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Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to common or important questions.
- What does it mean that your systems are digital? Why is that important?
- I want to build a planetarium. Where should I start?
- Can I rent a system for my school or birthday party?
- Can the same projection system be used in domes of different sizes?
- What is the maximum dome size recommended for a Digitarium system?
- What is the minimum dome size for a Digitarium system?
- Will stars be larger on a larger dome?
- How high a contrast ratio do I need?
- If I project a rectangular image, movie, or PowerPoint through your projector, what will it look like?
- Do I need a 3D stereo projector for an immersive experience?
- Where do I put my projection system in a fixed dome?
- Where do I put my projection system in a portable dome?
- What are the main differences between your Digitarium models?
- Why are your systems so expensive?
- Why are your systems so affordable?
- How can your systems be the best value?
- How does a Digitarium system compare to a spherical mirror projection system?
- Why is a Digitarium system a better value than a higher resolution spherical mirror type system?
- What does it mean that some competing systems have truncated projection?
- How does a Digitarium system compare to an analog portable projector like a Classic Analog STARLAB®?
- What software does a Digitarium system run? Can it run Starry Night, Celestia, The Sky, etc.?
- What differences are there between Nightshade and Stellarium?
- Can I save money by using my own computer with your systems?
- From what culture(s) are the constellation labels, line drawings, and artwork?
- I don't know anything about the Linux operating system. Will I still be able to use a Digitarium system?
- How do I learn to use my system?
- How do I get software and data updates?
- What formats are supported by the Digitarium system's multimedia player?
- What prerecorded shows are included with Digitarium systems?
- Are other prerecorded shows available for Digitarium systems?
- Can I use my silver STARLAB® dome with a Digitarium system?
- Can I set up a Digitalis Dome outside?
- Is the Digitalis Dome handicapped accessible?
- What is the procedure for an emergency exit from a Digitalis Dome?
- How can I see a Digitarium system in use?
- Can someone at Digitalis help me apply for a grant or sponsorship?
- What kind of maintenance is required by the projector and dome?
- Is there a warranty for your products?
- How long does it take to get a Digitarium system or Digitalis Dome?
- How do I find out if there is a local distributor in my country?
- I want to be a sales agent or distributor for your equipment. What do I need to do?
Product Comparisons
Software Features
Inflatable Domes
What does it mean that your systems are digital? Why is that important?
A digital planetarium system is a computer based system using digital projection, as opposed to an analog type pin-hole or lens based projection system. It is a huge difference, because a computer based system is so much more flexible than an analog system. Think of the difference between a computer and a slide projector and you start to see the power of a digital system.
In a digital system, the projected image is made up of individual pixels. Because the dome is covered by an array of pixels rather than a fixed set of holes or lenses, anything can be projected: views from other planets, videos, images, other applications. Analog systems can often produce smaller stars and higher contrast ratios, but without any of the flexibility of digital systems. So unless your goal is to try to match the night sky as closely as possible, and nothing more, you really need a digital planetarium system.
For more detail, see How does a Digitarium system compare to an analog portable projector like a Classic Analog STARLAB®?.
I want to build a planetarium. Where should I start?
- The International Planetarium Society has a guide to designing and building a planetarium. Although it has not been updated in two decades, it may be useful to get started.
- Thoughts on selecting a planetarium system
- Visit or call several planetariums with specific questions.
- We are happy to provide assistance and point you to resources applicable to your situation, just contact us.
Can I rent a system for my school or birthday party?
We do not offer system rentals. Try your local science center or natural history museum as a starting point, and contact us if you can not find a local outreach program.
Can the same projection system be used in domes of different sizes?
Yes. Our proprietary and exclusive lenses have almost infinite depth of field, which means there are no focus issues due to differing dome sizes, although brightness is an issue:
What is the maximum dome size recommended for a Digitarium system?
It depends on the Digitarium model. See the specification tables for fixed or portable systems. Your dome surface reflectivity and projection content will also play a role in determining what model is acceptable.
What is the minimum dome size for a Digitarium system?
Generally there is no minimum dome size.
Will stars be larger on a larger dome?
At the surface of the dome each pixel will be physically larger on a larger dome. However, angular pixel dimensions do not change with dome size, so on average pixels do not appear larger to an audience. Someone sitting next to the side of the dome will obviously see larger pixels nearby than on the opposite side of the dome due to their perspective. Someone seated near the middle would not notice any difference other than brightness between domes of different sizes.
How high a contrast ratio do I need?
In a planetarium, it is somewhat distracting if the dark areas of a starfield are a dark gray rather than a full black. How black the dark areas appear depends on a number of factors, including the contrast ratio of your projector.
The contrast ratio of a projector is the ratio of the luminance of a white projection compared to a black projection. Digital projectors usually have much lower contrast ratios than analog projectors, which is just inherent to the technology differences.
The higher the contrast ratio, the darker the black areas are compared to the bright areas. With a low contrast ratio, blacks appear as dark gray rather than true black.
Typically a dome used with a digital projection system is gray to enhance black areas. This also helps reduce cross-reflection on the dome in bright scenes, which can be substantial.
It is the black level luminance perceived by the audience that is what you should focus on, although selecting an acceptable level is subjective. The projector contrast ratio affects the black level, but not as much as the dome reflecivity level.
If I project a rectangular image, movie, or PowerPoint through your projector, what will it look like?
Fisheye projectors will introduce a large amount of distortion if you project a standard perspective image or application at full projector resolution. By distortion we mean that the projected image is deformed from its natural shape.
In a Digitarium system a central circular area of the video source is projected onto the dome. The outer rim of the circle is projected at the horizon, and the center of the image is the zenith (top of the dome). This is called a polar projection.
If you projected a PowerPoint slide full of text at full projector resolution, you would see your text cover the entire dome, but half of it would be upside down as it wraps past the zenith.
However, since May, 2009 Digitarium systems have performed dynamic distortion correction, so you do not need to worry about this. Simply display your image in perspective projection mode. You can adjust the size, orientation, and placement of the image or video on the dome, and even mirror it on two sides of the dome for easier viewing by your audience. If you have a fisheye image or fulldome video, simply switch to fulldome projection mode with one button press.
Unlike some competing systems, you can easily go from media file to media file for a slide show type use, choose other drives or directories with a visual menu, or switch back and forth seamlessly between your media and the sky simulation. All of this is at your fingertips with our unbelievably easy to use remote control.
While we are on this subject, we should point out that fulldome applications and content are designed to immerse the audience in a 3D environment -- it is not possible to add this extra dimension to regular perspective content after the fact. So while you can show distortion corrected perspective content on the dome, it will not be the same as showing immersive fulldome content.
Do I need a 3D stereo projector for an immersive experience?
Absolutely not. There is a lot of hype around stereoscopic 3D dome projection systems. The audience must wear special glasses in order for each eye to see slightly different images, which produces the 3D effect.
We feel this is mostly another way for vendors to sell more hardware. A dome is already an immersive 3D environment, so there is no need to add awkward glasses and ever more complex and expensive hardware.
Part of what makes the dome such a wonderful immersive experience is that you are not encumbered by any special equipment that restricts your field of view or movement. Add to this the benefit of experiencing this in a social group setting.
Any kind of motion on screen will produce the clear illusion of depth, and stereoscopic vision is not required.
Other things to consider:
- In everyday life, your brain can only use stereoscopic vision within about 3m of your face. This is not your primary means of perceiving the dimensionality of the world around you.
- Using the same projector, brightness can be reduced by 50% or more just to get each eye a separate image.
- With a flat screen, the offset of each eye is easy to accomodate as the viewing position is known. With a dome, every audience member has a quite different position and can look in any direction -- that tends to result in poor results in large areas of the dome.
- Some people are unable to view stereo 3D projections due to physiological differences (estimates are up to 12% of the population).
- Glasses are easy to lose or damage and can be expensive to replace.
Where do I put my projection system in a fixed dome?
Try out different options with our 3D visualizer.
Ideally a single lens Digitarium system is placed in the center of the dome, whether fixed or portable. However, most Digitarium systems support distortion correction for some amount of lens offset from the center of the dome to work around an existing starball or other obstacle. We also offer an optional elevator mount system for some models.
Digitarium Aethos systems can support either center or cove mounting.
Most of our single lens fixed dome systems are designed to be easy to install yourself, but we also offer professional installation services. Contact us for more information.
Where do I put my projection system in a portable dome?
Just place your system in the center of your inflatable dome once the dome is inflated. It takes up one seat.
Product Comparisons
What are the main differences between your Digitarium models?
All of our Digitarium models run similar software and have the same basic functionality. This table gives a general idea of price related differences in our lineup.
|Lower Cost
|Higher Cost
|Brightness / Dome Size
|Lower / Smaller
|Higher / Larger
|Projector Quality
|Business Class
|Commercial Grade
|Color Reproduction
|Processing Power / Expandability
|Lower (CU-S)
|Higher (CU-1)
|Nightshade NG Basic
|Nightshade NG Professional
See the specification tables for fixed or portable systems for details.
Why are your systems so expensive?
Our systems are more expensive than most portable analog projectors primarily because they are highly precise digital systems; digital components are more expensive than analog. However, they provide an enormous amount of flexibility for the price, and we feel that our systems easily justify their higher prices.
Yet the cost of one of our planetarium systems and dome can be comparable in price to some fully equipped portable analog systems that still only provide a fraction of the functionality.
Why are your systems so affordable?
Our prices are dramatically lower than most other digital planetarium systems. Making educational tools that are too expensive for educators to afford does not advance the teaching of astronomy. We designed our systems from the beginning to be affordable to any institution.
We also produce systems in much larger quantities than any of our competitors, thanks to the unrivaled popularity of our systems. That gives us savings in economies of scale that we can pass on in lower prices without compromising on quality. All our Digitarium systems are proudly designed and assembled in the United States from high quality domestic and imported components. Our proprietary lenses are designed and built in the USA to our high standards using the finest imported optical glasses.
Because of our easy to use, high quality, reliable systems, our technical support costs are low. This allows us to keep our prices reasonable, yet offer incredible lifetime support for all of our systems.
How can your systems be the best value?
We believe our Digitarium systems offer the best value on the market for serious astronomy educators. While we have quite affordable prices compared to many other vendors, prices can only go so low without seriously cutting corners. There are some bad systems out there that sound (and are) too good to be true.
Think of it this way: would you buy a $500 car?
A $500 car is extremely affordable. It probably looks bad, runs on the rough side, and you never know if it will take you where you want to go. The price per pound of such a car is amazing! Maybe 20 cents a pound.
But let's face it, at best this is an option for those who can not afford something that looks better, runs better, has lower maintenance costs, features like air conditioning, a warranty, etc.
Although extremely affordable, who would confuse a $500 car with being a good value?
And yet this mistake occurs all the time, and sometimes in the planetarium world, where affordability is confused with value. You can get the cheapest system on the market, but it almost certainly is not the best value for your money.
Conversely, we also see the situation where people think they need to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars to get a serious planetarium system. But most people don't need a $200,000 Ferrari to commute to work -- it's a status symbol more than anything else.
Value, of course, depends on your specific needs and uses. Figure out which characteristics are most important to you, then do your homework. See a few competing systems, try operating them, and speak to other customers before you decide if each system fits your needs.
Comparing systems based on things like the cost per pixel is as ridiculous as using price per pound when shopping for a car. Just as the quality and engineering of the components that make up the mass of a vehicle are what matter, it is the quality of the projected pixels and the features and support behind the system that matter, not how many total pixels there are per dollar.
This is counter-intuitive for most people, but a lower resolution, sharply focused image in fact looks much better than an image with, for example, twice as many pixels that are blurry, distorted, or dim. Below is an example of an even more extreme 4:1 resolution ratio (yes, that is a Ferrari).
The best value is logically the system that gives you the largest benefits at the lowest total cost of ownership. Do not neglect support and maintenance costs down the road.
Like a $500 car, affordable sometimes just means cheap.
How does a Digitarium system compare to a spherical mirror projection system?
Spherical mirror dome projection systems, such as MirrorDome developed at Swinburne University in Australia, consist of a portion of a spherical mirror, a data projector aimed at the mirror, and a computer running specialized software. The software has to "warp" each video frame before sending it to the projector in order to counteract the severe distortion from the mirror. After reflecting off the mirror images are projected onto a dome.
Spherical mirror systems:
- are placed at the edge of the dome.
- can project more pixels for a given projection resolution due to the mirror geometry.
- do not cover the entire dome in the most common (brightest, highest resolution) configuration.
- produce pixels which vary widely in size and focus across the dome.
- use a first surface mirror that is extremely easy to damage by touching or even talking near!
Go-Dome care instructions caution:
[A]void touching the metalized [mirror] surface at all. At a minimum wear latex or vinyl gloves when handling to avoid leaving fingerprints. Whenever possible wear soft cotton or nylon gloves over the latex or vinyl ones. Turn your head to avoid talking over the mirror (minute amounts of saliva are often imperceptibly released into the air while talking) or wear a nose and mouth mask.Once you get something on the mirror it hurts the projection and is hard to remove without further damaging the mirror.
[A]void abrasive contact with any object- the plastic [mirror] will easily (and permanently) scratch. This includes most cloth, paper towels, etc.
- use off-the-shelf projectors to possibly allow local warranty and future upgrades (not all projector models work with spherical mirrors).
- have a varying black level across the dome (varying black sky brightness, for example). Software luminance correction can't correct this.
- can introduce some visual artifacts due to warping.
Warping artifacts arise when an original source video frame is warped and some detail has to be compressed, resulting in reduced image quality. This is more noticeable with starfields than with videos or images. Here is an illustration:
The constellation lines have some odd warping artifacts, but also some of the dimmer stars are now almost invisible. Note that these are screenshots from the video frame before it even gets projected. Quality on the dome will depend on many factors, including the software you are using and how it is configured.
Single fisheye lens Digitarium systems:
- are placed at the center of the dome.
- project the full sky and a complete horizon for the most effective and easiest astronomy teaching.
- do not require software warping. Projected pixels match the source frames, be they starfields or fulldome video.
- project any fulldome application with no overhead or compatibility issues. Any standard fulldome application on any operating system can be used as a video source.
- have essentially equal sized pixels across the entire dome.
- have a user interface which is more ergonomic and easier to learn and use (backlit, handheld remote control).
- take up significantly less space in the dome.
- can update themselves automatically over the Internet on demand (free for the life of the system). No need to maintain software configurations, troubleshoot compatibility problems, manually apply upgrades, etc.
- come with free technical support for the life of the system.
- use off-the-shelf projectors to allow local warranty and service in most areas of the world.
- are designed for high reliability with a solid state hard drive and no laptop computer.
- are second and third generation products enhanced by feedback from users around the world.
- set up faster.
Using a spherical mirror for planetarium projection has a number of drawbacks. In particular we would highlight the typical lack of full sky projection, lack of crisp focus, and bulky setup. Plus you miss out on the many benefits of a Digitarium, including the uniquely easy to use handheld remote control interface and absence of software maintenance headaches. For astronomy educators the sheer number of pixels projected is simply not the most important feature of a planetarium system.
A spherical mirror is an option to consider only if a fisheye planetarium system is out of reach. In that case you might put together your own system for a fraction of the cost of a pre-assembled system. Nightshade planetarium software, which we help develop, is free and already includes a spherical mirror warping mode. So all you need is a mirror, a compatible projector, a computer, and time to put it together. Here is a FAQ on the subject.
If you opt for a commercial spherical projection system, make sure it is bright enough for your dome size in the contrast mode you intend to use and that the warping is configured for your dome (to avoid distorted projection). We have seen some providers cutting corners with these types of systems. We highly recommend that you compare a few competing planetarium systems in person before making a purchasing decision. Be sure to insist on a written return policy with any commercial system so that you have an opportunity to return it if you are not happy with it!
Why is a Digitarium system a better value than a higher resolution spherical mirror type system?
While some Digitarium systems cost more than higher resolution spherical mirror systems, we believe that the following characteristics provide a much better value for serious astronomy educators (see also the above two questions):
- Projection quality: We have never seen a single projector spherical mirror system that can focus on more than about half of the dome at the same time—no matter how high the projector resolution is. Eye strain can be a real issue, the focus can be so bad.
- Durability: You can't permanently damage your Digitarium by touching it or talking near it, unlike sensitive first surface mirrors. See the above question for more detail on this. Digitarium lenses are easy to clean should the need arise with a lens cleaning kit.
- Projection coverage: If you want to teach astronomy you really need the full sky. Mirror systems all seem to cut out portions of the sky to pump up the total resolution. That's OK for movies, but it's the wrong tradeoff for a planetarium where you want to immerse your students in the full sky. With a digital planetarium, resolution is actually not that important. That may sound heretical, but think about it: with a starfield most of the pixels are off, so a higher resolution only shrinks each star. At the resolutions we're talking about, that's hardly noticeable.
- Effective Resolution: While mirror systems use more pixels, they waste a lot of these near the mirror due to the non-uniformity of the projection. Pixels on the far side of the dome are much larger than those near the mirror. With a Digitarium system all pixels/stars are similarly sized across the dome.
- Usability: Our remote control interface offers the best usability on the market, yet it does not compromise on software capabilities. The ease of use reduces your training costs. Another advantage is that you are not tethered to your computer—you can teach from anywhere in the dome rather than being tied to a laptop and obtuse key commands or software interfaces. With a Digitarium system everything just works, you don't need to manually download, install, or configure any software. No matter what size dome you have, the sky will not be distorted and you can play any fulldome movie with no warping headaches.
- Product support: We are one of the main developers of the software run by our Digitarium systems and we can offer unparalleled support. Historically most spherical mirror system sellers have used Stellarium, but NONE ever contributed to the project. At least with some sellers, software knowledge seems lacking, judging by the poorly configured versions that we have seen. Our three year limited warranty is longer than most of our competitors. Unique to Digitalis, we offer free technical support and free software updates for the life of each Digitarium system. There are no hidden long term support or maintenance contract costs.
So you can see why we believe we have the best value for an educational planetarium system. While it's easy to focus on resolution or up front costs when evaluating competing systems, it's very important to consider the true benefits and costs of ownership for your intended use.
We strongly recommend that you see a few competing systems in person and try using them yourself (really!) before making a purchase decision. We don't want to see more people make mistakes that are preventable with a little extra effort up front. It's just a fact that many systems can sound better on paper than they actually perform in the real world.
Want to see a Digitarium system near you?
What does it mean that some competing systems have truncated projection?
Systems with a truncated projection do not project over a full hemispherical dome -- some portions of the sky are not projected. Usually truncation is a tradeoff to reduce costs or improve resolution in the areas that are projected.
Digitarium Systems are true full-dome systems and project the entire sky with a full, uninterrupted horizon onto a dome. We feel that for astronomy education having a full sky projection is critical. The whole point of a planetarium is to immerse the audience in a full simulation of the night sky so that three dimensional concepts can be experienced first hand. Having empty black areas in the sky makes both teaching and learning in a planetarium more difficult for obvious reasons.
Here is a visual comparison of approximate sky coverage for 1.) a fulldome system such as a Digitarium, 2.) a spherical mirror system with a 4:3 aspect projector, and 3.) a truncated 4:3 aspect fisheye projection system. Red areas are areas with no projection coverage.
How does a Digitarium system compare to an analog portable projector like a Classic Analog STARLAB®?
The digital technology used in a Digitarium system offers many advantages over portable analog systems. These typically use partially transparent cylinders or cubes over a light source to project onto a dome.
- A Digitarium system can demonstrate annual motion, including retrograde planetary motion. You can even turn on the time lapse feature to highlight motion. Portable analog projectors like a Classic Analog STARLAB® are by design limited to daily motion; the Sun, naked-eye planets, and moon move with the starfield until you manually reposition them.
- A Digitarium system automatically and exactly positions and phases celestial objects for you. It includes an extensive database of bodies, moons, and stars. Classic Analog STARLAB® users must manually position the Sun, planets, and moon using a system of mirrors and magnets and only the Moon can be phased.
- A Digitarium system's software automatically accounts for precession of the equinoxes and even stellar proper motion. Portable analog systems do not have these features.
- A Digitarium allows you to transition from the northern to southern hemisphere and back seamlessly. At least with a Classic Analog STARLAB® you must have the separate hemisphere cylinders and switch these manually.
It is easier to start teaching with a Digitarium system. If you do not know what an object is you can simply select it to identify it and then zoom in on it or possibly fly to it to explore further (Nightshade NG Professional is required to fly outside the solar system). Explore using the intuitive buttons on the unique handheld remote control, or in the optional Universal Console interface. The gamepad interface allows smooth exploration of the universe, and is particularly suited for students to "drive." Free curricula is provided with your system, including in convenient Augmented Lessons format for use with the Universal Console so that you can walk through a lesson without interrupting your show to refer to paperwork.
- A Digitarium system has an integrated multimedia player which allows you to show your own images or videos from a USB drive or internal hard drive. You can easily play prerecorded fulldome shows. Analog systems at best offer a clear cylinder that you can write on with pens.
- With a Digitarium system you can show constellation line drawings, artwork, and labels one at a time, all at once, or in groups of your choice. Line drawings and labels from multiple cultures are built in to the system. An analog system would require the purchase of additional cylinders and then switching these manually.
- A Digitarium system can display dynamic reference lines and grids that can not be duplicated by any portable analog systems.
- A Digitarium system's software can be upgraded over the Internet via an ethernet port. This allows Digitarium system users to download the latest features and images over the Internet.
In short, a Digitarium system offers tremendously more flexibility, capability, and cost effectiveness than any portable analog system.
Software Features
What software does a Digitarium system run? Can it run Starry Night, Celestia, The Sky, etc.?
Digitarium systems run Nightshade, simulation software maintained by Digitalis. You can connect a separate computer to the projector to project other applications. However, the application needs to support fisheye rendering (polar projection) to be useful. You also must make sure that this use doesn't conflict with the software's license.
For example, retail versions of the planetarium software Starry Night can not be projected using a Digitarium system because the Starry Night end user license agreement prohibits use with an audience. (There are dome versions which can be used with an audience, but these can not be purchased independently of certain planetarium systems.)
What differences are there between Nightshade and Stellarium?
Read more detail about Nightshade.
Can I save money by using my own computer with your systems?
Our single fisheye lens systems do support projection from a separate computer. However, we do not recommend this as you would miss out on many benefits of buying a complete Digitarium® system, including:
- You would not have the ease of use of our unique remote control or Universal Console interfaces—the laptop keyboard would be your only interface.
- You will not have access to the dome projection version of our planetarium software, Nightshade NG.
- You would not get built-in dome aware multimedia support.
- You would also need to maintain the operating system and all software yourself. We develop and maintain all of the software on the Digitarium control computer, so there are never any compatibility headaches. We make sure all system software and hardware works properly together before releasing an update.
- You would not have the ability to easily add large data sets, some of which will only be available for Digitarium systems.
- There will be no dedicated support team to answer your phone or email questions.
From what culture(s) are the constellation labels, line drawings, and artwork?
Currently we have line drawings, labels, IAU borders, and artwork by Meuris, Bode, and Hevelius for the 88 official Western constellations. We also have line drawings and labels for Polynesian, Aztec, Inca, Chinese, Navajo, Lakota, Inuit, Sami, Norse, and ancient Egyptian constellations, most without artwork.
Users can easily create their own sky cultures for their own use and share this with other Nightshade users. As we add new constellation cultures, we make these available as free software upates.
I don't know anything about the Linux operating system. Will I still be able to use a Digitarium system?
You don't need to know a thing about Linux to run the system. You can't even tell what operating system is running, as the system is operated via a hand-held remote control (or iPad if you use our Universal Console interface).
How do I learn to use my system?
Digitarium systems are designed to be easy to use and we include extensive user manuals with each system. We also offer regional customer trainings around the US and our exclusive Digitalis Community website allows customers to communicate directly with each other and share ideas and content. And of course, our technical support staff will assist you if the user manuals and Community site do not answer your questions.
How do I get software and data updates?
Hook your Digitarium system up to an ethernet network with Internet access (see the user manual if you need more information on this), bring up the menu, scroll down to "Administration," then select Administration sub-item "Update me over the Internet." The computer will do the rest for you. Software updates are free for the life of your system.
What formats are supported by the Digitarium system's multimedia player?
MPEG-2 and MPEG-4 are the best supported video formats. Almost all image formats are supported, plus WAV and OGG audio. If you have a question about a specific format, contact us.
What prerecorded shows are included with Digitarium systems?
See included shows.
Are other prerecorded shows available for the Digitarium system?
We distribute shows produced by:
Other sources include:
- Denver Museum of Nature and Science
- Evans & Sutherland, Inc.
- GeoGraphics Imaging
- Sky-Skan, Inc.
- Spitz, Inc.
- Sudekum Planetarium
An extensive list of fulldome shows and producers is maintained by Loch Ness Productions.
To be shown on a Digitarium system a show just needs to be sized appropriately and saved in a supported video format. Contact the show producer for the best pricing. They can contact our technical support for encoding recommendations if needed.
You can also create your own shows using the StratoScript scripting features of Nightshade on a desktop computer and play these back (including an audio track) on your system.
Inflatable Domes
Can I use my silver STARLAB® dome with a Digitarium system?
Yes, a Digitarium system will work with any portable dome. However, if you project anything besides dark starfields you will see the extensive wrinkling in the silver STARLAB® domes. The reflective surface is also problematic. The Digitalis Dome is specifically designed to be used with digital projectors. Our design has fewer wrinkles and no entrance tunnel interrupting the projection surface.
Can I set up a Digitalis Dome outside?
No. Setting up a Digitalis Dome outside is strongly discouraged. The dome is lightweight and could blow away, harming your audience or equipment, plus the outdoor environment could damage your dome.
Is the Digitalis Dome handicapped accessible?
Yes. The dome does not have a solid floor; the wall of the dome wraps around and creates a skirt about 18 inches/45 cm wide which rests on the floor. To admit a person in a wheelchair, simply lift a side of the dome and push the wheelchair under. This process is much easier if you have a second person to help you lift the side of the dome. Once the dome is lowered back to the ground, it will reinflate fully in about one minute.
What is the procedure for an emergency exit from a Digitalis Dome?
As mentioned above, Digitalis Domes do not have a solid floor, so audiences can exit the dome very quickly by lifting the side and ducking under. Detailed instructions are included with your dome so that you can practice before hosting audiences.
How does a Digitalis Dome compare to others?
The introductory video on our Digitalis Domes page is the best resource. If at all possible, check out a dome in person and talk to existing users before making a decision. One of our customers who switched from another brand posted his detailed comments online.
Be aware that there are a lot of domes listed for sale online that are highly suspect. We have had our product photos (with our staff still in the photos!) used by some of these scammers.
How can I see a Digitarium system in use?
Go to our see one page to review our conference schedule and demo policy.
Can someone at Digitalis help me apply for a grant or sponsorship?
Yes, you can contact Karrie Berglund, Director of Education, for help with funding proposals. However, please first read our funding page to see if it gives you the information you need. Note that we also offer a lease to own program that would allow you to spread the cost of a puchase over multiple budget years to make a purchase easier.
What kind of maintenance is required by the projector and dome?
Most of our systems require very little maintenance. Projector lenses will need to be dusted and possibly cleaned from time to time with a lens tissue and alcohol (see your user manual for more information). Lamps will need to be replaced when they burn out or reach the end of their design life (the projector tracks usage information for you). You should have your system checked for dust accumulation once a year and cleaned if necessary.
Digitalis Domes can be cleaned with a damp sponge if needed.
Is there a warranty for your products?
See our standard three year limited warranty.
How long does it take to get a Digitarium system or Digitalis Dome?
Typically one to eight weeks, depending on inventory levels. We try to stock all the products we sell. Contact us for a current turnaround estimate.
How do I find out if there is a local distributor in my country?
All of our distributors are listed on our contact us page.
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Overall, I would rate Digitalis Education and [my Digitarium] Alpha 2 system as a +12 on a ten point scale. The service is second to none. It is the most intuitive system to operate of any I have tested (Digital [STARLAB®], mirror systems, others which cost several times the cost of the Alpha 2) The product is very robust.
— Max McKelvey, Oatland Island Education Center, Savannah, GA


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A monopsony occurs when a firm has market power in employing workers. A pure monopsony means there is only one employer of labour.
Diagram of Monopsony
- The competitive wage is at W1, where S = D.
- However, a monopsony finds that the MC of labour increases at a faster rate than AC of labour.
- The monopsony maximises profits where MR = MC. therefore can pay a wage of W2.
A minimum wage of W3 will keep employment at Q2. A minimum wage of W1 keeps employment at Q1.

subset: commoncrawl


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Countryfile's Adam Henson rejects TV adventure career
Countryfile's Adam Henson has said he wouldn't want a career like Ben Fogle or Bear Grylls.
The farmer and presenter has a sizeable fanbase but told the Radio Times that being the next big outdoors TV hero isn't for him.
He said: "No. Bear and Ben are London boys, and they love adventure and all that.
"But after a tough day on the farm, I don't feel the need to go and sleep on a hammock, in a wood. I wouldn't mind doing a sky dive, but I don't have a desire to do it."
Adam was born into the world of farming but broke into presenting in 2001, when Countryfile held a search for a new presenter.
He said: "What I do have a desire to do, and I am very happy to rough it while doing it, is look at the culture of farming and how they produce food around the world. Because I have a connection with the land and food production and I am genuinely interested in it."
Adam, 50, runs the Cotswold Farm Park which his father started in 1971.
Referring to the former Countryfile presenter Miriam O'Reilly, who won a landmark legal case against the BBC over age discrimination in 2011 after being dropped from the rural affairs show, he said he is fortunate to have something to fall back on.
He said: "Television is a fickle old world. It [the O'Reilly row] made me realise you aren't there for ever, you need to watch your back and you need to consider your future. I am lucky I have got the farm. The Cotswold Farm Park brand has been around for 45 years, and we were getting a lot of visitors before I went on Countryfile."
This week's Radio Times is on sale from Tuesday.


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The Graphic Arts and Design program offers a practical, career-oriented degree for students who are artistically and creatively inclined. A degree in Graphic Arts and Design from Benedictine positions students for success in a wide range of lucrative careers within the creative field.
Students who major in Graphic Arts and Design at Benedictine University at Mesa receive exceptional training in four areas:
Technology: Today's graphic design industry relies heavily on computer imaging. As such, our students receive extensive training in industry standard imaging, design and animation software that will give them the edge they need to succeed in the job market.
Fine Art: Though the use of technology is ubiquitous in the design industry, the best software is useless unless the artist/designer using it has a well-trained artistic eye. To this end, Benedictine trains each Graphic Arts and Design student in the traditional arts of painting, drawing, printmaking, photography and sculpture.
Communications: Graphic design is a growing field that spans multiple disciplines. To prepare a graduate who is competent in many facets of the design industry, Benedictine trains students in a broad range of communications skills including typography, layout for print and digital media, writing and editing, and new media.
Liberal Arts: Through its signature liberal arts curriculum, Benedictine produces students who can think critically about their world, who have a broad, globally-oriented education that enables them to make informed and socially responsible decisions, and who can lead a life in balance. We believe that success in life requires us to succeed not just in our careers, but in our family, social, religious and political life as well. A Benedictine liberal arts education is truly unique in its mission to educate the whole person.
A Catholic University in the Benedictine Tradition, founded in 1887. Learn more about our values and rich heritage.
© 2020 Benedictine University
225 E. Main Street in Mesa, AZ 85201
email@example.com | (602) 888-5500


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Product ID Number: uk972
Product Features
Ends sweaty hands and allows comfortable game play
GunCon? and GunCon? 2 compatible gun
Compatible with all PS One and PS2 light gun games
Can be used for Time Crisis 1 & 2, Gun Survivor 1 & 2, Vampire Night, etc
Super accurate
Simply plug into the USB port of the PS2? console and play
The AirCon Light Gun for PS/PS2? is a stylish gun which ends sweaty hands and allows comfortable game play.
What's in the box
AirCon Light Gun (for PS/PS2?)
Release Date
14 Jun 2003
Internet Links and Downloads
There are currently no Internet Links or Downloads available for this product.
Please contact us if you want to list your Web site or Program here.


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Tough luck for salamanders in Idaho
States regularly make official designations that demonstrate their unique qualities. Just about every state in the union has an official state bird, state motto, state song, state flower, etc. Once in a while, these innocuous designations cause political trouble – the South Carolina effort to create an official state fossil, for example, drew opposition from a creationist lawmaker.
A similar problem arose this week in Idaho where a local teenager asked lawmakers to name an official state amphibian. As the Spokesman-Review reported this week, it didn't go well (via Taegan Goddard).
Idaho lawmakers worried that special recognition of the Idaho giant salamander could lead to federal protections have rejected a grade school student's request that it be named the state amphibian.The House State Affairs Committee voted 10-6 on Monday against 14-year-old Ilah Hickman's plan. It was her fifth attempt in as many years to persuade lawmakers that students made a good choice for state amphibian.
This might sound a little nutty – because it is – but according to the lawmakers who rejected the idea, if Idaho makes the Idaho giant salamander the state's official amphibian, then federal officials might make the salamander an endangered species. And at that point, the state might have to endure all kinds of new regulations from Washington.
Or something.
According to the Spokesman-Review's article, the state attorney general's office advised Idaho lawmakers that the symbolic measure wouldn't affect federal protections either way – none of this relates to endangered-species protections – but GOP legislators were worried anyway.
"My whole concern is potential federal overreach," state Rep. Don Cheatham (R) told the AP.
In fact, the whole thing apparently became quite partisan, with 10 Idaho Republican rallying to defeat the idea before it could even reach the legislative floor, overcoming unanimous Democratic support.
Herpetologist Frank Lundberg, who testified in support of the idea, concluded, "It is a mistake to ever overestimate the ignorance of the Idaho Legislature."
As for 14-year-old Ilah Hickman, she's vowed to "come back next year and push it again."


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Governance is a key element of the leadership and management of the Trust itself and of the schools individually and collectively. Please click here to see our Governance Structure.
The Trust (itself accountable to DfE) is the body to whom schools are directly accountable. It delegates autonomy to each Local Governing Board/Body (LGB) or School Improvement Board (SIB) according to the Scheme of Delegation.
The Trust Board is made up of experts in UK and international education as well as private sector professionals with a wide range of commercial experience and expertise. In keeping with our vision we also place an emphasis on attracting Trustees who have backgrounds and networks in Sport and the Arts. The Board acts as guardian to the Trust vision, and ensures that progress towards its fulfilment is underpinned with the highest standards of compliance with our regulators so that public funding is very well-used.
Serving as a governor in a GST school requires a commitment to the seven principles of public life and to a code of conduct which puts the school and its pupils at the centre. GST governors meet formally every thirteen weeks (i.e. once every school term) and much of the real work is done between these meetings, through Working Groups and individual contributions to the school's life according to each governor's skills and the needs of the school.
The role is very different from that of a governor in a Local Authority school, recognising that the Head is the school's Chief Executive and the Board is there to advise, support and challenge through appropriate channels and to evidence the impact that governance is having on the school's progress. As in the world of non-executive directors, GST governors are expected to bring their skills to bear and to work in co-operation and collaboration with the staff team, the whole Local Governing Body and the Trust to bring about rapid and sustained improvement for the pupils they serve.
The Trust is responsible for the appointment, performance management and professional development of the Heads, though the LGB's work has a vital role to play in highlighting and evidencing the impact that the Head and governors are making through their termly meetings. Through their work in and for the school, governors come to know the school community and to be well-informed about its performance, able to talk about it confidently and accurately to the Trust, to Ofsted, to parents and to interested local groups.
We very much appreciate the work that governors do and the part they play in the success of the schools they serve and indeed of the Trust. We hope that governors find reward in the impact they make on young lives and their individual experience of the living reality of the GST motto: Proud Traditions Wide Horizons High Achievement.
The Medway Governing Board is:
Gemma Sant
Justin Creasey
Martin Chapman
Trevor Edinborough
Lorraine Gammon
Diana Wilks
Gemma Sant – Chair, Safeguarding
Gemma began teaching in 2009 and joined the leadership team at Riverley as an Assistant Head in 2013 – 2014. Gemma was then appointed to Deputy Head and further to Head in 2017. Gemma has a keen interest in teaching and learning and has achieved a Masters in Education. She believes that schools should inspire learning in children whilst educating them to grow into independent, confident and accomplished young people. Through her leadership, Gemma is committed to the coaching and professional development of her colleagues paving the way for further progress in the field of education.
Justin Creasey
As Director of Education at the Griffin Schools Trust, Justin brings a wealth of educational expertise to the Medway Board. He has a Certificate in Mathematics Specialist Teaching and has a keen interest in school improvement and curriculum innovation. As a former professional dancer and musician, Justin values all areas of achievement including performance art and musical theatre. Currently, Justin plays the French horn and performs with a London Wind Band and a semi-professional London Orchestra. Justin's interest in early development and child psychology drive his ambition to develop pupil voice throughout all areas of school life. He believes that a GREAT school is a place where every decision made is driven by, and centred around what is best for the children in it.
Martin Chapman
Martin Chapman is an engineer by trade and brings many years' experience in the private sector, working in project management, seeing projects from inception to completion. He has worked across many varied commercial sectors, currently working for a shop fitter creating restaurants across the UK. He likes to spend as much time as possible with his daughters, who attend Lordswood Primary.
Trevor Edinborough
Trevor has many years of experience in the education sector and in school improvement, working across the public, private and charity sectors. He has worked extensively in the UK as well as internationally. He was a successful head in two very different inner city comprehensive schools and has had wide ranging experience in the delivery of local authority services at Assistant Director and Deputy Director levels. In addition, Trevor has significant international experience in the delivery of major education priorities and has a successful track record in the development and delivery of national government contracts.
Lorraine Gammon
Lorraine works as a volunteer at Saxon Way Primary and has just completed her Learning Support Assistant Qualification. As a parent, she is delighted to be contributing to education and making a difference for young people.
Diana Wilks
Diana Wilks has 3 children all at Lordswood School and started working part-time last year after being able to be a stay at home mum for 10 years. Prior to this, she completed a degree in Law with Social studies before working in Share Registration and was a Client Relationship Manager at Capita Registrar's.
Sam Hunt – Clerk
0163 466 1540
Kingfisher School, Kingfisher Drive, Chatham ME5 7NX
Claire Saxton – Clerk
03000 658 250
Lordswood School, Lordswood Lane, Chatham ME5 8NN
Address of Chair:
4-14 Barmeston Road, Catford, London, SE6 3BH
Supplemental Funding Agreement
Griffin Schools Trust latest Annual Report and Financial Statements
Governor's Register of Business Interest 2018/19


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Apple Granted Patent for Signal Enhancing and Inductive Charging Docking Station
Posted Saturday, November 17, 2012 by Mike Cicero
An obvious trend in handheld electronic device designs is the increasing integration of wireless technologies and features for streamlining the user experience and de-cluttering work spaces. To accomplish this, wireless devices must incorporate one or more antennas to send and receive wireless signals. However, antennas are inherently susceptible to electromagnetic interference. Thus, electronic device designers are continuously searching for ways to reduce the negative effects of such interference.
Earlier this year Apple Inc. was granted U.S. Patent No. 8,207,906 (issued June 26, 2012) entitled "Antenna insert" which claims technology aimed at mitigating the problem of electromagnetic interference in handheld devices. The patent describes how the problem of electromagnetic interference is exacerbated by the combination of two design restraints. First, the average user desires to have full wireless capabilities available even which the device is connected to an external accessory such as a docking station. Second, the device designers aim to reduce human exposure to radio frequency energy emitted by the device antenna by locating the antenna as far as possible from the user's brain, i.e. at the bottom of the device adjacent to where a docking station attaches to the device. Obviously, locating the antenna adjacent to a physical electrical connection, e.g. a combination data transfer and charging connection, where the electromagnetic field from the connection is strongest is not ideal from the standpoint of minimizing interference. Any smart phone user that has experienced there docking station speakers emit a strange sounding pattern of buzzing noises just prior to the phone ringing has experiences the effects of electromagnetic interference.
The "Antenna insert" patent goes on to disclose various technologies to "enhance the integrity of wireless communication with a handheld device when connected to an accessory," and also "that at least some of these adapters and docking stations operate with a handheld device without using a physical connector."
One feature emphasized in the disclosure is the use of reradiating radio frequency (RF) antennas. A reradiating RF antenna is a type of antenna that receives a radio frequency and retransmits it, preferably with enhanced signal strength. This feature improves performance by essentially overpowering the electromagnetic interference emitted by the physical connection.
In addition to reradiating antennas, another key feature of the disclosure is the use of inductive coupling to complete a charging circuit . Inductive coupling allows for the handheld device to be charged without the need for a physical connection. One common household example of this technology is the Sonicare® toothbrush charging station. People familiar with this toothbrush know that there is no physical connection between the battery and the charging station. This allows for the battery to be completely sealed within the toothbrush reducing both physical as well as corrosive wear on the electronic components. Obviously, this would benefit Apple's handheld devices too.
Because any inductive charging unit inherently produces its own electromagnetic fields, care must be taken to minimize the interaction between the charging unit, the main antennas, and the reradiating antennas. In some embodiments, Apple mitigates this concern by dividing the time of operation between the features, e.g. the inductive charger only operates when the device is neither sending nor receiving a wireless RF signal.
While the benefits of this technology are quite clear, it remains unclear when Apple plans to make this technology available to the public. I can predict though that if Apple implements this technology with the superb packing design it has become known for the product will be an immediate success.


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Home » insights » articles » cheese rack filler
As a leading global supplier of complete cheese plants to the dairy industry, SPX offers a comprehensive selection of flexible, cost-effective solutions for a wide range of cheese types and sizes. In fact, SPX cheese process technology is the result of many years of experience and close co-operation with cheese manufacturers throughout the world. Our experience and wide range of technologies means that we can configure a solution for a particular cheese production line, and provide all necessary support and service.
For example, SPX's Cheese Rack Filler is a specially designed rack filling system that enables the filling process to take place below the water level to help ensure the gentle treatment of soft, pressed cheeses. In addition, the filler is flexible to accommodate various cheese sizes and shapes.
How It Works
Pressed cheeses are conveyed on a belt conveyor from the mold emptier to the rack filler where they are loaded on the roller conveyor in the rack loading vat. After the roller conveyor is lowered below water level, the rack elevator pulls an empty rack from the rack storage system and places it with the lowest shelf in the loading position on a level with the roller conveyor. Each shelf is loaded one at a time by the means of a pneumatically-controlled pushing device. Afterward, the rack elevator steps the rack to the next position.When the rack is loaded and all the cheeses are under liquid, the rack is pulled out of the elevator to the position for crane collection to the brining vat.
The capacity of the butter making machines ranges from 500 kg to 14,000 kg butter/h.
Based in Charlotte, North Carolina, SPX FLOW, Inc. (NYSE: FLOW) innovates with customers to help feed and enhance the world by designing, delivering and servicing high value solutions at the heart of growing and sustaining our diverse communities. The company's product offering is concentrated in rotating, actuating and hydraulic technologies, as well as automated process systems, into food and beverage, industrial and power and energy markets. SPX FLOW has approximately $2 billion in annual revenues with operations in more than 30 countries and sales in more than 150 countries.


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Benefits of Laughter
We all love a hearty laugh, as it provides a psychological boost and makes one feel better. Laughter is infectious and more contagious than bacteria or a flu virus. It helps us connect with others, and improves relations. Fake or real, alone or with a group, it makes no difference! Laugh, laugh, laugh!
There are additional health benefits, as well:
- lowers blood pressure
- boosts immune system
- diminishes stress hormone levels
- aids digestion
- improves cardiovascular and lung function
- raises levels of good cholesterol
- minimizes pain by release of endorphins, chemicals that function as neurotransmitters and block pain


text: I'm glad to visit my gallery! My name is Anita Lempa. Painting is my hobby since 2017. I like to paint with acrylic, soft pastels, oil pastels. I began to paint with oil. This year, in 2018, I have decided to deepen my knowledge and study with a professional artist. In February 2019 I received a certificate from The International School of Fine Art Oxana Sanson for Fundamental techniques of painting. I sell only my original works, not prints. I was born and lived in Latvia (Europe), where there is a very beautiful nature that inspires to create works of art. You can ask - why do I paint? Because there are so many paintings and artwork! Painting fascinates me, it's my meditation, it's the air I breathe and the life I live in, painting makes me fly! I hope that my works will make you fly!


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rant alert: normal ..?
What is normal? The more time I spend reading and listening to others the more I become aware that people are concerned with what is normal. Take my favourite online refuge, the lovehoney forum, some days the entire front page is people asking if they are normal.
When did people become so obsessed with the validation of others? Why do people strive to be normal?


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Driving Emotion Type S for Sony PlayStation 2 (PS2)
Get behind the wheel of real-world cars and push them to the limit with DRIVING EMOTION TYPE-S. While most of us probably own one of the more than 40 cars available in the game, it's unlikely that we would be hitting 140 mph in a Honda Civic on the open road. But you can do that here, on 14 tracks that are split among real courses and fantasy loops. If you've always dreamed of redlining your Miata, now's your chance with DRIVING EMOTION TYPE-S.


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A rare beer from a Northern California brewery with a nearly cult-like following has ale-lovers across the state lining up for a taste this month.
On Wednesday, in a scene repeated at select breweries and bars throughout California, hundreds were waiting for a single keg of Russian River Brewing Co.'s Pliny the Younger to be tapped in Tustin.
Two side-by-side dads carried babies as they awaited their 8 oz. pours — for $8 — at Tustin Brewing Co., joking that they had given each other the "secret nod" shared by beer-loving fathers.
An even hoppier version of the brewery's beloved but more common double IPA Pliny the Elder, Pliny the Younger is a 10.25 percent alcohol triple India pale ale that is released each February. The 2014 version marks the 10th anniversary of the sought-after brew, which changes a bit every year.
"It is extremely difficult, time- and space-consuming, and very expensive to make," states the brewery's website. "And that is why we don't make it more often!"
Some beer aficionados make the pilgrimage to Russian River's Santa Rosa headquarters to get their glass at the source every year. Hundreds waited in the rain for the release on Feb. 7.
Brewer Vinnie Cilurzo told the local Santa Rosa Press-Democrat that he remained amazed at the annual frenzy the beer had spawned.
"I am flattered and humbled, I am every year, that people would wait this long," Cilurzo said.
None of the annual brew is bottled, and kegs are only released to a select few clients. Most of it goes to Southern California, Cilurzo told the Orange County Register.
That means those who can't make it up to Sonoma County must instead buy a ticket and wait in line at one of the limited locations that are able to obtain kegs.
In Orange County, beer-lovers had Tustin Brewing Co. to thank on Wednesday.
A beer blog called The Full Pint was tracking other locations offering Pliny the Younger in Southern California, as was the Los Angeles News Group's beer blog.
KTLA's Chip Yost contributed to this article.


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It's been ten weeks since we moved to Chester, and we have had a lot of Awfully Big Adventures, so I thought it high time to share what we have found so far to do with little ones in and around the city for those who're new to, or visiting, the area.
Grosvenor Park Miniature Railway
Choo choo! We love this little train that chugs at quite some speed round the lake by the play area, and all visitors are dragged there, with us claiming it's because the girls like it. Secretly Jon wants to apply to be one of the drivers. £1.50 for adults (though I recommend you go for the 3 ride option, as they won't want to get off) and free for under 3s. It leaves from a proper little station with a waiting platform, and a shop packed full of Thomas goodies.
The play area next to it is fantastic, with a top area for tinies including swings and bouncy ladybirds, and a more adventurous section with zip wires et al down below. It's carpeted in wood chip which reduces the amount of times Charlotte moans 'my KNEES!'
Grosvenor Park itself is gorgeous. It's where they hold the annual open air theatre. It's just by the river and the footbridge, so we find the best parking is on Victoria Crescent and then strolling over the bridge, rather than trying to find a space in town.
The flood plain that forms one big bend of the river has been left as wild open space. Chester really looks jolly handsome from this vantage point, with all the Georgian houses cascading down to the banks. There's something of Bath/Oxford/Durham about it. Again, park in Victoria Crescent (or anywhere close by in Queen's Park/Handbridge) and walk; the kissing gates are JUST big enough to get a double buggy through. It's absolutely idyllic, and a great place to take a picnic and watch life row past. Last time we were there we saw dragon boat racing, and there are various open water swimming contests. Just beware of the posterior evacuations of our bovine friends who share the meadows…
At some point, when my heart is no longer in my mouth, we'll take the girls on one of the many river cruises that leave from The Groves (the esplanade with its generous allocation of benches and bandstands by the footbridge/Grosvenor Park, gosh Chester Council must be making a decent income from tourism). There's one that goes up to Eaton, the Duke of Westminster's humble abode. You can also hire canoes, pedaloes and small boats, though at eyebrow raising prices.
Allegedly there is also a passenger ferry in summer months (for which you make a small donation) that takes you the 10 metres or so across the Dee from the Meadows to Sandy Lane Aqua Park. If that brings up visions of a Cheshire Sea World, it's actually just a playground that has a section with various sprinklers on a random programme, so the kids can strip off and have hoots of fun running through them and getting wet.
Literally 5 minutes from our door, even for little legs, which is fantastic. The children's playground is large and very well equipped and maintained, and there is also an open air gym for adults (which I, unsurprisingly, am yet to try), 9 hole golf course, bowling club, tennis courts and a Croquet Club, who hold the Advanced title for the North, woo! All the paths are marked with metre markers if there are runners in the family. Jon had to explain to me what these were; I thought it was measuring distance to the café and their exciting Sunday morning offer of a bacon buttie, cup of tea and two rounds of golf for a tenner.
If you walk south through the park you'll get to the Westminster Park shops, where you'll find Bebbingtons the butchers. It is a fine establishment but do NOT buy anything from there as I recently entered a 'create a new sausage' competition and was narrowly pipped to first place, so now face the shame and bitterness of seeing my rival's sausage on sale. It hurts. This boycott will obviously be lifted when I win next year.
Blacon is one of the less 'naice' areas of Chester but has this fantastic city farm come adventure playground come woodland activity centre come youth club. It's run by a charity so you just make an optional donation. Donkeys, sheep, goats, the world's fattest pigs, chickens, ducks, rabbits and occasionally a kangaroo (yes, that confused me too). This is pretty much where the girls learnt to walk in order that they could run away from me at speed towards a giant muddy puddle (damn you, Peppa Pig) or the donkey's hooves.
The Sealand Road retail park (I know, living the dream) has got something for everyone. Our routine has evolved into – T K Maxx/Aldi, to feed my Bargain Addiction, Tesco to scoop up anything Aldi didn't have, and then Fun 4 All for soft play for the girls. It's vast, spotless, has a really decent area for under 5s, refreshments, and a ride on Magic Roundabout that costs £1 that I made the mistake of putting them on once so we now get tantrums at my Pol Pot level cruelty for not allowing repeat spins.
No shoes, so remember to wear socks. Otherwise they make you wear their hideous ones and charge you for the opportunity.
Christleton Duck Pond and Playground
Christleton is a picture perfect Cheshire village on the outskirts of Chester. Just gorgeous red brick cottages trimmed in wisteria and a splendid gastropub in the form of the Ring O'Bells who do excellent 2-4-1 burgers on a Monday. There's a duck pond on Heath Lane which is ever-so-pretty and the ducks will come up to the girls for bread (I know we shouldn't, but) and obligingly shed their feathers for collection. Further down the lane is yet another playground, probably the best we've found. It's got a sit on digger for moving sand! The slide is built into a hill so no ladder to climb! It's got a wobbly bridge! And the girls can exercise their need to escape me as it's in a giant, fenced off field, so no dangers unless wolves are suddenly reintroduced to the North West.
Going the other way into Wales, just past the giant Airbus factory, is this lovely farm which does pick your own strawberries, raspberries, gooseberries and blackcurrants, has a HUGE and very posh farm shop with their own butchers and deli (try the Dragon's Blood scotch egg and the Welsh Oggy), a great café, chickens, and a wooden castle for the kids to play on, all surrounded by the rolling Welsh countryside. What more could you want? Oh yes, a September family festival with Cerys Matthews and chef Bill Grainger, that's what! All very Boden/Lattetude.
Bizarrely, this is a regular haunt, and not just because Jon has become obsessed with turning our pond into a cross between Fining Nemo and Monet's Giverney. Great café, plants and fish for the girls to look at.
Finally, we are spoiled when it comes to toddler groups and activities. This is the pick of the bunch we've tried so far:
Messy Church at All Saints Church Centre, Hoole. First Thursday of every month from 3.30-5.45pm. Love, love, LOVE this! As it says on the tin, an afternoon of arts and crafts, followed by a crowd-pleasing dinner of nuggets or hot dogs and ice cream and jelly. The house is quickly filling up with the girls' efforts including giant beanstalks, musical instruments and felt purses along with some slightly psychotic gingerbread men/angel/alien things which are currently staring at me from the pinboard, with some menace. I bet they come alive at night…
St Mary's Handbridge, from 10am on Thursday mornings. Beautiful church with a well attended group from babies upwards, and very welcoming ladies hosting. Charlotte likes the toy iron best; Romilly the trampoline. Snacks and drinks for everyone. Outdoor singing on nice days.
Sparks at Hoole Baptist Church from 9.45-11.30am on Wednesdays. Great toys and crafts too.
Diddi Dance at Mollington Grange. Lessons throughout the week but we go on Saturday mornings. It's a fun introduction to dance and everything is in 3 minute sections, which ties in perfectly to their attention span. Allegedly they're learning Flamenco at the moment but that's essentially just an excuse to play with ribbons, hoops, castanets, fans, stamp a lot, pretend to be bulls, and shout 'Ole!'
So, that's what we've found so far. Still on the list to try are:
Northgate swimming pool (we felt a bit guilty on holiday that the girls seemed to have regressed when it comes to swimming, which is entirely down to us not making the gargantuan effort that is getting two slippery little people changed for swimming, swimming without drowning, and then changed back again). Northgate's meant to be the best of the local ones in terms of facilities and has a lagoon, though we're also going to look into the pool at Christleton High, and then at some of the hotels and fitness centres.
Tattenhall Ice Cream Farm (yes, who wouldn't relish the mash-up between making your own ice cream and petting farm animals, though I can envisage the slight brucellosis issues, Granny and Grandpa we will use antibac handwash, promise!)
Beeston Candle-Making Workshop. Mmm. Charlotte and Romilly and hot wax. Maybe later…
Beeston and Peckforton Castles. Beeston has bats! Cooool!
This is a bit further for us so maybe one to save for when Charlotte's a better traveller, but it's a huge area and all the local schools seem to have orienteering/camping trips there. Wholesome, outward bound, Blytonesque heaven. Most excitingly, it has A GRUFFALO TRAIL with a seven foot carved monster at the end of it.
Nearby is Blakemere, which is a craft village with regular falconry displays and when they're a bit bigger they can handle the birds. For bigger kids there's a Segway trail.
CHESTER ZOO! It's annoying we haven't done this yet as obviously it's our local top attraction, but I am just struggling with the value:time equation. It opens at 10 and closes at 5, but the issue is ours still sleep from 12.30 to 2.30, so we'd only get a couple of hours…But as soon as they start dropping that we'll be off, and I imagine will be buying an annual pass.
Blue Planet Aquarium. Ditto.
Cheshire Pony Experience. I am BEYOND excited about this one. From age 2, small groups of little people can go and pet and groom and feed the miniature Shetlands, and then get on their backs if they're up for it. Their giant brother has enquired whether they also teach horseback archery. I think he has a vision of his sisters as junior associates of the Mongol hordes. He keeps trying to give them wooden swords he bought them that are currently confiscated, convinced as he is that some apocalypse is coming our way and they need to be able to slay dragons by their third birthday. Or perhaps he has just been watching too much Game of Thrones…
On that note, he and I are also keen to visit Gladstone's Library by Hawarden Castle, his old 'hood. I'd never heard of this, but he left his entire collection to the nation, which has now been supplemented. It looks stunning. You can be a Reader for free and they actually encourage people who work from home to do it from there once a month. They hold regular talks and seminars and offer a 'Welsh in a Week' course, which we may be brave enough to do at some point!
We'll obviously make use of the multitude of canals near us when they're a bit bigger, and then there's the whole of North Wales (including gazillions of castles, caves and the Thomas steam train in Llangollen) to explore when we feel confident about taking them on the boat we have at Conwy. But the thought of that just makes me feel a little bit tremulous at the moment!
For newcomers I'd also advise signing up to the New Mums in Chester Facebook page which I am finding invaluable when it comes to local nuggets, and there are regular meet ups too. If anyone has any other advice, or questions, feel free to post in Comments below.
I have to say, I am LOVING Chester. It just seems a pretty perfect place to bring up children, given all the above. It's a city, so you have access to everything you need, but within 5 minutes we're out in fields and, depending which direction we take, are en route then to mountains or the sea or forests or canals or rolling farmland. Not to mention, when they're bigger, the whole Roman heritage, the City Walls, the rows, the fact its ancient name was Deva, which makes me and the girls official Devas…And don't get me started on Cheshire Oaks, the UK's biggest designer discount shopping village. This is unusual because most of Chester's claims evidence a marked inferiority complex eg 'the biggest M&S outside London' or even Liverpool has 'the oldest Chinatown outside London.'
But no, when it comes to cutprice Uggs, the birthplace of Hollyoaks reigns supreme. Who'd have thunk it…


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Richard Ferlauto has an excellent article about the vital importance of climate expertise on boards of directors.
Despite the anticipated rollback of climate related governmental policies such as the Environmental Protection Agency's Clean Power Plan and limits on methane emissions by the Trump administration, investors still need to understand the risks that climate change poses to their portfolios. Unequivocal disclosures and boards equipped to manage and govern climate risk will be more important than ever. Now, however, it appears investors will not able to rely on federal regulatory standards or policy interventions to manage climate risk related to greenhouse gas emissions and the emphasis on fossil fuel production. They will be left to their devices to understand the very real financial impacts that climate issues could have on their portfolios.Regime change in Washington does nothing to affect the science and reality of increased climate risk and the need for long-term strategic planning that accounts for potentially crippling financial, ecological and technological disruptions at the companies most susceptible to climate risks.
Source: The growing need for boardroom climate competency – Pensions & Investments


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I am a Pittsburgh Steelers fan. We have had rough couple of seasons and then lost in the first round of the playoffs this year. Nonetheless…I will always remain a Steelers fan. I started thinking about my determined dedication to my team. Men…and plenty of women…are fiercely loyal to their teams.
Are we that loyal to our wives and families?
What I will say is that as men we need to be mindful of the time we are spending devoting ourselves to watching football and reliving the glory days of our youth. While I know that it is easy to get locked in while watching a game, sitting in your chair a certain way for luck (remember…it's only crazy if it doesn't work) even when you are watching a game using the DVR, and making your kitchen your personal concession stand, we are husbands and fathers first of all. I am not saying to not watch the game. What I am saying is we need to be human. We need to be able to break loose and interact with our wives and kids from time to time during the football games. If we can stop occasionally and let them know that we love them and care about their feelings, we might be able to not dig ourselves such a big hole in the frozen tundra we have created. Chances are your wife is not going to be as big a fan of football as you. She may try watching a game, but probably not five out of the seven days in a week. Even if you are watching a game, try to be available to her to cuddle, hold hands, and rub her shoulders. Talk to her when you can and make sure when you do that most of it is not about football. For extra credit, you might even try to do some quick chores during commercials to help her around the house. I have folded a ton of laundry during football games.
With football especially, I know every game is important. When your team plays, you never fully feel secure that your team will win until the clock strikes 0:00. If for some strange reason, your team doesn't pull off the victory this weekend, be careful to not let the outcome affect you and your family. Don't let a college or NFL football game alter the way you treat them or respond to them. Remember that it is a game and particularly with the kids you are being a huge example of sportsmanship and maturity.
Lastly, win and lose with class.
Be Strong. Act Like Men.


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Four hundred twenty-five dollars.
If handed $425 right now, what would you want to spend it on? A pair of jeans? If you have watched the news or been on Facebook of late, you will most likely know of the story I am referring to. If not check out this article. Or better yet, read the blog post from Mike Rowe, host of the television show "Dirty Jobs".
I had to laugh. As silly as it is to think of someone paying $425 for a pair of jeans that have artificially been made to look dirty and worn, it isn't all that outlandish. Have you see what brands are charging for extremely distressed jeans? I'm certain some of these jeans have less fabric to them than a pair of Daisy Dukes. I'll be the first to admit, I like the look of a pair of jeans with a rip or two in them. I can't explain it, but I think on others, it looks cool. Of course, when I wear them I look silly and get tired of hearing my dad or Grandpa or uncle offer to lend me money to buy jeans that are free of holes. But these "Barracuda Straight Leg Jeans" take it to a whole new level. According to the description they "embody rugged, Americana workwear". Hmm, I don't know about that, but I digress.
Looking at this pair of jeans, I laugh, because it causes me to remember a picture my Grandma took of me in a pair of jeans I did a pretty good job of wearing out. It's not the clearest picture, my Samsung phone at the time was pathetic at taking pictures, but that is a different story. And even still I don't think the picture does my jeans justice. But the memories this picture, a particular week and those jeans bring back is all too worth sharing.
I'm going to take you back to May 2015 and give a bit of a back story, bear with me. My cousin, Taylor, qualified for the National Leadership Conference for Business Professionals of America (BPA). Proud of her, to say the least. BPA was my most favorite organization in high school and I have recommended high-schoolers participate in BPA more times than I can count. From public speaking to technology to knowledge of business, BPA prepares students far more than most organizations will do even in college. Anyhow back to that week, the national conference was in Anaheim, California.
Taking the opportunity, her family went with her and made it not only a conference but a vacation too. To cut the buildup shorter, I'll get to it. Taylor's dad is my Uncle Anthony. He runs all of the cattle and handles most of the day-to-day on the place. With him gone for 4 or 5 days, I volunteered weeks in advance to do the feeding and basic chores while he'd gone. Naturally, less than a week before them leaving, two of the calves born had some troubles. Before Uncle Anthony left on their trip, he worked tirelessly with those two calves each for several hours a day.
Nonetheless, I reassured him that Dad and I would be able to handle the feeding, basic chores and the care of these two special needs calves. So they left for Anaheim, and Dad and I were left to figure it out. One a bull calf, the other a heifer.
The Bully
The bull calf was a big, black and stout, but for some reason, his back his and legs weren't giving him stability. Each time we'd help him to his feet, his back legs would get twisted up and he'd fall back down. So several times a day, he would be worked with in order to try to help his situation. Like I said he was stout, so helping him up was no easy feat, especially with his back-end not cooperating. Along with those therapy sessions of sorts, we also had to help him stand so that he could nurse. A bucket of feed to his momma would keep her mindful enough. Enough so that she would even let us grab her teats to help our little bubba out. We'd get him stood up and in the right position, letting his back-end lean up against me for support, but still making him put weight on all four legs. And he'd latch on and nurse all that he could, with great efficiency I might add. By the end of that excursion, I'd be sweating and my pants would be smeared with calf poop. If any of y'all are familiar with baby animals of any kind, you'd know that they have the most pungent aroma and the texture that smears and holds on to anything it is rubbed on. But this was the easy part of my evenings.
The Little-Shit (i.e. the heifer calf)
The heifer calf was a cutie. She was black with a motley face, one of my favorite combinations for heifer calves in particular. Small at birth, her momma had no difficulty calving. However, for some reason this little girl wasn't born with that vivacious spirit to get up and nurse as soon as possible. Whether she didn't get colostrum right away or had any internal defects, we didn't know, but we worked hard to help her get going.
Before Anthony had left, he would run the cow through the chute, give her a bucket of feed, and for more than an hour would assist the heifer to nurse. The thing about her, she just wouldn't consistently nurse well. At one feeding, she'd get right to it and latch on and nurse like she hadn't in days. Then at the next feeding, she'd act like she hadn't the slightest clue how to suckle. During those times, you'd have to grab a teat for her and squeeze milk into her mouth. And even still, you'd have to hold her at the right angle so that the milk would go directly to the back of her mouth and down her throat, otherwise she'd smack her mouth open and close and let it all seep out. Frustrating to say the least, and precisely how she was dubbed Little-Shit by me.
Like I said, the bull calf was the easy part of my evenings. Heading down to the little triangle to run Little-Shit's momma through the chute was the pain-in-the-butt part of the evening. Firstly, why she wasn't as easy-going as the other momma cow, I don't know. Things would have been way easier if she didn't need to be held still by the chute. But even after being put in the chute, with a bucket-full of feed in front of her, she would get to moving side to side, and you had to watch out for the occasional kick too. I understand we were touching her and pulling at her udder, but if only she would have understood, the more cooperative she would have been the quicker, in theory, the process would have gone.
Unfortunately you can't reason with animals, at least with words. And feed wasn't enough reasoning for her either. Little-Shit didn't make things easier on us throughout the week. I'm fairly certain she didn't nurse on her own during the day, and unlike her bull calf counterpart, she could stand and walk and run like any normal calf. But she continued to act like she didn't know how to suckle or swallow. On the good mornings or evenings when she would have a bit more vigor, we'd help her latch on and assist in the suckling and she'd get to wagging her tail like she was filling up. The tail is always a pretty good indicator. And then for every good feeding, she'd have a number of not so good ones. On those occasions, she decided she'd rather us just about hold her in place. Along with holding her upright, she must have also felt entitled to us also placing the teat in her mouth. On these not so good days, Dad would be there to assist. More often than we'd like, one of us would milk out the momma (Dad was wayyyyy better at this) into a bottle and then I'd sit for another hour or so trying to get Little-Shit to get some nourishment. Things would at least have been manageable if she'd taken to the bottle. No that would have been too easy.
And after fussing with both the bull calf and Little-Shit, I found myself now covered in not only calf poop, but warm milk as well. After repeating this process twice daily for several days in a row, I was never able to figure out how to stay clean or even relatively so. I'm pretty sure Grandpa and Grandma had several good laughs at my expense throughout this process. And after it was all done, as aggravating as it was at times, I loved every minute of it. When you find yourself at the brink of tears from frustration, but choose to laugh with your dad instead, those are the moments I'll have in my memory bank for many years to come.
We survived the days without Uncle Anthony, but we were more than glad to see him come back. The sad spoiler to this story is that both of these calves ended up not making it. The bull calf failed to improve his mobility and after two weeks of helping him, it was realized the most humane thing would be to put him down. The little heifer, affectionately called Little-Shit, gave up and passed on.
Although the outcome of this story ends less than positive, it is a reminder that this is sometimes how things work out in life. Not all in life will work out, but isn't it more about the thoughts and interactions that come in getting to that point?
Back to those jeans supposedly valued at $425. You see, the jeans I wore in this picture, they cost me $21 from a general store connected to a gas station in Rosanky, Texas. They were your normal, un-distressed, cowgirl jeans. After 6 years of working cows, doing brush-work, climbing fences, and falling in mud in these jeans, I'm curious as to what Nordstrom would value them at?!? No matter though, they aren't for sale. Because if you ask me, I'd rather pay my $21 and experience all that goes into naturally distressing them, than drop a few bills and get the look without all the fun!


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About ELOY
Style: 091418748553859452
- The Eloy jacket, a reinterpretation of the historic K2 style, is part of the "Moncler au Sommet" package. The down quilted matte nylon is paired with nylon laqué inserts on the hood, pocket and yoke, creating a mix of technical and special details designed to convey great style on even the coldest winter days.
- Down quilted matte nylon hooded jacket
- Nylon laqué hood, chest pocket and shoulder detail
- Front and pockets with die-cast zipper closures
- Chest pocket with snap closure
- Felt Moncler logo
- Short length
EXTERIOR: 100% Polyamide / Nylon; LINING: 100% Polyamide / Nylon; HOOD LINING: 100% Cotton; PADDING: 90% Down, 10% Feather; 1 MATERIAL: 100% Polyamide / Nylon; Cuffs rib: 100% Wool
We provide free pick up for your returns: you have 15 days from delivery to follow our quick and easy return procedure. For further information visit the Returns and Refunds section.


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Known as the BID Street Rangers, the six team members are sure to become familiar, friendly faces as they set out to clean the areas owned by levy payers in the two BID districts - Retail & Leisure BID and Commercial District BID.
As part of the investment, the BID Street Rangers will be using brand new equipment, including three bowsers which use jet wash technology for planned work across the BID area, and a fully electric truck equipped with a miniature bowser for bespoke issues. The bowsers use 900 litres of hot water to remove foot grime and chewing gum.
Ian Strettle, chair, Retail & Leisure BID said:
"Liverpool BID Company is listening to its BID levy payers and tackling the issues that matter the most to us. Many of our businesses rely on strong footfall and the environment in which we trade in plays a huge part in that. Customers and visitors will simply not come if our footways and doorways are dirty."
Bill Addy, chief executive, Liverpool BID Company, said:
"Liverpool BID Company is committed to the trading environment in the BID areas - the success of our BID levy payers depends on it. With this latest investment we can now go that extra step and respond further and quickly to the needs of our levy payers."
The BID Street Rangers have already set to work on a deep cleanse of the land outside the Lyceum building on Bold Street and Exchange Flags, while businesses such as restaurant Olive on Castle Street and Dream Apartments on Victoria Street have been supported by the new team in recent weeks.
"For more information about Liverpool BID Company, please visit www.liverpoolbidcompany.com"
Liverpool BID Company
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Link Building
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