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March 1972 R/C Modeler
These pages from vintage modeling magazines like
Flying Aces,
Air Trails,
American Modeler,
American Aircraft Modeler,
Young Men,
Flying Models,
Model Airplane News,
R/C Modeler, captured
the era. All copyrights acknowledged.
See also Du-Bro's Whirlybird 505 in the November 1972 American Aircraft Modeler.
RC, Circa 1972
R/C Modeler Magazine's completed Whirlybird 505 built from a stock Du-Bro kit. Introducing a new era ...
By Bernie Murphy
Thirty-five years since becoming a reality, radio control is at the dawn of a new era. RCM takes you step-by-step through the construction of the Whirlybird 505 kit.
Someone once said, "the difficult we do right away, the impossible takes a little longer." Whoever it was, they could well have been referring to Du-Bro Products, for they have seemingly accomplished the "impossible" with the introduction of their new Whirlybird 505 R/C helicopter kit.
Until very recently, only a few RC'ers considered the success of an R/C helicopter to be within the realm of possibility. One of these, a determined flyer and manufacturer named Dave Gray, began working with the idea. After many attempts, and redesigns, a successful lift-off was achieved. This was, in itself, a tremendous accomplishment, for now it would be possible to make modifications and observe the results. Gradually the ship was changed and Dave was getting more and more "air" time. The "fine tuning" of both man and machine continued until truly successful flights became a reality.
About this time, Dave joined the Du-Bro organization. Du-Bro, under Dave's direction, refined the craft still further, at the same time making it into a kitable design. Several prototypes were built and put into the hands of novice flyers. A training system was developed, and the novices were quickly and safely airborne. It appeared that the impossible had been conquered, and the decision was made to market the Whirlybird.
RCM obtained one of the first Du-Bro kits, actually prior to the printing of the assembly instructions. The fact that we were able to easily complete the ship without benefit of the instructions is certainly a tribute to the simplicity of the design. More about our impressions later, but now, let's build the Whirlybird 505.
Initial assembly of the tail rotor bearing and drive shaft bearing.
The bearing assembly with the remaining tail rotor parts.
The rotor pitch control bearing soldered into place. The completed hearing assembly and remaining parts.
View of the completed drive gear and pitch actuator.
Rotor parts ready for final assembly.
Construction of the Whirlybird involves three main areas, tail rotor, chassis and main rotor - that's right, no wing or fuselage, as such. It is imperative that all of the small hardware parts be identified and accounted for prior to beginning the assembly. There are many collars, studs, tubes, screws, washers, and bushings; many of which are similar, yet will work in only one place, so the time spent sorting and identifying is a must.
The tail rotor assembly intrigued us, so this was chosen to be constructed first. A quick trip through the photos is the easiest way to describe this assembly. The completed unit looks complicated, yet adding a piece or two at a time makes it really very simple. About the only warning required pertains to soldering techniques: The kit does require that various parts be soldered together. This should be done carefully and neatly, using enough heat to assure a secure, strong joint! Care must also be taken to solder only those parts which are to be joined, without accidentally soldering some moveable part permanently in place!
With the tail rotor completed, we moved on to the chassis. Again the simplicity of assembly is apparent, with the parts keying together in such a way that it would almost take an effort to assemble them incorrectly. The two oak cross members, which will carry the main rotor bearings, are first glued to the two vertical rails. This is then glued into the ply baseplate, checking to insure that the frame is square. In assembling these parts, the upper bearing hole must face the top, while the lower one faces down. The rear tray is now glued to the lower side of the bottom cross member, with the boom block securely glued to its lower side, and to the rear of the vertical rails. The front servo extension is glued into the baseplate, and the servo mount is glued flush with the end of it. The lower servo mounting rail is glued directly to the base and the vertical rails. The position of the upper and rear servo mounting rails is best determined using the appropriate servo to set the spacing. This entire assembly should be made using a good wood glue (Titebond, white glue) or epoxy.
The four landing gear wires can now be attached to the bottom of the baseplate, using the four straps as retainers. Fit the gear legs into the two runners (curved end forward) and solder securely. The fiberglass tail boom can now be fitted and epoxied into the boom block, positioning carefully so that the three rear holes are vertical. The wire rotor protecting skid is now bent to shape, and epoxied to the rear of the boom. The vertical stabilizer is fitted and laced to the skid with soft wire and epoxied to the wire and the boom. The horizontal stabilizer is glued to its shim block, which is then epoxied to the boom. This is a good time to fit the assembled tail rotor to the boom. The bird is now beginning to take on the form of a helicopter!!
Construction of the main rotor unit is again a study in simplicity. The blades have been pre-shaped, and notched to insure correct positioning. Ply doublers are glued to each side of the blades, creating a pocket for the blade stubs to fit into. Care must be exercised in installing these to insure that they are securely glued, without allowing excess glue to extend into the pocket, as the stubs are a close fit. The blade counterbalance weights are attached to the tips using epoxy. The stub wires are fitted and epoxied into the blade stubs, clamping the stub halves securely.
A fly bar weight is soldered to one end of each flybar wire. A nylon fitting and collar must be installed on each wire now. Once the fittings have been slid onto the wires, the wires are joined through the center collar by means of a brass tube. The center hole in this tube must be centered in the collar, and in line with the hole in the collar, in order to allow the throttle linkage to pass through it. The center section is now soldered together. Before proceeding, it is necessary to assemble the rotor alignment fixture. This simple wood jig accurately positions the rotor blades with respect to the flybar. The rotor stubs are slid into the blades, and a bushing installed on each shaft. The shafts are now inserted into the rotor tubes on the preassembled tank unit. The flybar is positioned across the center of the tank unit, and the rotor wires inserted into the remaining holes in the flybar center ring (these holes are drilled at an angle to match the rotor wires). The alignment jig is now hooked over the flybar wire and held tightly against the bottom of one of the rotor blades. In this position, the rotor shaft is securely soldered into the center ring. The same procedure is then repeated for the other blade. Once soldered, it is a good idea to remove the blades, leaving only the stubs.
This is a good time to install the bevel gear which drives the tail rotor. This runs in a nylon bearing mounted flush with the rear of the ply tray. The support guide should also be assembled and installed to the boom. The swash plate is screwed to the top of the chassis vertical rails, with the control arms facing forward. The main rotor control, which rides on the swash plate is bent to match the drawing supplied, then screwed loosely to its collar. These screws should be soldered to the control arm to prevent loosening. The completed unit must be free to pivot easily on the collar. The arms are connected to the flybar fitting by means of double Kwik Links, which are used to adjust the rotor neutral position.
A small eyelet is soldered into the bottom of the rotor assembly shaft. The throttle linkage can now be bent to suit the engine used (ours was an OS .40), and inserted through the shaft. The lower end is spring loaded, and held in place with a collar.
At this point, it is a good idea to make the servo installation, since the throttle control bellcrank must be positioned between the two swash plate control servos. Any servo of the size of the Kraft KPS 10 or smaller can be fitted into the Whirlybird. We installed two KPS 10's for swash plate control, just to be sure that they would fit, since this is the tightest space. Once the servos are in place, the throttle bellcrank and bracket (horn) can be mounted. After the linkages have all been fitted, the "fuselage" shell can be trimmed and fitted to the chassis. The formed ABS body shell is designed so that it can be completely removed for service or adjustment of the helicopter.
Assembled mechanism needing only epoxying of blades in place.
Rotor blade shaft installed in bearing and retained by eyelet soldered to shaft.
Return spring and collar added. Spring seats on eyelet.
The pitch control arm has been added in this photo.
Link fitting added to pitch control completes tail rotor assembly.
Machined hardwood 11arts for chassis structure.
Basic chassis assembly. A servo is used to position mounting rails.
The completed Whirlybird 505 chassis.
Gear legs mounted to chassis base plate and soldered to skids.
The installation of the wire tail skid and vertical stabilizer.
The horizontal stabilizer is epoxied into place.
Pre-assembled tank unit with flybar, rotor stubs, and control parts, bearings, and gear.
Rotor alignment fixture parts shown in this view.
Alignment fixture being used to position rotor blades to flybar assembly.
Close-up of rotor installation on tank assembly. Clean, strong soldering is imperative.
The rotor-tank assembly.
Rear rotor shaft soldered into gear sleeve, with bevel gear, pin, and bearing.
Center supports for rear rotor drive shaft and pitch actuating line.
Swash plate screwed into place on top of chassis and rear rotor drive installed with main rotor assembly.
Another view of rear rotor drive and main rotor assembly.
Photo shows installation of throttle linkage and swash plate follower.
Another view of throttle linkage and follower.
Complete tail rotor installed on boom.
View of tail rotor assembly.
Top view of tail rotor assembly.
View showing throttle control bellcrank assembly.
Servos in place with all linkages attached. Note holes for attaching body shells.
Completed chassis and control system.
Swash plate control linkages spring centered.
Tank assembly with rotor control and rear rotor drive gear in place.
Another view of tank assembly and rear rotor drive gear.
O.S. Max .40 mounted to top of tank assembly with socket head screws and mounting plate.
Counterbalance screws directly to engine mounting lugs. This assembly must be secure.
Counterbalance must be adjusted and securely locked into position. This should be done before installing bearings into the chassis.
When properly balanced, the rotor assembly will rotate smoothly on the bearings with no 'fall back' after stopping.
Receiver and battery pack are packed into fuselage forward shell.
The helicopter is now complete, except for painting, trim and addition of the engine. For painting, the easiest method is to remove all sub-assemblies, leaving only the chassis, boom, and horizontal and vertical stabilizers. The landing gear may also be left on. If the main rotor bearings have been installed, mask carefully (we left ours out until after painting). Now spray and trim in the colors of your choice. The rotor blades should be sprayed black, with white bands for visibility. The mechanical assemblies can be painted or left natural as desired, but if painted, must operate freely.
A good time to mount your engine to the main rotor assembly is while the paint is drying. The counterbalance is securely bolted to the engine lugs. In order to balance the assembly, it will be necessary to construct a simple stand on which the assembly can be rotated (or suspend brackets from the ceiling). Slip a bearing over the prop shaft, and another over the lower end of the rotor shaft. Suspend the shaft horizontally on the bearings, and rotate so that the blades are horizontal. Adjust the counterbalance so that the assembly is accurately balanced, then lock in place. Now reassemble the units, installing the main rotor bearings, pack the receiver and battery in the forward fuselage section and screw the body sections in place. If you were wise enough to charge your batteries, she's ready to fly - (but are you?). Total time 2-4- evenings!
Flying the 505
Learning to fly the Whirlybird is somewhat hard to explain. The experience is a thrill, exciting, a challenge, work, fun, great, to mention just a few! We do not recommend that you attempt to fly the Whirlybird alone, for no matter how proficient you are with that hot multi, this is something new!! Your skill could even get you into trouble. For example, the normal multi reaction in the event of difficulty is immediate low throttle, with a helicopter, this would most likely cause you to crash. The controls are set up so that the elevator movement on the TX produces motion forward and aft. Aileron gives side motion, left and right. Rudder controls the tail rotor pitch, and is used to "steer" the position of the body. One note here, we have found it more convenient to set this control so that left moves the tail boom to the left, and right moves it to the right. This is reverse of a multi set-up, in that you are steering the tail. It may seem awkward, but it works. The throttle controls the vertical motion.
Initial flights should be made with two tether lines, one from each side of the chassis, just below the swash plate. These lines should be about 5' long, with weights tied about 18" from the ship to keep the lines down. The other end of each line is attached to a 3' long 1/2" dia. dowel. Have two friends man the lines, with instructions to limit your travel. With a little practice, they will be able to maintain control of the ship regardless of your mistakes. Begin by gradually increasing the throttle (keep in low trim) until the ship begins to become noticeable light on its gear. Now add just a lit tie more until it lifts several inches. Be ready with the rudder control, and concentrate on keeping the tail pointed at you. The lines will keep you from moving around. Once you have gotten the feel of the tail, you can begin to fly the main rotor trying to fly into the the tight line until you can hold the ship in the air with both lines hanging slack. Sounds simple, and in fact, it really is, but it requires a lot of practice. The initial flights are best made from a smooth surface, in calm weather. Indoors is quite practical, as not much space is required.
Our first flights were made inside the Du-Bro factory, due to a gusty 30 mile wind blowing outside. Under the direction of Dewey Broberg and Dave Gray, the learning time was somewhat shortened, but there is no doubt in our mind that the Whirly bird is flyable - by anyone. The ship is tough, and can take all of the rough knocks that go with learning. It is a machine that will continually amaze, fascinate, and challenge you.
What do we think of the Du-Bro Whirlybird 505? We think it is a tremendous accomplishment, undoubtedly marking the dawn of a new R/C era. The kit is extremely well clone, and totally complete. Construction has been simplified to the point where anyone can successfully complete it. We further think that anyone can learn to fly it. The Whirlybird has put a new challenge in the R/C sport, at a price that is realistic.
The Du-Bro Whirlybird 505 is available at your hobby dealer now, at $125. Build it, learn to fly in the garage, then watch the reactions at the field on that first warm Sunday! We at RCM have thoroughly tested, wholeheartedly approve, and most highly recommend the Whirlybird 505!!!! ( Ed Note: The helicopter described in this article was built from a stock kit (less only instructions). The kit was received during a recent trip to the Du-Bro factory, for an "RCM Visits" feature appearing in this issue).
RCM's complete Du-Bro Whirlybird 505.
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GODSU Junior Ambassador Social Studies Program v.5.0
Platform: Windows 8,7,Vista,Me/XP/2000, Mac OS X.x
Early Societies, African Empires, Modern Issues. These are just some of the fascinating topics covered in this multimedia interactive program. Users will learn about different models of society and civilizations, and about some of the social dynamics of people over time. You can explore through pictures, essays, activities, timelines and the exciting new game Who wants to be an African Historian Extraordinaire.

subset: commoncrawl


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Sydney 2000
Review - Having already battered our lives away on the PC, we turn our attentions to the official Olympics title on the PlayStation
On Your Marks
These days no self-respecting international sporting event is without its own videogame, and the 2000 Olympics are no exception. Containing 12 of the 25 events, Sydney 2000 presents sprints, hurdles, javelins, hammers, triple and high jumps, dives, bikes, weights, shotguns, canoes and one Olympic size swimming pool for the sporting connoisseur's delight. These are navigated using the traditional athletic game control system, so investing in a vice to grip the pad while you hammer the life out of it is advisable if you want to see gold around your virtual neck. For immediate gratification the game offers an arcade mode, putting you straight into the action by allowing up to eight players to attempt any of the events. A handicap setting meters this, so those with particularly dextrous fingers don't necessarily always have the upper hand. Jumping straight to this option though proves frustrating from the off as by emulating reality you only get one shot at each event before having to endure lengthy reloads. In this case though it just feels like four years. The place to start is the coaching mode, where each event is introduced with explanatory text and button timing can be honed to perfection.
Muscle Power
For the single player, once you've got the hang of when to press the buttons the Olympic mode is the real muscle of the game. In this you endeavour to train your athlete to Olympic standard in each event by progressing through several levels of qualifying competition, using a 'virtual gym' to boost your performance along the way. The 100 metres sprint for example requires considerable use of the treadmill. Each test needs a certain distance to be covered in a shortening time, with random stabs needed at the action button as lights appear. Cunning indeed, the gym exercises themselves through virtue of being almost identical to the actual events do provide some level of training for the player as well as the virtual athlete, albeit in the art of coordinated button bashing. To provide variety additional gym exercises are thrown into the mix that test player reflexes and timing. As you progress your athlete's strength and stamina increases, an excellent grade pass in each training event will see you clear each qualifying round with ease - until at Olympic standard superhuman finger skills are required to attain a medal. In this mode the player is treated to a lengthy opening ceremony using the 3D engine, and should a medal be attained the winners podium does indeed await. As with the arcade mode you are permitted only one attempt at each event, failure resulting in either returning to a saved game or a restart from scratch. There's no going back, other than to the Head to Head mode, which allows up to eight friends with trained athletes stored on memory cards to compete against each other via multitaps.
The Greatest Spectacle on Earth
Graphically the game is satisfactory, although that seems somehow unimportant as most of the time playing it is spent gazing at the various power and accuracy bars to ensure an optimum performance. The engine is solid if standard, the stadia colourful and animated, and the motion capture fed figures proportioned well enough to give an admirable superhuman quality. It can't hope to compete with its PC or Dreamcast siblings but the Playstation does what it can to provide a suitable atmosphere for most events. Steve Rider adds an authentic feel to the commentary, aided by Stuart Storey and Paul Dickenson, and it does its best to remain fluent throughout. Occasional sudden inflexion changes raise a smile but the vocal talent is far preferable to the music. Some variation in the jungle-oriented soundtrack might prevent the urge to turn off its machinegun like beat, that perhaps being a subtle reflection of the game and its controls.
The Finish Line
Despite the glamour and the guaranteed success that comes with a licence like this even the Olympic mode falls short of providing the armchair athlete with something more than International Track and Field, or any of its 16 and 8 bit predecessors. All the events on which the game focuses boil down to repeated dual button hammering with carefully timed stabs at a third when an action is required. Those that don't are for the most part so poorly implemented that they are more frustrating than fun to play. The criminal non use of the analogue stick in events such as the Skeet Shoot and the Kayak Slalom leave the player wondering why they were included at all when there are so many Olympic events to choose from. That said, Attention To Detail wisely steered clear of including the more popular sports serviced well by individual titles. No one would expect to see Football or Basketball as an option here, but there's plenty of scope for unused originality. Equestrianism perhaps, or Fencing would have provided relief from the inevitably monotonous wrist straining antics the game relies on. Perhaps with the recent arrival of dance mat controllers we may see athletics games in future requiring the participants to button bash with their feet, a spectacle I'm sure that would be immense multiplayer fun (Sports that require you to exert yourself? It'll never catch on.. -Ed). Until some new innovation breaks the ageing mould though these games will always be the short-lived social fun they have been. Sydney 2000 just serves the same idea with a visual overhaul.
For those who enjoy this kind of competition the recent, largely overlooked, Bishi Bashi Special may provide an alternative perspective while retaining the same frenetic pad action. Sydney 2000 though will remain a diversion riding the crest of current Olympic popularity until the spectacle itself finishes and someone says, "I've had enough of that. Stick Gran Turismo back on." Release Date - available now
Eye Candy
6 /10


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Who's Your Daddy?
- Addison Betaz
- Journalism
- 1 Star Celebrity
- Leo
- Workaholic / Neat / Commitment Issues / Computer Whiz / Perfectionist
- Grumpy
- Clumsy
- Vegetarian
- Inappropriate
- Loner
Professional Author
- Juliana moves on to her next target, Addison Betaz. They get down to business once Juliana finishes indicating several times how hungry she is.
- Aiden takes some time to play with Caleb. He gives him a hug and then heads off to bed.
- Juliana takes some time after her play time with Addison to read a logic book to Aiden.
- She also gives Caleb his one ride on the horsey.
- Needing to make a quick trip to Egypt to obtain the Ruby of Sakhara, Juliana slips out once the kids are in bed, trusting the on call babysitter with her little ones once again. (Having played through 15 days in Egypt and then accidentally selling the Ruby of Sakhara upon returning home, Juliana called in a mulligan and quit without saving. She tried again and this time around only stayed long enough to get the Ruby and then she returned home.)
- Aiden and Benjamin decide to play tag, for 12 hours. Aiden's imaginary friend, Peaches, watches and waits for her turn to play with Aiden. Benjamin's imaginary friend is still a doll and hasn't started stalking him yet.
- After school the boys go for a "joy-ride" while Juliana makes fried bananas and peanut butter sandwiches for dinner.
- Peaches finally gets some attention from Aiden.
- Caleb spends his last days as a toddler trapped in the swing, dreaming of the day when he is big enough to sleep in a big-boy bed.
- Juliana takes a break from teaching Dylan his toddler skills to let him get some sleep. She decides to read a book to him, but he is not so impressed with her choice.
- Dylan finally falls asleep and it looks like it is just in time as Juliana has gone into labor.
- Or maybe the smell from the dirty potty just got to her.
If you're interested in writing and/or reading sims stories, participating in fun competitions and events, joining a friendly and welcoming community, completing legacies and challenge and earning medals, or just having a great place to discuss Sims 2, Sims 3, or Sims 4, then there is a place for you at the


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Over the last year the Planning & Development Committee has been working to update the Village Comprehensive Plan. Below is the updated plan as approved by the Village Board on May 8, 2018.
2018 Comprehensive Plan
2 Section A-Issues & Opportunities
5 Section D-Utilities & Community Facilities
6 Section E-Agricultural, Cultural & Natural Resources
7 Section F-Economic Development
8 Section G-Intergovernmental Cooperation
10 Section I, Part1-Implementation
11 SectionI, Part2-Implementation
2005 Comprehensive Plan
2 Section A Issues and Opportunities Element
4 Section C Transportation Element
5 Section C Transportation Maps
7 Section D Utilities and Community Facilities Element
8 Section D Utilities and Community Facilities Maps
9 Section E Agricultural, Natural, and Cultural Resources Element
10 Section E Agricultural, Natural, and Cultural Resources Maps
11 Section F Economic Development Element
12 Section G Intergovernmental Cooperation Element
15 Section I Implementation Element


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Cervelo Bikes at Primera Sports
At Primera we have been supplying Cervelo bikes & frames for many years. The first Cervelo bikes appeared super advanced for the time and continue to improve every year.
Cervelo are a very innovative company who are always working on producing mouth watering bikes. We would like to list the most popular models but this would be difficult. The whole range sells so well and is definitely on most riders list of must have machines!
One of our team riders races a Cervelo S5, he loves the slick aero look and finds it covers all styles of riding. The bike sprints and climbs superbly and performs brilliantly in road races and crits - a perfect bike for every event.
The Cervelo R3 & R5 models have always been a top choice by endurance riders. Endurance riders require their Cervelo R series bike to perform exceptionally up the climbs and provide unbeatable comfort during long days in the saddle. One of the latest style of bikes are the Cervelo 'C' range, these are called gravel bikes!
Carbon frames which feature larger clearance for bigger tyres and have been designed to handle confidently on rougher terrain. The idea they originally developed works well indeed, providing fantastic bikes with more comfort. Hit the gravel tracks, have fun and smile - Job Done.
Cervelo are also world famous for producing some of the fastest triathlon bikes in the world! Super aero and stiff which make them extremely fast when built with the correct wheel choice. Still wanting to be leaders of of the Triathlon world Cervelo have now produced their brand new super bike - Cervelo P5X
Possibly the fastest bike in the world! When you build the fastest bike you require super responsive brakes! Hence it comes with disc brakes front and rear!
Fitted out with the finest components possible it comes with Enve carbon wheels, TRP Hydraulic brakes, SRAM Red Etap wireless gear system and enough aero carrying capacity to complete an Iron-man event.
In conclusion, Cervelo have the ideal machine for you!
At Primera we also offer a full bike fitting service using systems by Retul & Specialized Body Geometry, getting the correct fit is crucial when you are investing in a new bike.


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Tag Archives: sketchaday
Sketchaday Series 2, Episode 4: Training my Memory
I have always tried to keep a diary when on my travels, as I find it very hard to recall the day to day happenings. In my last Sketchaday series I wrote a post nearly every day, but this time … Continue reading
Sketches based on Sketchaday sketches
A week since we arrived home, and I have been doing daily sketches but not necessarily from life. Today I took the pencil sketch that I did of Mt Begbie in Sketchaday21 and tried working it up in charcoal, using Strathmore … Continue reading
#Sketchaday 26: Home sweet home, after a rather tedious journey – but you're never bored when you carry a sketchbook!
The drawing above was half completed in pen on August 11, the day I left Revelstoke, and I added colour to it today, Sunday August 14, after arriving back in Adelaide yesterday morning. We set off for Kelowna on the … Continue reading
#Sketchaday25: Goodbye to Revelstoke for now…
The last day in Revelstoke was devoted to packing and last minute business, but we did get a short walk in in the morning and were astonished to see an eagle standing in the middle of the river – it … Continue reading
#Sketchaday 24: a kayak expedition(sketch in the pipeline) and more local scenery
Last night in Revelstoke tonight, so we had to have one last expedition – a kayak tour in the lake above the dam. This time we met just a few hundred metres from the dam and headed upstream, but never … Continue reading
Sketchaday 23: a Chinese kind of morning and a traditional Canadian evening treat
I woke at 5.30 to a misty moisty morning after overnight rain. I knew I'd see a completely different world to yesterday's at the same time of day. The mountains were barely visible at first between the clouds, but they … Continue reading
#Sketchaday 22: up, down and almost over the mountain
I managed to get up at 5.45am this morning and returned to the same scene that I drew yesterday, this time attempting a watercolour. After an hour I felt I had done enough as the light was changing too quickly. … Continue reading


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Payment Options
Payment Options
We accept cash, check and credit cards.
We are in network providers for BLUECROSS BLUESHIELD. If you have out of network Acupuncture benefits with another company, we are able to provide you with a coded receipt. You would turn in your receipt to your insurance company's claims department and they would reimburse you directly.
You can also use your medical savings account (FSA or HSA) to pay for your Acupuncture services.
For those with health insurance but no Acupuncture benefits, high deductibles, exhausted benefits, no insurance at all or no out of network Acupuncture benefits under their plan, you can call our office for rates @ 571-349-9049.
Call or use our convenient online booking calendar to schedule your appointment today!


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After the bankruptcy of its Norwegian parent company, the Belgian and Dutch branch of store designer New Store Europe have also shut down.
Financial backers have withdrawn
New Store Europe's turnover dropped to 177 million euro last year, with a 11 million euro company loss to boot, which is why the store designer has failed to keep things afloat.
Several financial backers, like Hercules and a bank, have withdrawn their support, which has resulted in credit lines defaulting. 55 Belgian employees will lose their job.


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- Aarau
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- Find your Sorell Hotel
At the Sorell Hotels, the citation of a "Breakfast fit for a King" does not just refer to the length of the buffet or all the different types of breakfast cereals on offer. Because real kings are not concerned with quantity, but rather with quality, class and attention to detail. And this is where the Sorell Hotels set the benchmarks. Much of the food is made by hand in the hotel's own bakeries and kitchens. We source our dairy products, meat, eggs and tea from producers who share our standards in quality. So you can enjoy organic hay-milk cheese from the Aschwanden family from Seelisberg, hand tied farmer's ham from Lenzburg, homemade jams and exclusively Swiss free-range eggs. Bon appetit!
Monday to Friday from 07.30 to 10.00
Saturday and Sunday form 07.30 to 10.30
For hotel guests breakfast is included.
Everyone is welcome: You can also enjoy a Sorell breakfast if you are not a hotel guest at the Sorell hotel Rigiblick.
External guests: CHF 28.– per person
The meeting is suddenly starting an hour earlier than planned. If you don't leave NOW, you'll never make your flight. Or maybe you're simply running late – there are times when you just have to skip breakfast. Luckily, there's always a Plan B in the Sorell Hotels: armed with a Grab 'n' Go coffee, a fresh croissant, a piece of fruit or a cereal bar, stressful morning scenarios lose their scariness. Best of all: you still get a tasty start to the day.


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Update on our ATM business
Posted on 05. Jul, 2010 by Carey in Atm Deals, Passive Income
Ohhh and as far as our ATM business goes…….we're now seeing about $1400/mo. from the machines, which does take into account our expenses. So since we have 6 machines that boils down to about $233 a month per ATN. Now grant it they don't ALL throw off that much money, I'm just saying it averages out to that per machine. (Note: when I say all expenses I'm not including gas/mileage. I haven't quite figured that part out yet. Since working at BMW tho we've been structuring it so we make less visits to the machines so that's working well.)
I was thinking today that if we could get each ATM to at least throw off $100 of positive cash flow to us every month that would be awesome. Since Kathy and I split the profit it's like I'm making $50/ per ATM a month. Doesn't sound like a lot, I know……..but I'm saying it's the bare minimum we'd like to see….don't forget you'll have machines that crush that mark (i.e. our strip club, chinese restaurant and 2 other cash only locations.) But as a bare minimum I think an ATM throwing off $100 a month would be cool.
If you've read my other ATM posts before you'll know that I tell you that you are NOT going to get rich off of owning just 1 ATM. It's just not going to happen (in your lifetime anyway lol.) So when looking to get into the ATM business make sure you give yourself a plan. I.E. How much money do you want your ATM's to throw off for you each month? When you have that figure than go out and buy the number of machines necessary to hit that figure! Of course, if you're like me where your figure will require you to buy anywhere from 30 to 50 machines and you, personally, don't have much money, then you're of course gonna have to buy those machines over time.
I'm in the process of working on an ATM business ebook and course with videos, audio, etc. that will pretty much help you start your own ATM business from scratch. I'll walk you through the entire process. That's soon to come (big shout out to Steph from FlipThisWholesaler.net for giving me that lil push to get started on creating the ebook.)
My goal is $5k a month from the ATM's. That way I get $2500 and Kathy gets $2500 (well less because we'll have to deduct some expenses) but you get the idea.
Btw, our new cash only restaurant that we put in the end of May had 278 hits in the month of June! We friggin' love them! That means that just from that machine alone we brought in $556 into our business for the month of June. Cash only businesses folks…..seek them out and place your ATM's there. You will be very happy you did.
Once I have the appropriate positive and passive cash flow that I need to live off of from my ATM's and multi-family deals I will begin to buy ATM's in my self-directed IRA. Gotta love that technique!
9 Responses to "Update on our ATM business"
kelly miller
06. Jul, 2010
So, Carey I was wonderin how the insurance on the ATMs works? And insurance on the cash while you are feeding them? (For the trip from the bank to the machine.)
kelly miller
08. Jul, 2010
I just read previous posts and answered my question 🙂
Kelly I apologize for not getting back to you sooner….I've been dealing with a sick cat this week. My kitty cat Blade had to be taken to an emergency vet earlier in the week and he's still there. Soooooo I've been a lil bit out of it.
Anyway, I'm glad you were able to find the answer to your question but just in case someone else has the same question and can't find the answer by searching I'll answer the question here in this reply about insurance:
We have one policy that covers ALL of our machines (even when we get up to 50 machines or whatever) this one policy covers them all.
With this policy our machines are covered in case someone tries to break in or if someone damages the machine or steals it, etc.
The machines are covered up to x amount of dollars and than the cash in the machines are covered up to x amount of dollars as well. I say x because each persons x amount will be different based on their machines they buy and the cash they stock 'em with, etc.
Also, we are covered for x amount of dollars if we are to get robbed on the way to filling a machine or are filling a machine, etc.
I hope this answers your question. Btw, the policy was relatively cheap, imo. It is $500 a year.
The guy I originally learned about this business from said he only has a liability policy for $120 a year because to cover the machines and the money cost too much money!
I don't know what he was quoted for a price, but I thought it was a no-brainer at 500 bucks.
Hope this helped.
09. Jul, 2010
Great to hear your progress with the ATM business, Carey! That's great about the new eBook course, it definitely sounds like a really specialized and niche focused area. Also, it's very interesting how the insurance works with the ATMS -good stuff. And, I agree – it's best to be covered for what's there. I've known other investors to skimp on insurance in the past or not even carry it, and it's really come back to a few in really bad situations. I guess, it's like one of those necessary things. Thanks for sharing your progress, looking forward to reading more!
Thanks Rachel, I appreciate the kind words. Ya know I was just talking about you the other night. I'll head over to your blog and ask my question or just shoot you an email.
21. Jul, 2010
Great stuff Carey! In typical Shae fashion I must ask if you've given yourself a deadline to get that e-book done? I think it will be a great value to others and a nice passive income source for you too!
.-= Shae´s last blog ..Doing the things you despise =-.
21. Jul, 2010
Crap. You know Shae I did not give myself a deadline, but as usual with you, that's an awesome idea.
As a matter of fact, I read your comment this morning before going to work and while I was driving to work I thought to myself that it was a fantastic idea because it really "forces" me to do it. That's what I need. I really do work better when I right stuff down……..
I gotta get back into the swing of things and do that and definitely add the ebook to that list. Thanks Shae for that tip!
14. Sep, 2010
Hi Carey,
You mentioned in one of your posts that you prefer to use a reputable dealer to buy your ATMs instead of things like ebay. What are some of your favorite sources for ATMs? I'm looking at Franklin ATMs and ATMs4less, have you used either of these companies? Thanks for your help!
14. Sep, 2010
Hi Jill,
Thanks for stopping by! Yeah when you buy atms from places like ebay or perhaps ads in the newspaper well you just never know what you're getting? Is the atm single or triple DES? What kind of condition is it in? How old is it? What's been wrong with it? Yada, yada and then of course can you trust the person on the other end with their answers. Know what I mean?
I've bought machines from 2 companies. I will refer you to one because I don't buy from the other company anymore…it's a personal preference as I don't like their customer service and customer service and how you treat people is important to me.
You can call Adam Warner from ATMSI and he'd be more than happy to talk with you about machines and even processing if you'd like. Very nice guy, easy to get along with and wants to help.
I'm not sure if he wants his cell all over the internet, but why don't you shoot me a quick message over on the contact us page and I'll send you his cell number. Just tell him I sent you and he'll treat you well (actually, he treats everyone well, so he'll treat you great! lol)
How many machines do you currently own Jill?
Oh and to answer your question, no I have never bought from Franklin ATM (I did buy their ebook tho; but I'm not going to mention which one was them when I was talking about different atm course in my video lol I'm sure you could figure it out tho.)
And I never bought from ATMs4less either. I'll continue to buy from Adam as I'm happy with him.
I think it's important to build rapport and trust with the person you're dealing with and whoever you get along best with is someone that's worth buying from, ya know? I'm not one that is about the best price always……I value customer service A LOT! (Believe me tho, I'm not going to pay some crazy amount of money for machines lol…I'm not that crazy!)
Let me know how it goes and what you're plans are in the world of owning an ATM business!


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Adopting a cat or dog from Teckels
We want to make it as easy as possible for you to adopt an animal from us. However we always consider the needs of each individual animal and we will take a lot of care to help you find the right dog or cat for you, your home and your lifestyle.
Firstly our staff will chat with you to find out what type of dog or cat is going to be suitable. They will ask you about your home environment, work situation, children, other pets, garden and so on. After that we will introduce a dog or cat to you in the presence of Teckels staff. We will give you an honest assessment of the chosen dog or cat. This is based on the ongoing evaluations we have made since the animal has been in our care and we always make sure we give you as much information as possible. If everything goes well the adoption can progress. At this point you will complete the adoption paperwork and pay the adoption fee of £160 for a dog and £80 for a cat.
And then…congratulations, your dog or cat can go to their new home with you!
After adoption
Please keep in touch…
We love to hear how ex-Teckels cats and dogs are enjoying their new homes. Why not send us a Happy Tail to feature on our web site?
However we also recognise that sometimes it can be a real challenge helping an animal overcome a difficult past and settle into a new home. In some cases this process takes a significant amount of time. Please contact us for support and advice – we are here to help. We would love every adoption to be for life but we do recognise that sometimes things don't work out or circumstances change.


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|Beautifulcowries n.5 is now available! [26 giu 14 20:37 by Marco]
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Key Words: sedimentary, weathering, erosion, transport, deposition, limestone, sandstone, mudstone, chalk, igneous, metamorphic, slate, freeze and thaw.
This summer Virginia and I took our three cats Carrie, Sambal and Sampson camping in West Wales. I took some photographs to show you what the cliffs look like on the Pembrokeshire coast. We camped on the top of the cliffs and were able to walk down to the seashore in a few minutes, though it took a little longer to climb back up again.
Here is a photo of the beach at Broad Haven.
Where did all this sand come from? It might have been blown here by the wind or it might have been washed up by the waves. If you put it under the microscope you will see that some of the sand particles are made of broken seashells. I spent a bit of time watching the seagulls paddling; but they were not paddling for fun. I tried doing what they were doing. The seagulls were wriggling their feet in the sand at the edge of the water. When I took my shoes off and did the same I found lots of tiny bivalves (little molluscs with two shells) in the puddle between my toes. When the seagulls eat the bivalves, the shells get broken up in the seagulls beaks.
Some of the sand particles are made by the effects of the weather on the rocks. In the next photograph you can see that some of the rocks have broken off the cliffs and fallen down to the shore. When the rocks get heated up by the sun or cooled down by the rain, snow and hail, the rocks crack. If water gets into these tiny cracks it can open them up when it gets cold and the water freezes.
Weathering and erosion of the cliffs at Broad Haven.
The rocks which have recently fallen down the cliff look slightly orange. Eventually they will turn a darker black colour. "Weathering" is the breaking of rocks into smaller pieces by the effects of wind, rain, and sunshine. "Erosion" is the transport of rocks, stones, sand and mud from one place to another. Here it is gravity which has pulled the rocks down the cliff. Wind might blow sand from one place to another, and rain water might wash sand or mud from one place to another.
When you go close up to the cliffs and have a careful look at the rocks, you will see that they are made up of millions of layers of stone. Each layer of stone is a slightly different colour from the other layers. Some of the layers are harder than others. We call these layers "strata": They are made by deposition of gravel, sand or clay. Each new layer of sand or clay squeezes the layers below so that they get turned into hard rock. Rocks made in this way are called "sedimentary rocks". E.g. limestone, sandstone, chalk, mudstone. Sedimentary rocks are generally softer than igneous rocks (made when molten lava cools down) and softer than metamorphic rocks (made by heating and squeezing a sedimentary or igneous rock). How hard the rock is depends upon what it is made of (gravel, sand or clay) and what sticks it all together.
You don't have to go close up to the rock to see the strata; if you do, you will be able to see the cracks caused by the weather. (Remember to wear a hard hat if you do go near the bottom of the cliff – I was nearly killed by an idiot throwing rocks over the cliff.) The first time you see the strata in the cliffs you will be amazed to see what has happened to them. They get folded up into the most incredible shapes.
Folding up the rocks.
As the Earth's crust moves the layers of rock get folded up. Fortunately we do not get big earthquakes in England or Wales. However millions of years ago these rocks were laid down in flat level sheets. Movements of the Earth's crust have folded the rock strata. You only see the folds where they have been exposed by the action of the weather.
Some of the strata are softer than others. The softer strata are more easily broken up by the weather. This leads to the formation of caves. At the top of the cliffs you can see "earth" which has not yet been squeezed to make rock. The tops of these cliffs are very crumbly. Here is a photograph of a cave at Little Haven (just next door to Broad Haven).
Cave at Little Haven, Pembrokeshire.
When the tide comes in, the water goes right into the cave. If the weather is bad, the waves will wash the softer rock away. Eventually the harder rock on top will "cave in". I rather liked this big "whale" of rock sticking out into the sea. The waves have already started to tear it apart.
A "whale" of a rock.
This great big roll of rock sticks out into the sea: it looked like a great big whale stranded on the shore. Someone has taken a bite out of it. The waves on the Pembrokeshire coast can be very fierce. The next photograph shows the hole in more detail.
Detail of the hole in the "whale"
You can see that a soft layer of rock has been eaten away. You can also see cracks in the rock caused by the freeze-thaw effect. When water freezes, it expands. This makes the crack bigger so that more water can get into the crack when the ice melts. By freezing and thawing many times the water in the crack eventually splits the rock in two.
The three cats enjoyed their holiday but not the car trip there and back.
Sedimentary Rocks are formed when materials like gravel, sand, silt or clay are deposited in layers and then compressed until they become hard. Fossils are formed when plants or animals fall into the deposit before it turns into rock. A sediment is something which sinks to the bottom of a lake or ocean. Carrie is my eldest cat; she is nearly 12 years old and she spends a lot of time lying down asleep; she is like a sediment deposited on the most comfortable cushion. She has to be carried up stairs to bed at bedtime.
Igneous Rocks are formed when molten lava cools down and crystalises. These rocks e.g. granite, are very hard. They NEVER contain fossils because any plant or animal which fell into the molten lava would by completely burnt up by the intense heat of the lava before it turned into rock. Igneous means "fire". Sambal is my middle cat. He is very fierce and fiery: "sambal" is a Malay word meaning hot.
Metamorphic Rocks like slate and marble are formed when either a sedimentary or an igneous rock is changed by the effects of extreme heat or compression. Metamorphic means "changed". Sampson is my youngest cat. He is changing from being a young kitten into an adult cat, but he is really a bit of a baby. He needs a lot of attention.


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Product: Making Sense of Change Management: A Complete Guide to the Models, Tools and Techniques of Organizational Change (Kogan Page Hardback Collection). Esther Cameron and Mike Green
Price: $49.95
Cheapest Place to Buy: www.amazon.com
My Rating: (8 out of 10)
Reading about Change Management is one thing…making sense of it is a whole different thing! If you are looking for a book that can help you make sense of change management whether you are a student or a professional, then Making Sense of Change Management is for you!
Change management is a structured approach to leading change…
There are two perspectives from which to view change management:
- Organizational level
- Individual level
At the organizational level, change management defines and implements new processes and/or technologies to deal with the changes in the environment and to realize the anticipated benefits of the changes or, in other words, return on investment.
At the individual level, change management recognizes that each person changes at differing speeds and that change cannot truly occur until each person has moved through the change process from the current state to the future state.
A structured approach is most successful in supporting individual and organizational change by providing models, tools, and techniques to assist in understanding the what, the why and the impact of change.
The structured approach to leading organizational changes relies on the inter-relationship with project management (PM) and change management. Increasingly change is treated as a project where PM can define "project success," and PM approaches are increasingly being used to manage transformational change.
Introduction of the Book
In a world of constant and rapid change, this book helps us make sense of change management. The focus of this book is to increase an understanding of change management for its readers. Really, what this book and Cameron and Green are doing is change management on the reader: helping the reader to understand the what, the why and the impact of using change management.
What are the Highlights?
- Key theories of how individuals go through change including the use of various models for a deeper dive
- Four schools of thought for individual change
- Behaviorist school: changing the behaviors of others through reward and punishment;
- Cognitive school: desired results can be achieved through the reinforcement of some desired attitudes;
- Psychodynamic school: treats people as individuals and understand their emotional states; and
- Humanistic school: providing people with a healthy culture and the opportunity to improve their ability to adapt to the change;
- Key factors in an individual's response to change
- The individual's history;
- The organization's history;
- The type of change; and
- The consequence of change.
- The difference between teams and groups in an organization and when they are more or less effective in achieving change outcomes
- The use of metaphors as a way to consider how organizations work and the assumptions that exist
- The machine metaphor: project management can be used to implement change;
- The political metaphor: a key factor in organizational change is the political culture of "what life is like" within the organization;
- The organism metaphor: the focus is on how to develop strategies to decrease resistance to change; and
- The flux and transformation metaphor: the recognition that there is no one size fits all approach – need to evaluate your strategy based on each situation.
- Some models that might be considered are reviewed:
- Lewin's three step model;
- Bullock and Batten's planned change approach;
- Philip Kotter's eight steps to change;
- Beckard and Harris change formula;
- Nadler and Tushman Congruence Model
- William Bridges model for managing the transition
- Carnall's change management model
- Senge systemic model
- Stacey and Shaw complex responsive processes.
- What is the difference between leadership and management…how important is a visionary leader
- Golden rules for leaders to follow for effective mergers and acquisitions
- Guidelines for achieving successful cultural change
- Link organizational vision, mission and objectives;
- Create a sense of urgency and continually reinforce the need for change;
- Pay attention to stakeholder issues;
- Build on the old and step into the new;
- Enable a community of focused and flexible leaders; and
- Foster a leadership coalition that owns and actively supports the change.
What's In It For You…when you read this book!
- You will understand "why change happens, how change happens, and what needs to be done to encourage people to embrace change"
- If you are a manager or a leader, you will be provided with insights into different models and approaches to leading change at an individual, team and organizational level
- You will learn how to apply the right approach to each unique situation
- You will have a toolkit for making sense of change
- The 'Stop and Think' section for every theory discussed asks questions to help you reflect on ways to apply the toolkit
Why am I Glad that I Read This Book?
This is a practical book that provided me in my leadership roles a toolkit to probe new ideas. There is no book that provide the 'how to' for each unique situation…I continue to return to this book to help me adopt a perspective that will enhance my leadership in organizational change.
I hope you enjoyed this review and if you have any questions about Making Sense of Change Management or want to leave your own personal review, leave a comment below. Here is a link to my profile.
All the best!
Previous Post: Making Sense of Change Management


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Life at Godrej Azure is a perfect harmony of work and leisure. Located at the iconic OMR, it makes accessibility an obvious advantage.
Established in 1990, Godrej Properties is the first real estate company to have ISO certification. The company is currently developing landmark projects in 12 cities across India covering over 12.93 million square meters.
Godrej Properties is known to bring innovation and excellence to the real estate industry.


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Changing face of illegal immigration is female
Rag factory raid shows women have substantial role in shadow work force
When 130 women were escorted from an eastside rag-exporting factory this week during a workplace raid, an often unnoticed facet of illegal immigration was on dramatic display.
In recent years the familiar image of the undocumented worker has been men huddled at day labor sites or male factory workers at meat processing plants. But immigration activists say the profile of the illegal worker is changing as more women are coming north for economic reasons, either to join a spouse or relative, or on their own.
Many experts say it's an unintended consequence of heightened security on the border, which has made it harder for men to return home frequently and maintain a family.
''What we're seeing now, and it showed up in this raid, is this issue that immigrants can't go back and forth," said Nestor Rodriguez, an immigration expert at the University of Houston. ''It's because visas are impossible to get for some people, and it's dangerous to cross ... so families are developing here."
Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials have released 73 of the 166 workers detained Wednesday at Action Rags USA for humanitarian reasons, including 10 pregnant women.
In all, 98 percent of those released after the raid — one of the largest in Houston's history — are women.
However, they must report to an immigration judge and face government efforts to deport them for being in the country unlawfully.
''Individuals released for humanitarian concerns are still amenable to the nation's immigration laws," said ICE public affairs officer Greg Palmore .
Palmore said the majority of the immigrants released were women who were sole caregivers of children, followed by women who were pregnant and some with medical issues.
''A judge will decide if they are eligible to remain in the United States, or are deportable,'' he said.
Juana Maria Olvera, 35, was one of those detained at Action Rags USA and released because she is expecting a child.
''There are a lot of undocumented women working here, and a lot are single women who are working to support their families," said Olvera. ''What is happening is a lot of the men come here and don't go back to Mexico. They either bring their women, or find someone here."
Olvera, who came to Houston from Mexico with friends nine years ago, married a Mexican man she met here.
''My desire is the same as all the rest of us. We're hoping for an amnesty so we can get legal permission to work," said Olvera, who can't afford an immigration lawyer.
Smugglers' fees increaseT.J. Bonner , who heads the National Border Patrol Council that represents 13,500 agents, said border containment operations beginning in the early 1990s have made it increasingly difficult to cross the border.
As a result, undocumented workers rely heavily on human smugglers to guide them through the crossings. Smuggling fees, though, for Mexican migrants have skyrocketed from $150 to $300 to today's charges of $1,500 or $3,000, he said.
''Once upon a time it was very uncommon to have women and children accompanying people across the border — now it is much more common," Bonner said. ''The usual scenario is a male will come across, and after they've been here awhile, they'll make the money to afford the smuggling fees and they'll send for the family."
Because getting across the border is harder, and smugglers are charging more, illegal immigrants in the U.S. are much more unlikely to return to Mexico, Bonner said.
Carlos Garcia, head of the protection department at the Mexican Consulate in Houston, said this change in Mexican immigration patterns concerns his government.
Legal options weighedOne local group favoring tighter immigration policies says foreign countries should not be able to use the U.S economy as a safety valve for their unemployed citizens, and that those picked up in Wednesday's raid should be sent home.
''It's going to be a difficult decision to make, but a lot of them have families in their native lands they can go back to," said Louise Whiteford, president of the Houston-based Texans for Immigration Reform.
One local immigration lawyer said those workers released on humanitarian grounds may be able to stay.
And, those who don't may qualify for voluntary departure status, avoiding a deportation record that would harm efforts to return legally.
''Certainly, a knowledgeable lawyer can look at what relief can be available to them," said Gordon Quan, a longtime Houston immigration attorney.
Quan said some of the women may qualify for cancellation of removal, if they have been in the United States 10 years or longer, don't have a criminal record, and can convince an immigration judge their deportation would cause extraordinary hardship to relatives who are U.S. citizens, such as children, spouses or parents.
Experts say in Houston, most of the undocumented women work in clothing-related industries, for restaurants and motels, in janitorial services or in the informal economy as childcare givers or domestics.
In May, researchers with the Greater Houston Partnership estimated 420,000 illegal immigrants live in the 10-county Houston metropolitan region. The Chamber of Commerce research estimate included 174,182 men and 74,995 women who have jobs, making up a 10th of the local work force.
Cesar Espinosa, the community outreach coodinator for the Central American Resource Center in southeast Houston, said Wednesday's raid was especially shocking because it targeted a predominantly female work force.
''For the families this is particularly devastating because in the Latin community, the mother is the one who holds the family together," he said. ''And to have her deported is a big deal. The family is left without their main support."


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Just last month, MAYA unleashed her single 'What We Are Worth' into the wild, and we were wowed by her stunning lyricism. Before MAYA plays her What We Are Worth launch shows in Melbourne, she took some time out to share some of her favourite tunes with us.
What song reminds you of your youth?
'Yellow Submarine' by the Beatles — My dad would always blast Beatles on our drives and the movie was one of my favorites.
What song would you love to sample?
I would love to do a 'Skyfall' – Adele twisted deep house remix. I love the song's melodies and could image they would be great to remix.
What song did you last listen to?
I am currently listening to The Roots' Dilla Joints album. It is mostly instrumental, which is really cooling on my brain after listing and learning a lot of disco lately.
What song do you wish you collaborated on?
OutKast's 'Ms Jackson' - Imagine a girl on the chorus… I adore OutKast, any OutKast song…!
What song is your ultimate party track?
'Insomnia' by Faithless. Never get any sleep on that track ;)
What song has been your favourite track of this year?
Loving George Maple – 'Lover'. I am very stuck in the past when it comes to music but she is great.
You can catch MAYA at the below shows:
Thursday November 30 - Ferdydurke, Melbourne (18+)
Friday December 1 - The Night Cat, Fitzroy (18+)
Tickets are available via the link
Listen to 'What We Are Worth' below:


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Say, say, say! Sir Paul McCartney celebrating 75th birthday
The singer, songwriter and Beatles legend has had a career spanning 55 years.
Sir Paul McCartney celebrates his 75th birthday today.
The singer, songwriter and Beatles legend has had a career spanning 55 years as one of the most famous stars the UK music industry has ever produced.
His achievements include being part of the most influential pop group of all time, having penned one of the most covered songs, Yesterday, which has been re-done by more than 2,200 artists, and winning a trophy cabinet full of awards.
Born in Liverpool in 1942, Sir Paul met George Harrison at school and when he was 15, met John Lennon and his band The Quarrymen at a church fete and was invited to join.
Sir Paul and Lennon later branched off on their own, with Harrison joining them along with Stuart Sutcliffe on bass and Pete Best on drums.
The group called themselves The Beatles and when Sutcliffe left the band in 1961 Sir Paul took over on bass, and in 1962 Ringo Starr replaced Best as drummer.
Brian Epstein signed The Beatles in 1962 and they had their first hit with Love Me Do later that year.
Over the next seven years, The Beatles had hits with songs including Hey Jude, She Loves You, Twist And Shout, and All You Need Is Love until they split in 1970.
Sir Paul later formed a new group, Wings, with his wife Linda as one of the members.
Wings went on to have hits with songs including Live And Let Die, and Mull Of Kintyre before they disbanded in 1981.
The singer's solo career has included some high-profile collaborations, including Ebony And Ivory with Stevie Wonder, The Girl Is Mine with Michael Jackson, and more recently, FourFive Seconds with Kanye West and Rihanna.
During his career, Sir Paul's awards have included 21 Grammys, an OBE, and being inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame twice.
His first wife Linda died in 1998 and he went on to marry Heather Mills in 2002, who he split from in 2006 and divorced in 2008. Sir Paul has been married to Nancy Shevell since 2011.
He is a father of five.
PA Media


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Science, Swedenborg and his Mystical Affair
August 2, 2013
In my assiduous attempt to provide my intellect with quality lectures favoring the breeding of uncountable thoughts I genuinely consider a chief condition for one's happiness to achieve substance, I rarely came across spiritual themed books. Mysticism's not really my cup of tea and reading its adepts has yet to attract me, you should know, but while relishing a dose of Borges' oral speeches the other day (Borges being quite a brilliant modern mind, if you'd ask my opinion) I became unexpectedly intrigued by the man he was talking about, a certain Emanuel Swedenborg (1688-1772).
Swedenborg who? Apparently, the guy was the proud possessor of a brilliant mind which Kant took some time in studying with expressed regrets he could never meet its owner, dead a decade earlier. Reputed scientist for the first half of one of those lives uncommonly long in the not so healthy 18th century (he managed to survive the age of 80), obedient student and offspring of a wealthy Lutheran bishop quite respected by the Swedish King, he was much appreciated himself for researches (truly ahead of his times) on human brain (developing the "neuron" concept barely occurred as an important matter to Swedenborg's contemporaries), psychology and complex anatomy, although international recognition came with a treaty on similarities between metallurgy and philosophy. Later, he even took some time in designing a flight machine, reaching the sky otherwise than through death being a dream he had in common with da Vinci.
Great variety in preoccupations, do observe.
But not sufficient to conquer historic immortality.
Until Providence generously opened the gates of a new domain Swedenborg could usefully study in a wholly eccentric perspective: theology. Now, how he came to have the transcendent visions on which his following works were heavily based one may effortlessly find on omniscient Wikipedia without my mentioning it, yet I'd like sketching their content as it explains my decision of boring you with this particular Swede.
Upon experiencing an elevating journey of the type Dante made famous worldwide at the end of a swift adjustment, Swedenborg established a few marvelously novel religious ideas definitely surpassing, in context, Rudolph Steiner's esoteric movement centuries later.
According to him, our souls are directly responsible for their entry in either hell or Paradise since, here goes the surprise, each man is let to decide where to spend his afterlife. Swedenborg explains that, after an interval spent hanging in a neutral zone where angels and demons could freely pass, we are put to chose the place of our eternity, the only space in which we're able to find happiness. Shockingly, some actually desire to reside in the fiery depths of infernal terror, which he doesn't interpret as punishment.
"The life of any one can by no means be changed after death; an evil life can in no wise be converted into a good life, or an infernal into an angelic life: because every spirit, from head to foot, is of the character of his love, and therefore, of his life; and to convert this life into its opposite, would be to destroy the spirit utterly." Explained, it means a predominantly mischievous spirit, without being damned, can never pass Heaven's doors because it would condemn him to tremendous misery; it's not his nature to stay among those essentially good or graceful for he's destined to hate, spite, breath in torturing vices alongside those assembling his temper, a theory most sophisticated in comparison with Bible's old-fashioned variant -reminiscent, though, of Shaw's "Man and Superman" third act.
Evidently, there's much more to say about Swedenborg regarding his concepts and the authenticity of his mystical connections; I promise to incorporate sometime in a longer post if interested, probably subsequent to reading the "Heaven & Hell" work which won him posterity.
For now, what do you think about his rather strange philosophy? Heresy? Madness? A wild but nevertheless genuine hunch?
The Dangerous Liaisons of Bernini
May 26, 2013
Love triangles and promiscuity seldom flourished so exquisitely than at the Papal Court in Rome up to about 3-400 years ago. As some "The Borgias" fans might've already noticed, Vatican city was quite a den of lavish sins back in the days of Michelangelo and didn't stop being one until long after Bernini's days, which is why the following episode of his life should not come as a surprise.
Gian Lorenzo Bernini, the preeminent protege of the Popes Urban VIII and Alexander VII, like all reputed artists, had some apprentices to do his less important commissions in exchange for advice and guidance. And these anonymous apprentices, emphasizing one in particular, had wives. Female presences to whose charms the great sculptor could not frequently resist.
One such ravishing woman by law reserved for a single husband, was Constanza Piccolomini Bonarelli, spouse of Matteo Bonarelli and licentious lover of Bernini.
So much was he enamored with her that, to fully convey his passionate sentiments, Gian Lorenzo produces the above bust, a Constanza he could caress in marble, the immortal, unwithering variant of his beloved. It was the zenith of their affection.
And soon they'd reach their nadir… one terrible way too.
Since Constanza was unfaithful to her hubby, cheating came natural to her and not long after her storming affair with Bernini commenced, she found herself involved with a second paramour, none other than Gian Lorenzo's younger brother, Luigi.
Alas, a naturally suspicious Bernini soon felt her betrayal and thought a most basic scheme to catch the two in flagrant delicto: he simply announced his going to the countryside to tend to some business, insidiously expecting the couple to make a wrong move… which didn't let itself waited.
Luigi, unconscious of any danger, immediately visited a lonely Constanza yearning for consolation to be "welcomed" by a furious Bernini who almost beat him to death.
Amusingly (or tragically, depending on your point of view), this telenovela-like story didn't stop here, but to continue it and learn the climax of the whole affair, I recommend the following documentary:
Parties of the Past Century (IV)
April 7, 2013
The pas week has been a hectic ping-pong with several events I had to squeeze in my program and diligently prepare, though I cannot complain for taking part in any of them since they are direct fruits of either my work or my resolute desires across the last few years.
I've been invited to make a visit to the town residence of the Royal House of Romania and been (briefly) received by Princess Marguerite, I've had to pull through an essay meant to be my entry for quite a promising contest then finish the editing of my novel novella ("Vicious") to be able to publish it in time and handled its launch concomitantly with that of my author blog. This, plus a couple of other troubles.
No wonder the "Parties of the Past Century" series has yet to be completed.
However, here's the next roaring social gathering which brought together most of the era's elite:
Le Bal du Siecle
The Mexican multimillionaire Charles Beistegui, a professed eccentric also known as the modern "Count of Monte Cristo", was the host to the most lavish, flamboyant and altogether magnificent masked ball ever given in honor of the old aristocratic times. His Venice Palazzo Labia, a splendid 17th century residence, was put to its use glamorously and costly decorated to fit the magnitude of the event Charles promised to be the assembly of the century.
Luxurious rococo gowns of rich materials were displayed with a profusion of jewels and thus the elegantly adorned guests could only be distinguished from the likewise decor by the mere barrier of movement. Famed names such as Orson Welles, the Aga Khan, Barbara Hutton, Dali, Gene Tierny or Jacqueline de Ribes relished the extraordinary parade of refinement, the presence of exotic black people with their peculiar animals (camels included), the amazing atmosphere.
It was an evening of perpetual wonder, the sort wars exclusively can impel one to organize just for the most humane need of forgetting one's misery.
Versatile Blogger Award reaches Madame
March 17, 2013
Back when Madame was a mere beginner in blogging, "Versatile" and the "Kreativ Blogger" distinction were the first she'd ever aspired to. Surely, along the way, the debonair lady of this site acquired a few others she hadn't previously heard of, like the "Liebster Lauds", "Lovely Blog" or "Blog of the Year 2012" (forgive the exceeding repetition of the word "blog" which apparently all awards contain…) but never ceased to hope she'll one day seize those honors initially desired.
Ironically, it is a namesake of mine that bestowed upon Madame the coveted laurels: Patricia Jordan (http://westcoastlivingcanada.com/) , passionate photographer, writer and traveler whom I thank for the esteem.
And now, having passed through the introductions to more pragmatic matters, the VBA rules:
- Thank the person who gave you this award. That's common courtesy.
- Include a link to their blog. That's also common courtesy.
- Next, select 15 blogs/bloggers that you've recently discovered or follow regularly. ( I would add, pick blogs or bloggers that are excellent!)
- Include a link to the mother-site: Versatile Blogger.
- Finally, tell the person who nominated you 7 things about yourself.
(in a perfectly random manner as not the divulge any preference)
- Tiaras and Trianon
- the Pragmatic Costumer
- Empress Chronicles
- Life Takes Lemons
- Saints, Sisters and Sluts
- Team Gloria
- Splatter
- Sifting the Past
- Good Gentlewomen
- Versailles Gossip
- Cafe Royal
- Education of Madame X
- Les Favorites Royale
- Edwardian Promenade
- WTF Art History
7 Things about Myself
- I'm the proud master of a miniature Schnauzer imaginatively called Nyx after the Greek goddess of night… because she's black.
- I'm a decided bibliophile who also owns 3 over 100 years-old books… and works to increase the number.
- I've never genuinely been in love with anything but art… and myself. Save some cursory infatuations.
- My personal verb is "to be".
- I'm an INTJ of a psychological profile similar to Hannibal Lecter's.
- I'm a dedicated admirer of all novels Salman Rushdie.
- I'm decisively myself… since everybody else is already taken.
Wagner's Misfortune: one hilarious anecdote
March 13, 2013
One could never guess what genuinely amusing event devoid of any anticipation turned Wagner's Tannhäuser première in a complete fiasco. It is the prerogative of the haughty19th century Parisian aristocracy to surprise both poor Richard, the contemporary and modern auditory with a reaction that changed the faith of an opera now considered one of Wagner's best.
Facts are comically of an elementary character.
On this very day, 13 March 1861, the Salle Le Peletier was meant to host the first representation of Tannhäuser in France after exhausting months spent with a consuming number of over 160 thorough rehearsals which Wagner never failed to attend given that he was exceedingly keen to impress the public. A public composed from such characters as Emperor Napoleon III and Pauline von Metternich one cannot simply afford to disappoint.
And with the dozens of preparations undertaken, it shouldn't have been the case . In fact, everything was arranged for Wagner to repute a success.
But what actually happened?
Here's the account almighty Wikipedia gives:
'Wagner had originally hoped the Parisian première would take place at the Théâtre Lyrique. However, the première was at the Paris Opéra, so the composer had to insert a ballet into the score, according to the traditions of the house. Wagner agreed to this condition since he believed that a success at the Opéra represented his most significant opportunity to re-establish himself following his exile from Germany. Yet rather than put the ballet in its usual place in Act II, he chose to place it in Act I, where it could at least make some dramatic sense by representing the sensual world of Venus's realm. '
This midget alteration of the custom gave way to a veritable disaster.
'There was a serious planned assault on the opera's reception by members of the wealthy and aristocratic Jockey Club. Their habit was to arrive at the Opéra only in time for the Act II ballet, after previously dining, and, as often as not, to leave when the ballet was over. They objected to the ballet coming in Act I, since this meant they would have to be present from the beginning of the opera. Furthermore, they disliked Princess von Metternich, who had arranged the performance, and her native country of Austria.' [any recall of the French revolution, anybody? any analogy to the way they treated Marie Antoinette? or perhaps your mind goes back to the Vienna Congress in 1815?]
'Club members led barracking from the audience with whistles and cat-calls. At the third performance on 24 March, this uproar caused several interruptions of up to fifteen minutes at a time. As a consequence, Wagner withdrew the opera after the third performance.This marked the end to Wagner's hopes of establishing himself in Paris, at that time the center of the operatic world.'
In a nutshell, this is the story of how a genius was ruined by frivolous manners.
Parties of the Past Century (I)
February 9, 2013
The Surrealist Ball
How splendiferously eccentric can a mid-late 20th century ball get?
Apparently, the Rothschilds forward their answer through a flamboyant surrealist party of oddities galore, as anticipated in the picture above, which gives gives an accurate account of just what unusual looks they could conceive. The Rothschilds being the banker family that honorably took over Croesus' reputation in modern days. Surrealism- the inter-bellum artistic current prizing the chaotic, fantastical absurd. Think Dali (who not coincidentally was a guest).
Now, another participant at the mentioned gathering, Baron Alexis de Redé, extensively describes all one would love to know about the whole 'a tad ludicrous' event:
'On 12 December 1972, Marie-Hélène gave her Surrealist Ball at Ferriéres. This time the guests were asked to come in black tie and long dresses with Surrealist heads.[ The year before, 1971, the Rothschilds were hosts to a glorious Proust Ball assembling more than half the international elite] The invitation was printed with reversed writing on a blue and cloudy sky, inspired by a painting by Magritte. To decipher the card, it had to be held to a mirror.'
'For the evening the chateau was floodlit with moving orange lights to give the impression that it was on fire. The staircase inside was lined by footmen dressed as cats that appeared to have fallen asleep in a variety of staged poses.'
'Guests had to pass throught a kind of labyrinth of Hell, made of black ribbons to look like cobwebs. The occasional cat appeared to rescue the guests and lead them to the tapestry salon. Here they were greeted by Guy with a hat to resemble a still-life on a platter, and by Marie-Hélène wearing the head of a giant weeping tears made of diamonds.'
'Marie Hélène proved that she had the flare and imagination to create something unique and worthwhile. None of this was created by charm alone. It needed a degree of ruthless determination. She attended to every minute detail of style in her life and also in her entertaining. She was a great hostess with all the qualities. She loved parties and people. She was forever in quest of new talent and new figures to entertain from the world of the arts, literature, dance and haute couture. She mixed them with the more established set of Paris society. Everyone was intrigued. Marie-Hélène's parties took on such importance that one social figure threatened to commit suicide unless she was invited…'
'It is not possible to repeat such things now for many reasons. But it is fascinanting to look back and to remember these occasions, which dominated our thoughts and plans to such an extent for so many months. I am happy that I took part in so many, and happy that I gave some myself.'
And with this verdict, reminiscent of Proust although much less highfalutin, ends our attendee's account of the soiree which, lush and exuberant in spirit, inaugurates a "Parties of the Past Century" series.
Promenade to the Paris Morgue
January 16, 2013
From those titivated descendants of the sanguinary mob that had relentlessly witnessed the guillotine at work with victorious sneers and shouts of "death to the ancien regime!" what is to expect? After such macabre an episode as the one unleashed in the years after the 1789 revolution could we not suspect a massive change of mentality which would eventually give sense to why people enjoyed promenades to the Paris morgue?
Well… partly.
I couldn't say for sure, giving the other explanations more entitled historians have for this grim pastime, but I bet there's a bit of the Terror exerting its effect in the melange. Why else would professedly educated men and women, spruced, dandy (even snobbish) and often haughty, top-hatted and faultlessly dressed, feel the urge, or least the curiosity, to stare at the corpses exhibited for identification? Apparently, they're doing it so persistently the very word "morgue" reveals it: in old French, "morguer" translates "to gaze". Yet why?
A mid 19th century edition of the "Fraser's Magazine" provides a fairly pertinent answer, glazed with poetic metaphors too:
"The Morgue possesses a constantly recurring and constantly varying story, involving equally new scenery, new actors and new passions; the dead play the leading parts in every drama of fear or guilt or suffering and the living are made subordinate accessories in the shifting panorama of horror with which every spectacle is wound up. The Morgue is the Omega of humanity, the grave without the coffin, the sleep without the shroud. Its interest is not the interest of this world, its scenes are not those out of which human ingenuity can weave" royal palaces, conventional art, et cetera.
Thus, the morgue is a resource of both cruel realism and the romantic mystery fashionable in the epoch, attiring, maintaining a vivid fascination Dickens himself (a foreigner, not an eccentric Parisian) experienced:
"Whenever I am at Paris, I am dragged by invisible force into the Morgue. I never want to go there, but am always pulled there. One Christmas Day, when I would rather have been anywhere else, I was attracted in, to see an old grey man lying all alone on his cold bed, with a tap of water turned on over his grey hair, and running, drip, drip, drip, down his wretched face until it got to the corner of his mouth, where it took a turn, and made him look sly. One New Year's Morning (by the same token, the sun was shining outside, and there was a mountebank balancing a feather on his nose, within a yard of the gate), I was pulled in again to look at a flaxen-haired boy of eighteen, with a heart hanging on his breast–'from his mother,' was engraven on it–who had come into the net across the river, with a bullet wound in his fair forehead and his hands cut with a knife, but whence or how was a blank mystery. This time, I was forced into the same dread place, to see a large dark man whose disfigurement by water was in a frightful manner comic, and whose expression was that of a prize-fighter who had closed his eyelids under a heavy blow, but was going immediately to open them, shake his head, and 'come up smiling.' Oh what this large dark man cost me in that bright city!"
The account he gives in the "Uncommercial traveller" I feel is a veracious completion of the previous record, pretty much elucidating the psychological enigma behind the outstanding number of people who payed a visit to the anonymous dead per year:more than 1 million by 1892. Fancy that! Someone could've gotten exceedingly rich if the idea of introducing a fee ever occurred to them… Unfortunately for the empty wallets, nobody exploited the opportunity.
But what's your opinion on the subject? and Would you try a delightful promenade to similar destinations?
I believe it'd be a gripping experience to register…
Beheading of Lady Reason / La Décapitation de la Dame-Raison
December 28, 2012
Reason is essentially beautiful and thus can never take (strictly my opinion) another human form than a woman's.
Reason is individually defined and never in danger to be universally expelled from life, hence the title ('La Décapitation de la Dame-Raison') merely adverts to personal loss of logic metaphorically depicted as a Renaissance style beheading.
The majestic charm reason exerts beyond its use rests in the graceful sinuation of the road one must cross in its pursuit. This path is the teacher without whose assistance rarely can one achieve a genuine understanding of one's mind, the sole way to conquer sound judgement itself. Higher than reason lays its experience.
The above sort of philosophical musings,condensed between Christmas frenzy and New Year's Eve preparations, justify the nascence of my latest drawing I hope will be leniently received by whatever audience it may attract. The theme is obvious and finds explanation in the previous thoughts while the graphic gathers all my dilettante skill to an outcome you evaluate.
Any criticism?
A Finished Art Project
December 19, 2012
Remember the slightly eerie art project I've embarked upon a few months ago?
That's the outcome, slightly unclear with the bad quality of the above photo and the pink tint imposed by the blog's theme. Not exactly the most astonishingly great result we've been expecting to produce after a 4 months labor but, giving the time we spent on its bottom half (or rather the lack of it) I'm not as embarrassed as I should be for the blatant faults here visible. After all, I'm contented enough to post it and pack it a gift to my mentor.
Do you believe he'll least appreciate our strive?
5 Most Peculiar Deaths in History
November 16, 2012
The majority of people have this exceedingly stiff, gloomy, prefabricated perception of the otherwise sole invariable in our pretty hazardous lives: I'm referring to the frightening, constantly lurking death I rather regard as a perfectly personal epilogue for the one who's canny enough to work it out, to make it a paragon.
Surely, with the dwindling courage of the human race, this subject is far from being easy to discuss objectively since it underlines the prospect of our own demise none usually desires to confront, but I'm attempting to change the perspective a bit. Death's sometimes preferable, seldom (yet still) recommended and can, on various occasions, invest our very lives with a purpose we've previously lacked. Death is faithful and least as interesting as its antagonist, not that I'm adulating either. Through the prism of my (frequently) phlegmatic temper, the quietus in question is even charged with a dose of undeniable aesthetic value; not for nothing I've a habit to judge a person starting from the manner in which (s)he passed away. There's a lot to understand about a man's personality analyzing their final moments.
Hence I put together the following list of the 5 most peculiar deaths I ever came upon during my nocturnal readings, containing more or less obscure historical characters with comments attached.
year 1531: Louise of Savoy, mother of bawdy King Francis I (of France) kicked the bucket while watching a comet on a chilly September evening. Tout ensemble, quite an idyllic ending for the active figure she was but nonetheless fit if you ask me.
year 1771: King Adolf Frederick of Sweden, deemed a weak, useless monarch, died after having consumed a full meal consisting of lobster, caviar, sauerkraut, kippers and champagne galore, in God knows what humongous quantities, which was topped off with 14 servings of his favorite dessert: semla (the thing he's thinking about in the above picture) served in a bowl of hot milk. He is thus remembered by Swedish school children as "the king who ate himself to death." Justifiably.
year 1556: Pietro Aretino, the Italian responsible for the invention of erotic literature, chum with the reputed painter Titian (who made the displayed portrait) is said to have died of suffocation from "laughing too much." A strange conclusion, giving his curriculum vitae… Playwright, poet, satirist , pensioned by both Francis I and Charles V, twice knighted by two Popes… I definitely didn't see that coming, which makes it all the more interesting, don't you agree?
year 1667: A handsome lad called James Betts died from asphyxiation after being sealed in a cupboard by Elizabeth Spencer, at Corpus Christi College, Cambridge, in an attempt to hide from her father, John Spencer. Apparently, the two were passionate lovers with bright future perspectives… until impure thoughts drove them to experience some unfortunate premarital intercourse and almost got caught in flagrante delicto … To further dramatize the story, after her beloved's demise and probably inspired by the tragic romance of Romeo & Juliet, unbearable grief made Elizabeth commit suicide. Surely, I'll never again look at "Quickly! Hide in the wardrobe!" sort of commercials with the same ignorant eyes: there's a true danger over there.
year 620 BC: Draco, not the pathetic Harry Potter character but rather the Athenian law-maker who, known for his severity, is presently as synonymous with maleficence as Machiavelli, was smothered to death by gifts of cloaks showered upon him by appreciative citizens at a theatre on Aegina. Whether a smartly masked murder or pure coincidence, I find his way of snuffing it the most peculiarly amusing of them all. Something about the lethal value of a present tickles my fancy…
But which of these 5 tickles yours?


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Live updates
- ITV Report
Transport police urging merry rail travellers to take care
InterCity 125 40th anniversary
Celebrations have been held to mark the 40th anniversary of the High Speed Train. The trains were first introduced on the lines between Paddington, Reading, Newbury and Bristol.
When they were introduced they brought a new generation of faster travel all over the country.
The event was organised by Great Western Railway and attended by locomotives from all over the country.
And enthusiasts certainly didn't want to miss the event with 5,000 attending. Our Transport Correspondent Mike Pearse joined them.
He spoke to Great Western Railway spokesman Dan Panes, Sir Kenneth Grange who designed the train and Andy Mellors, Great Western Railway Engineering Director.
Campaign for high speed train on South Coast gathers pace
The campaign to bring high speed rail to the South East coast is gaining pace, as councils get set to publish a report on the potential economic benefits.
The specialist research investigates the possible financial impact of extending the HS1 'Javelin' service from Ashford to Hastings.
Green MP calls for another railway line from Brighton to London
The UK's only Green MP is calling for a second train line between Brighton and London. Caroline Lucas says the existing line is overcrowded and under too much strain. Opening up the Lewes to Uckfield route again could be one option - a proposal which has huge support. Charlotte Wilkins reports.
New train to improve reliability
A revolutionary new train which can replace old train tracks, five times faster than before, is being used on the Basingstoke to Salisbury line. The improvements should provide commuters with a more reliable service.
Bus hits bridge in Portchester
A double decker bridge has hit a bridge in Portchester. Network Rail are on site assessing damage to the structure. If you have pictures of the incident, email email@example.com
Teenager sentenced for 'sickening' attack on train driver
A teenager has been given an eight-month detention and training order after an assault with a glass bottle left a train driver bleeding and in need of stitches.
A 17-year-old youth from Croydon appeared at Croydon Youth Court on Thursday, 15 November, where he was sentenced after pleading guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH) at an earlier hearing.
The incident, in which a train driver was struck on the head from behind with a glass beer bottle, took place at 5.12am of Saturday, 23 June at Guildford rail station.
Southeastern boss celebrates launch of the Olympic Javelin
The Managing Director of Southeastern has been talking to Our Transport Correspondent on the day the Olympic Javelin service is launched.
- ITV Report


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We, at Schools for India, are happy to announce that our new website is up and running. Since a user-friendly website design was the need of the hour, we now have a totally revamped and slicker interface, making interactions more convenient.
With easily accessible social media buttons linking to websites such as YouTube, Facebook, et al, now available at the top-right corner of the homepage, it has now become easier for you to track our activities on the internet. A Twitter ticker on the top of the homepage provides you with the latest tweets from Schools for India.
The blog will also be regularly updated henceforth, and we invite interested people to contribute. Please give us your feedback, and also let us know if you would like to see some changes.
Tags: new, Schools for India, website.


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Update the Food Help Map
Hours of operation change, organizations move, new programs start up. It's hard to keep up with every food resource across Minnesota!
Help us keep the Food Help Map updated by completing the form below to let us know of any new resources or changes to the listings on the map. We'll review the information and make the changes!