plays badminton at club level, where he represents his local team, Todmorden.
Tim Cianchi
Tim has had leading roles in the delivery of software solutions and consulting for over 35 years. He has been at Zuhlke for 11 years and now heads the UK Competence Centre.
Alison McGreavy
Alison has been working in IT for the past 19 years as a developer, team lead and manager. She founded and co-leads the Manchester Java Community and is a member of Zuhlke's Manchester team.
Mike Hogg
Mike divides his time between Zuhlke's London and Manchester offices, directing a Solution Delivery Centre which focus on devices, the Internet of Things and helping clients' harness technology for business innovation. Mike is a career software engineer, who has worked on medical devices, financial trading platforms, cybersecurity gateways, telecom switches and reverse engineering tools to name a few examples. He's easily bored so please drop by if you think we can help.
Phil Hudson
Phil has 16 years' experience as a Java Developer and SQL Server DBA. He first became interested in computing during the 8-bit home computing boom of the 1980's. Now especially interested in the Reactive Manifesto and cutting edge front-end technologies.
Jonathan Rothwell
Jonathan a software engineer whose interests include mobile apps, engineering for accessibility, and the ethical implications of software in society. In his spare time, he enjoys travel, swimming, and photography. He is also a fan of science fiction, and is currently working on a second novel.


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On this edition of Family Talk, Dr. Dobson will conclude his interview with Melinda Mayton, founder of Lighthouse Family Retreat, along with the parents of children battling cancer. These mothers and fathers will share how Melinda's ministry rejuvenated and recharged them to face this tough trial and how they found true joy in the loving arms of Jesus.
Guests Bio:
Nikki Hampton and her husband Terry have 3 children, including Colter, who contracted leukemia at 18 months of age, but went home to be with the Lord March 2005 at the age 8 from complications after a bone marrow transplant.
Toni Rockhill and her husband Vick have 6 children. In 2001 her daughter Christian was diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia at age 13. She went into complete remission 2004 but relapsed in November 2005.
Cory Hobbs and his wife, Kelly have 3 children. Their daughter, Natalie, at age 5 was diagnosed with leukemia in 2001. She was declared cancer free in November 2003.
Melinda Mayton grew up in loving family that annually met at the beach for get-togethers. Through her younger sister with medical problems, Melinda was inspired to start a ministry to help children with cancer and their families. In 1999, she founded Lighthouse Family Retreat, a Georgia based ministry.
Why Women Need Female Friends
5 Truths for True Love in Your Marriage
Do Relationships Outside Our Marriage Matter?
The Dobson Library
Contact Us
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Copyright ©2020 Dr. James Dobson's Family Talk is a ministry of the James Dobson Family Institute. All Rights Reserved.
Family Talk 540 Elkton Drive, Suite 201 Colorado Springs, CO 80907 (877) 732-6825
Reproduction without explicit permission is prohibited.


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Foxes are wild animals, in most cases dangerous, aggressive and rabies infected. However this hasn't stopped young Iza Łysoń from Krakow (Poland) to befriend a small forest fox and makes her its pet. At first glance most internet couch surfers were surprised and stunned seeing her photos because "isn't that dangerous?". Instead of fleeing from the camera, the fox named Freya had no problems posing in front of the lens.
Naturally the fox was very aggressive towards people but Roxanne was very patient in taming her. After some time and work, the fox became much friendlier – which can clearly be seen from the photos. Although the images came out amazing, Łysoń said taking photos of a fox is not without challenges. More info: Facebook, 500px
Łysoń explained, its "similar to taking photos of a dog – except you need to be faster", as foxes are "not in the habit of staying motionless".


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Amit Kalyani, executive director, Kalyani Group said, "Kalyani Group with its highest repository of metallurgical knowledge, proficiency & intensive metallurgical expertise in combination with sophisticated tools and technology of Bodycote shall turn out to be one of the strongest synergies ever".
This acquisition is a part of the Kalyani Group's strategy to venture into commercial heat treatment, surface coating and metallurgical services on pan India basis.
This acquisition will help leverage the synergy of metallurgical knowledge and technology to create a niche in the market for the Group.
This will be the Group's second commercial heat treatment facility operational in Pune; The company already has one such facility in Khed near Pune with vacuum carburizing process which started its operations in March 2015.
Kalyani added, "The transition will be seamless and services offered by Bodycote India to its customers will remain uninterrupted. This acquisition is in line with Group's strategy for forward integration, strengthening technological edge & is a key accomplishment for Make in India Initiative.
Bodycote offers specialized surface treatment processes such as carburizing, plasma nitriding, carbonitriding which find varied applications and are used for products such as high precision gears required for transmission and aerospace applications, crankshafts, camshafts, cam followers, valve parts, extruder screws, pressure-die-casting tools, forging dies, cold forming tools, engine parts etc., for improving surface properties and life of these components significantly.
Vacuum furnace brazing has a wide usage in aerospace, medical, automotive and nuclear applications, among others. The $2.5 billion Kalyani Group is headquartered in Pune and its flagship company is Bharat Forge.


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Large Abstract Sterling Silver Sparkly Hammered Round Disc Stud Earrings 20mm
These lovely abstract round disc ear stud earrings have been made by hand from 1mm solid 925 sterling silver. I have hammered them to create their unique attractive sparkly surface and then have finished them with a high polished shine. They have pin fittings (in the centre) and are secured with stamped sterling silver scrolls/butterflys.
Dimensions - 20mm (2cm) X 1mm
These ear studs have been stamped by The London Assay Office and have full British hallmarks along with my unique maker's/sponsor's mark 'CMcB'
Please see my profile for my terms and conditions.
These ear studs will be sent in a 'CMcB' jewellery box
Thank you for looking
Abstract - Geometric Shapes - Abstract Art And Architecture!
Shipping & delivery
This item will be posted to you by CMcB Jewellery within 1 day of receiving payment.
|Shipping destination
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|United Kingdom
Italy, Greece, Cyprus, Germany, France, Spain, Finland, Belgium, Portugal, Poland, Ireland, Sweden, Denmark, Netherlands, Austria, Latvia, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Isle of Man, Jersey, Guernsey, Gibraltar
|USA and Canada
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Returns Policy
You have 14 days, from receipt, to notify the seller if you wish to cancel your order or exchange an item.
Unless faulty, the following types of items are non-refundable: items that are personalised, bespoke or made-to-order to your specific requirements; items which deteriorate quickly (e.g. food), personal items sold with a hygiene seal (cosmetics, underwear) in instances where the seal is broken.


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We offer various services to help seniors, families of
seniors, new immigrants and temporary residents who
need assistance. Tonari Gumi is also an information
referral resource and Japanese language-based
Services include:
- Seniors Assistance
- Applications and Forms Assistance
- Escort service to hospital, medical appointments
- Problem solving assistance
- Information and referral
- Seniors housing counseling
- Meals on wheels (Japanese style meal delivery service to home-bound seniors in Vancouver, Burnaby and South Surrey)
- Telephone Buddies (Volunteers regularly call home-bound or isolated seniors.)
- Friendly Visitation (Volunteers regularly visit seniors at home, care facilities or hospitals)
Tonari Gumi is the only organization in the Lower Mainland that offers such a wide array of bilingual Japanese/English activities and services.
This post is also available in: 日本語 (Japanese)


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Nerissa Keys
Walk to the Hill
Travis Roy Foundation Grantee
I'd like thank the Travis Ford Foundation for providing me with the computer, software and devices I needed to get back to doing what i love… writing.
For more information about the Travis Ford Foundation and how to contribute, click on the previous link or on the logo below!
FEATURING: Mark Merren [Explicit Version]
"it's the real… Hip-Hop!"
Check out the website: MarkMerren.com
I'M A FIGHTER: A Reyality Photoshow
This was my submission to Jay-Z's 'I Will Not Lose' Video Competition


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Dec 19, 2012
VIDEO: Famous Harlem Globetrotters Moves
By Ben York
Posted: Dec. 19, 2012
Combining athleticism, theater and comedy, the Harlem Globetrotters are perhaps the world's most famous basketball exhibition team.
How famous? Well, they've played over 20,000 exhibition games in 120 countries since their inception in 1927.
Bringing their showmanship and excitement to millions of people around the globe, the team remains as popular as ever. One of the biggest reasons they've stood the test of time can be attributed to their seemingly endless array of trick shots and fancy moves.
The phrase, "How did they do that?" has become a mantra for their fans, usually accompanied by a look of amazement.
Thankfully, the Globetrotter's Big Easy Lofton and Flight Time Lang show you step-by-step how to perform two of their coolest moves above.


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Each time a scientific study concludes that alcohol consumption may offer health benefits, people rejoice. Who does not want to believe that occasional, or occasionally, cocktail, glass of wine or a bottle of beer not only enhance your mood, but also improve your health?
When these studies find that red wine can enhance memory or beer can defend against neurodegenerative diseases, it is only human nature to want to raise one or two glasses and toast to those intelligent scientists that we only got a license for a bit drunk. If you read beyond the headlines, however, you will often find that a concept always stood out: moderation. Moderation rare turn leads to tipsy.
The latest study to find health benefits alcohol is sure to get people excited at first sight red wine can help weight loss. Just before Valentine's Day, when all the corks are popping weekend, we are told that the wine we drink can cancel your box of chocolates we eat. It is the miracle of Valentine. Or is it?
Of course, much as we would like that to be true, it is not. What is certain is that a study published in the Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry found that consumption of small amounts of red wine can help burn fat. Take note of two words in the last sentence: small and power.
It is a small amount of regular red wine that could help with the "fat burning capacity of the liver and therefore make it easier to lose weight." No alcohol is the contributing factor, either. It is ellagic acid, an antioxidant found in many fruits and vegetables, including muscadine grapes in the wine used for the study.
The tests found that the liver cells and human fat cultured in a laboratory were affected positively by ellagic acid. It helped reduce the growth of existing fat cells and prevents the growth of new ones. No studies were performed in humans. Not one person has lost weight while drinking red wine during this study because people were not a part of it.
I'll keep popping a cork on this Valentine's Day, but I'll be waiting to rule out any treats that will eat. Both wine and food should be in moderation.


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Tips On Buying And Using Binoculars
Anyone with an interest in Astronomy should own a good pair of binoculars. Even avid amateurs with a houseful of telescopes will have at least one pair of binoculars at the ready. If your main interest in astronomy is exploring the fine details on planets or showing structure in distant galaxies, you will probably also eventually want to get a telescope as binoculars just don't have enough magnification.
However, if are new to astronomy or if you thrive on large open star clusters and big, extended nebulae, binoculars can actually work better for you than a telescope. It is often said that binoculars are the best "first telescopes" you can buy and even an experienced astronomer usually keeps one with them at all times.
Binoculars vs Telescopes
The video below is of Bill Burgess, the owner and founder of Burgess Optical, world-renowned for its custom-built telescopes and planetary eyepieces describing why a set of binoculars may be best option for you especially when starting out in astronomy. Most amateur astronomners will tell you that they might have beaut large telescopes and all the gear to go with them BUT they always carry a good pair of binoculars. You use 'em to scan the sky and zero in on what you want to point the telescope too. They are not only invaluable – they are necessary!
Recommended Binoculars for Astronomy
What pair of binoculars that you should get, will depend on how specialised and exactly what you want to use them for: The best binoculars for someone who wants to observe the stars with, but also then use during the day will be different to those that want to only use the binoculars for star gazing and don't have to worry about carrying them about.
Astronomy is best when you get outside and look into the skies with your own eyes. And the best way to get started is with a set of binoculars for astronomy. They're light, durable, easy to use, and allow you to see objects in the night sky that you just couldn't see with your own eyes. There are so many kinds of binoculars out there, so we've put together this comprehensive guide to help you out.
Everyone should own a pair of binoculars. Whether you're interested in practicing serious binocular astronomy or just want a casual cosmic close-up, these portable "twin telescopes" are both convenient and affordable. Learning more about how binoculars work and what type of binoculars work best for astronomy applications will make you much happier with your selection. The best thing to do is start by learning some binocular "basics".
What are binoculars and how do they work?
Binoculars are both technical and simple at the same time. They consist of an objective lens (the large lens at the far end of the binocular), the ocular lens (the eyepiece) and a prism (a light reflecting, triangular sectioned block of glass with polished edges).
The prism folds the light path and allows the body to be far shorter than a telescope. It also flips the image around so it doesn't look upside-down. The traditional Z-shaped porro prism design is well suited to astronomy and consists of two joined right-angled prisms which reflects the light path 3 times. The sleeker, straight barrelled roof prism models are more compact and far more technical. The light path is longer, folding 4 times and requires stringent manufacturing quality to equal the performance. These models are better suited to terrestrial subjects, and are strongly not recommended for astronomy use.
If you're using binoculars for astronomy, go with a porro prism design.
Choosing the Lens Size
Every pair of binoculars will have a pair of numbers associated with it: the magnifying power times (X) the objective lens size. For example, a popular ratio is 7X35. For astronomical applications, these two numbers play an important role in determining the exit pupil – the amount of light the human eye can accept (5-7mm depending on age from older to younger). By dividing the objective lens (or aperture) size by the magnifying power you can determine a pair of binoculars exit pupil.
Like a telescope, the larger the aperture, the more light gathering power – increasing proportionately in bulk and weight. Stereoscopic views of the night sky through big binoculars is an incredible, dimensional experience and one quite worthy of a mount and tripod! As you journey through the binocular department, go armed with the knowledge of how to choose your binoculars lens size.
Why does the binocular lens size matter? Because binoculars truly are a twin set of refracting telescopes, the size of the objective (or primary) lens is referred to as the aperture. Just as with a telescope, the aperture is the light gathering source and this plays a key role in the applications binoculars are suited for. Theoretically, more aperture means brighter and better resolved images – yet the size and bulk increases proportionately. To be happiest with your choice, you must ask yourself what you'll be viewing most often with your new binoculars. Let's take a look at some general uses for astronomy binoculars by their aperture.
Different Sizes of Binoculars
Binoculars with a lens size of less that 30mm, such as 5X25 or 5X30, are small and very portable. The compact models can fit easily into a pocket or backpack and are very convenient for a quick look at well-lit situations. In this size range, low magnifications are necessary to keep the image bright.
Compact models are also great binoculars for very small children. If you're interested in choosing binoculars for a child, any of these models are very acceptable – just keep in mind a few considerations. Children are naturally curious, so limiting them to only small binoculars may take away some of the joy of learning. After all, imagine the thrill of watching a raccoon in its natural habitat at sundown… Or following a comet! Choose binoculars for a child by the size they can handle, whether the model will fold correctly to fit their interpupilary size, and durability. Older children are quite capable of using adult-sized models and are naturals with tripod and monopod arrangements. For less than the price of most toys, you can put a set of quality optics into their hands and open the door to learning. Children as young as 3 or 4 years old can handle 5X30 models easily and enjoy wildlife and stargazing both!
Binocular aperture of up to 40mm is a great mid-range size that can be used by almost everyone for multiple applications. In this range, higher magnification becomes a little more practical. For those who enjoy stargazing, this is an entry level aperture that is very acceptable to study the Moon and brighter deep sky objects and they make wonderful binoculars for older children.
Binoculars up to 50-60mm in lens size are also considered mid-range, but far heavier. Again, increasing the objective lens size means brighter images in low light situations – but these models are a bit more bulky. They are very well suited to astronomy, but the larger models may require a support (tripod, monopod, car window mount) for extended viewing. Capable of much higher magnification, these larger binocular models will seriously help to pick up distant, dimmer subjects such as views of distant nebulae, galaxies and star clusters. The 50mm size is fantastic for older children who are ready for more expensive optics, but there are drawbacks.
The 50-60mm binoculars are pushing the maximum amount of weight that can be held comfortably by the user without assistance, but don't rule them out. Available in a wide range of magnifications, these models are for serious study and will give crisp, bright images. Delicate star clusters, bright galaxies, the Moon and planets are easily distinguishable in this aperture size. These models make for great "leave in the car" telescopes so you always have optics at hand. For teens who are interested in astronomy, binoculars make an incredible "First Telescope". Considering a model in this size will allow for most types of astronomical viewing and with care will last through a lifetime of use.
Binoculars any larger than 50-60mm are some serious aperture. These are the perfect size allowing for bright images at high magnification. For astronomy applications, binoculars with equations like 15X70 or 20X80 are definitely going to open a whole new vista to your observing nights. The wide field of view allows for a panoramic look at the heavens, including extended comet tails, large open clusters such as Collinder Objects, starry fields around galaxies, nebulae and more… If you have never experienced binocular astronomy, you'll be thrilled at how easy objects are to locate and the speed and comfort at which you can observe. A whole new experience is waiting for you!
Binocular Magnification
When choosing binoculars for astronomy, just keep in mind that all binoculars are expressed in two equations – the magnifying power X the objective lens size. So far we have only looked at the objective lens size. Like a telescope, the larger the aperture, the more light gathering power – increasing proportionately in bulk and weight. Stereoscopic views of the night sky through big binoculars is an incredible, dimensional experience, but for astronomical applications we need these two numbers to play an important role in determining the exit pupil – the amount of light the human eye can accept. By dividing the objective lens (or aperture) size by the magnifying power you can determine a pair of binoculars exit pupil. Let's take a look at why that's important.
How do binoculars magnify? What's the best magnification to use? What magnifying power do I choose for astronomy? Where do I learn about what magnifying power is best in binoculars? Because binoculars are a set of twin refracting telescopes meant to be used by both eyes simultaneously, we need to understand how our eyes function. All human eyes are unique, so we need to take a few things into consideration when looking at the astronomy binocular magnification equation.
By dividing the objective lens (or aperture) size by the magnifying power you can determine a pair of binoculars exit pupil and match it to your eyes. During the daylight, the human eye has about 2mm of exit pupil – which makes high magnification practical. In low light or stargazing, the exit pupil needs to be more around 5 to be usable.
While it would be tempting to use as much magnification as possible, all binoculars (and the human eye) have practical limits. You must consider eye relief – the amount of distance your eye must be away from the secondary lens to achieve focus. Many high "powered" binoculars do not have enough outward travel for eye glass wearers to come to focus without your glasses. Anything less than 9mm eye relief will make for some very uncomfortable viewing. If you wear eyeglasses to correct astigmatism, you may wish to leave your glasses on while using binoculars, so look for models which carry about 15mm eye relief.
Now, let's talk about what you see! If you look through binoculars of two widely different magnifying powers at the same object, you'll see you have the choice of a small, bright, crisp image or a big, blurry, dimmer image – but why? Binoculars can only gather a fixed amount of light determined by their aperture (lens size). When using high magnification, you're only spreading the same light over a larger area and even the best binoculars can only deliver a certain amount of detail. Being able to steady the view also plays a critical role. At maximum magnification, any movement will be exaggerated in the viewing field. For example, seeing craters on the Moon is a tremendous experience – if only you could hold the view still long enough to identify which one it is! Magnification also decreases the amount of light that reaches the eye. For these reasons, we must consider the next step – choosing the binocular magnification – carefully.
Binoculars with 7X magnifying power or less, such as 7X35, not only delivers long eye relief, but also allows for variable eye relief that is customizable to the user's own eyes and eyeglasses. Better models have a central focus mechanism with a right eye diopter control to correct for normal right/left eye vision imbalance. This magnification range is great for most astronomy applications. Low power means less "shake" is noticed. Binoculars with 8X or 9X magnification also offer long eye relief, and allows comfort for eyeglass wearers as well as those with uncorrected vision. With just a bit more magnification, they compliment astronomy. Binoculars 10 x 50 magnifying power are a category of their own. They are at the edge of multipurpose eye relief and magnifying power at this level is excellent across all subject matter. However, larger aperture is recommended for locating faint astronomy subjects.
Binoculars with 12-15X magnifying power offer almost telescopic views. In astronomy applications, aperture with high magnification is a must to deliver bright images. Some models are extremely well suited to binocular astronomy with a generous exit pupil and aperture combined. Binoculars with 16X magnification and higher are on the outside edge of high magnification at hand-held capabilities. They are truly designed exclusively as mounted astronomical binoculars. Most have excellent eye relief, but when combined with aperture size, a tripod or monopod is suggested for steady viewing. If you're interested in varying the power, you might want to consider zoom binoculars. These allow for a variety of applications that aren't dependent solely on a single feature. Models can range anywhere from as low as 5X magnification up to 30X, but always bear in mind the higher the magnification – the dimmer the image. Large aperture would make for great astronomy applications when a quick, more magnified view is desired without being chained to a tripod.
Other Binocular Features
The next thing to do is take a good look at the binoculars you are about to purchase. Check out the lenses in the light. Do you see blue, green, or red? Almost binoculars have anti-reflection coatings on their air to glass surfaces, but not all are created equal. Coatings on binocular lenses were meant to assist light transmission of the object you're focusing on and cancelling ambient light. Simply "coated" in the description means they probably only have this special assistance on the first and last lens elements – the ones you're looking at. The same can also be said of the term "multi-coated", it's probably just the exterior lens surface, but at least there's more than one layer! "Fully coated" means all the air-to-glass surfaces are coated, which is better… and "fully multi-coated" is best. Keeping stray light from bouncing around and spoiling the light you want to see is very important, but beware ruby coated lenses… These were meant for bright daylight applications and will rob astronomical binoculars of the light they seek.
Last, but not least, is a scary word – collimation. Don't be afraid of it. It only means the the optics and the mechanics are properly aligned. Most cheap binoculars suffer from poor collimation, but that doesn't mean you can't find an inexpensive pair of binoculars that are well collimated. How can you tell? Take a look through them with both eyes. If you can't focus at long distance, short distance and a distance in-between, there is something wrong. If you can't close either eye and come to focus with the other, there's something wrong. Using poorly collimated binoculars for any length of time causes eye strain you won't soon forget.
Price range for Astronomy Binoculars
So, how much? What does a good pair of binoculars for astronomy cost? First look for a quality manufacturer. Just because you've chosen a good name doesn't mean you're draining your pocket. Smaller astronomy binoculars of high quality are usually around or under $25. Mid-sized astronomy binoculars range from $50 to $75 as a rule. Large astronomy binoculars can run from a little over $100 to several hundred dollars. Of course, choosing a high-end pair of binoculars of any size will cost more, but with proper care they can be handed down through generations of users. Keep in mind little things that might be good for your applications, like rubber-coated binoculars for children who bang them around more, or fog-proof lenses if you live in a high humidity area. Cases, lens caps and neck straps are important, too.
Some Suggested Binoculars
The purpose of this guide was to help you understand how to choose the best binoculars for astronomy. While so much information on binoculars may seem a little confusing at first, just a little study will take you on your way to discovering astronomy binoculars that are perfect for you!But if you trust me, and just want a suggestion… here you go. With thanks to Tammy Plotner.
For all purpose astronomy binoculars, I'd recommend these:
The best type are 7×50. These are the ones we not only sell and recommend.. but we use 'em too! The clarity is superb and the quality perfect! Premium Quality – Standard size 50mm. Easy to hold, comfortable eye relief, attaches to camera tripod for stability, suited for day/ night use, well made.
What you'll see is literally outa this world!
Specifications • Magnifications 7 X • Speciality application – Waterproof & Weatherproof • Nitrogen filled – Weather proof operation • Nitrogen filled – Maximum optical capability • Premium quality multi coated optics • Premium quality Rubber armoured body • Includes connection for tripod adaptor • Outstanding visual and mechanical capability • Premium Bak 4 prisms • Suitable for Bay views, Birding, Astronomy & Sporting
Exclusive features of some of our 7X50 Range• Upgraded Nitrogen filling for Waterproof premium performance • The Do All binocular – Upgraded Optical performance for every application
High Quality • Nitrogen filled for maximum performance • High resolving power
Premium components • Heavy duty robust & durable rubber armoured body • Very easy to operate • Including tripod connection capability (fits standard tripods)
Usability • Easy to operate and locate objects • High optical power 7X Magnifications X 50mm lens size
Highlights • Exceptional value for money • Exceptionally easy to use • Maximum performance per dollar spent you will get in ANY premium binocular • Made by global leading brand Saxon
(Please contact me for price and delivery details)
PLUS you get FREE membership to my 'advice/help' line, and my FREE weekly astronomy newsletter 'Astro-Space News'. Just register!


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Resources for Mental Health Professionals
Join Us in Making Youth Mental Health a Priority!
Mental health is the number one health issue facing young people, far surpassing all other health care needs combined. Youth involved in the child welfare, foster care, or juvenile justice systems, are especially at risk. As a mental health professional, we know that you care deeply about young people and want to help them thrive.
Dealing effectively with the mental health needs of children and adolescents requires a sound understanding of the nature of youthful mental disorders. It also requires knowing the strengths and weaknesses of the system of care through which we provide treatment and support, and the roles and responsibilities of the many child-serving agencies involved.
Below are our top resources for learning more about the unique mental health needs of youth, quality practices and interventions that could help improve their lives, and the multiple programs and systems in which children and adolescents are served.*
- Children's Mental health report
Child Mind Institute (2015)
- Intensive Care Coordinator Using High-Quality Wraparound for Children with Serious Behavioral Health Needs Center for Health Care Strategies, Inc. (2014)
- A Public Health Approach to Children's Mental Health
Center for Child and Human Development (2010)
- Building Systems of Care
National Technical Assistance Center for Children's Mental Health and Mental Health Policy (2002)
- Young Hearts & Minds: Making a Commitment to Children's Mental Health
Little Hoover Commission (2001)
- Surgeon General Report: Chapter 3 Children and Mental Health
Surgeon General (1999)
For more resources, please visit Our Impact pages. You can also find advocacy updates, analysis by our staff, and stories by youth on our blog.
**These are just some of our favorite resources. It is by no means an exhaustive list. We will continue to add to it as new resources become available. If you know of a great resource that you think we should include, please let us know! [Link to contact]


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"The Bi-Coastal Burger" – Shake Shack AND In-N-Out In One Bite!
Coastal elitism has bred a persistent dispute between East and West: Which side produces the best cheeseburger? As a newly bi-coastal person, I'm tired of having the same "My Cheeseburger is Better than Your Cheeseburger" argument over and over. It seems to me that burger preference is as politically contentious as Red v. Blue government. I'm not even going to TRY to change anyone's stance in the matter.
So instead of doing one more pointless showdown of the two obvious candidates (the classic In-N-Out Double-Double vs. the New Yorker equivalent, Danny Meyer's obsessively-crafted ShackBurger), I'm going to perform an experiment that will either be derided as sacrilege… or will be lauded for finding common ground between two warring factions.
My method isn't original but it IS simple. A few years back, "The McGangbang" became an Internet talking point. It's a crude phrase for home food engineers putting a twist on an otherwise predictable trip to McDonald's. Split open a McD's double cheeseburger and throw a McChicken in the middle. Bun-beef-bun-chicken-bun-beef-bun. Gross, awesome and fun. Let's apply the "McGangbang" method here.
I will combine the Double-Double with the ShackBurger in an attempt to integrate the best from West Coast with the jewel of the East. I've chosen the structural order and contents of this sandwich based on the following criteria; home court advantage, cheeseburger structure, and patty weight.
As I'm in L.A., In-N-Out will have the privilege of providing the top and bottom components of this creation. Moreover, my standard order at In-N-Out is definitely a "Double-Double, animal style." At Shake Shack, on the other hand, I believe you're best served by ordering the classic ShackBurger. Also, I think that the two patties of the Double Double probably match the larger mass of a ShackBurger. I'm not busting out the scale for this, I'm going by gut.
My girlfriend and I first went to the In-N-Out drive-thru, then raced to the nearest Shake Shack, trying to maintain as much of the fresh-from-the-grill glory as we could.
Sandwich assembly was simple. We opened up the Double-Double and carefully inserted the ShackBurger. We then sliced the resulting tower of cheeseburger-goodness in half, for ease of consumption. I felt like a madman, about to break the space-time continuum. As the moment grew nearer, I worried that I might ruin two icons of cheeseburger greatness forever. We leaned in to take a bite…
Havva's Review
Full disclosure: I like In-N-Out but it isn't my absolute favorite fast food burger. I'm really more of a Five Guys fan. Blasphemy for an Angeleno, I know… but I DID grow up in Texas so I don't have that childhood association. That said, I do agree with the widespread opinion that you won't find a FRESHER burger in L.A.
This is my first ShackBurger (!) so I'm going to taste this one as a stand-alone before I try the combination.
The first thing I notice is that the patty is well seasoned. The second point in its favor is the tasty potato bun. Right up my alley! Comparing the two, I like the ShackBurger better… but I prefer the sauce on the Double-Double.
Upon tasting the ShackBurger-inside-a-Double-Double, all I can think is; "This is great. It tastes just like Whataburger." I go back in to fish out the pieces of the ShackBurger bun that have soaked up that In-N-Out Sauce.
Don's Review
Pure joy overwhelmed me. An explosion of flavors and textures, working in harmony to create what I will call the world's best cheeseburger. The nuance of both potato AND regular hamburger buns, the onions, lettuce, tomato, cheese, and animal style sauces. All of it together. Each ingre=dient working in complete harmony.
I am proud that Havva and I have cut our own trail. We are, presumably, the first two people to eat both In-N-Out AND Shake Shack in one bite. More people have been to the moon or the Mariana Trench.
"The Bi-Coastal Burger" is born.
Sadly, In-N-Out has not yet arrived on the East coast, so I'll use this space to make one more impassioned plea for the chain to figure out their freshness-range dynamics to include the rest of the country. I dream of an America where this 1220 calorie meat explosion is available in every major metropolis and where cheeseburger/coastal supremacy is a conversation of the past.
Co-Written by Havva Eisenbaum


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1. This week has turned out to be such a beautiful one. For us it has included Charlie turning four, cookie cake and playing outside in the
dirt sunshine.
2. Camellias are such beautiful flowers. Thankfully the bush in my parents' yard has so many that a few aren't missed when I pick them for my counter in a mason jar. Someone suggested I make a print like this. I think I like the idea.
3. I took a little time to play on Saturday and used watercolors for the first time. Meh. Not my favorite. I realized it will take a lot of learning and practice to become comfortable with them.
4. I have been enjoying lots of tea lately. This is my go to for something sweet and this is my I-can't-live-without-it tea.
6. How fun is this? I always make such a mess of my yarn when I crochet (which hasn't been very often lately), but I would totally love to have one of these.
7. I'm excited about being a sponsor again for this!
8. And there are more of these in the works. I have about seven I'm finishing up, and I got a new shipment of canvases in so I better get busy!
I think that is all for now. Happy Friday.


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Cairo, Egypt
One of the oldest tram systems in Africa, the Heliopolis Metro owes its existence to an eccentric Belgian Industrialist named Baron Empain, who, in 1905, decided to build one of the most lavish tourist resorts in the world just outside the Egyptian capital Cairo. Empain's model city was furnished with grand palaces, ornate hotels, palatial villas and manicured gardens, with each building designed in an eclectic signature style that blended Hindu spires and Moorish domes with Persian revival motifs and the attention to detail of Belgian Art-Nouveau architecture. In order to service this sumptuous retreat, and draw in visitors from the nearby Pyramids, an 18.6 mile network of 6 tram lines from Kollyet El Banat to Nasr City was built. The lines provided efficient travel around Heliopolis itself, while also linking up with Cairo, some 6 miles to the south and separated from Heliopolis by unspoilt desert. The trams offered a capacity of 96 passengers and ran at top speeds of 18 kilometres an hour, very slow by modern standards.
Today the area has changed beyond recognition, with Cairo's urban sprawl surrounding the formerly isolated planned city. Yet much of the grand architecture still exists. The Heliopolis Palace Hotel, once Egypt's premier hotel boasting 400 rooms, elegant dining halls and bespoke furnishings, is now Egypt's official Presidential Palace. Tram riders can still travel past this enormous building and admire the fine Italianate marble columns, Moorish arches and neo-classical pediments decorating the imposing facade.
The trams, currently dating from the 1950s and designed in striking streamline moderne colours of green and cream, still ply the old lines through now busy streets. Yet the top speed still remains an inefficient and sluggish 18 kilometres an hour, though tickets are incredibly cheap, costing 25 piastres each way, equivalent to around 5 American cents. From Ramses Station in Cairo's city centre travellers can sit on the old red seats, their feet scraping against the worn and ripped-up linoleum flooring, and reach Heliopolis in just 40 minutes.
In order to improve journey times, and bring the Heliopolis network into the 21st century, the Egyptian government has called for expressions of interest to replace these vintage vehicles with faster, air-conditioned streetcars, in order to ensure the popularity, safety and viability of Cairo's last remaining tram network.