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This section is from the book "Wild Life In Central Africa", by Denis D. Lyell. Also available from Amazon: Wild Life in Central Africa.
The following animals described:
Sable antelope.
Hartebeest (Lichtenstein's).
Lechwe (two varieties).
Common duiker.
Sharpe's steinbuck.
Blue duiker.
Livingstone's antelope.
The following notes are the results of ten years' experiences, almost wholly spent in the wild places of Central Africa, where game is very plentiful if one goes to look for it in its natural haunts. As I have written before, some people imagine, because game is less seen in this country than it is in more open spaces in other countries, that it is very scarce. This is quite a mistaken idea, and Central Africa Nyasaland, Northern Rhodesia, and adjacent countries holds a most plentiful and varied stock of game.
In previous volumes I have already written a good deal on this subject, but I think a book on shooting would be imperfect without giving an assorted list of the principal fauna, and this is my excuse for adding this chapter to the present volume. I give information here on other subjects, such as the approximate weight of the animals, good average trophies, and two native names in different languages, all of which I trust will prove useful.
The mark ♂ is for male, and ♀ for female.
Chinyanja - Njobvu.
Chingoni - Nkhlovu.
Approximate weight, ♂ ......
Good average tusk, ♂ ... ......
Good average length, ♂ ......
This grand animal is still very plentiful in the countries I write of, although many of the largest tuskers have been thinned out within the last ten years. It is certainly unfortunate for the elephant that ivory is such a valuable substance, as otherwise his body is of little use, except in supplying an abundance of meat, which the natives are very fond of, as they believe eating it gives them strength. The best ivory comes from this country, it is known in the market as Mozambique quality, and it is seldom that ivory of bad quality is shot here.
The best tusks are called " soft " ivory, and the inferior ones " hard" ivory. The former brings up to 15s. per pound in the European markets for bull tusks, and the ivory of the cows is much more valuable, as it sometimes fetches £1 per pound.
The most remarkable features about the elephant are his enormous strength and his powers in covering long distances. He is certainly " The King of Beasts," and one stamp of his mighty foot would flatten out a lion as a man can a beetle which he treads on.
Elephants in their natural haunts cover an immense extent of country in their daily wanderings, and they are always at it, except when they may find a good feeding ground, such as a large maize garden, when they will spend perhaps two weeks hanging around. In the rainy season they do not travel so much, as water and feed are plentiful, and this is a trait unlike most animals, which scatter and disperse in the rains.
The largest bulls often wander about singly or with a comrade or two, and such friends may be quite small elephants, or they may be almost as large as himself. A fair tusker will have tusks about 4olb. each, though many grow bigger tusks.
A 70-pounder is an exceptionally good one, and I have not heard of any elephant being shot in this country with tusks over 120lb. each. In Nyasaland, where elephants are numerous in parts of Central and Northern Angoniland, the biggest I have heard of was a 95-pounder, but I have little doubt that a 100-pounder is wandering about somewhere in this country. The heaviest tusk known is one weighing 2351b., length 10ft. 4m., and 26in. in circumference.
The longest measures 1 ift. 5½in., with a circumference of 18½in.
The largest tusker known to have been shot by a white man was one killed by Major Powell Cotton in the Congo Free State, and the two tusks weighed 3721b., the larger tusk weighing 1981b., with a circumference of 25m., and 9ft. long.
That well-known elephant hunter, the late Arthur H. Neumann, never killed an elephant with bigger tusks than 120lb., although he shot many over 100lb. Selous hunted elephants in Southern Africa, where big tusks were scarce in his time, and his largest, I believe, was between 701b. and 80lb.
Sir Alfred Sharpe, who has killed more elephants in Nyasaland than anyone else, never got an 80-pounder, so such large tuskers may be considered very scarce in that country.
Certainly a pair of elephant tusks, if long and sharp pointed, are very nice trophies, and I may say the tail is a good trophy as well as the feet. The big front feet make nice receptacles for vases, etc., and the back feet, if cut long, make useful stick or umbrella stands.
The molars take a fine polish, and can be made into various articles such as paper weights. The best taxidermists make very pretty trophies out of feet and skin, though the latter is very apt to warp in changeable climates.
The most dangerous elephants to shoot are herd bulls, as the cows with calves often charge at the shot, and these young bulls are not such staid, easy-going fellows as their larger brethren, which usually prefer their own company or the companionship of one or two chosen comrades. In their old age they get morose, and probably do not wish to be troubled with family affairs. It is impossible to say how long an elephant will live, but I believe some must attain an age of over 150 years. An elephant is probably not full grown until he is close on fifty years, and his tusks probably keep on growing for a much longer time.
When a man has shot a really big elephant he has probably shot an animal that was roaming the wilds before he saw the light of day, and to see such an animal fall always reminds me of seeing some monarch of the forest sink down before the implements of man. Elephants drink daily, and they travel long distances for water in the dry season, and often do not drink twice consecutively at the same water where they are much molested. If an elephant is killed, the others will leave the locality for a time, as they seem to dislike the smell.
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Junior Member
- Joined
- Sep 23, 2015
- Location
- Rawang
- Bikes
- 1994 Honda Shadow 2013 KLE 650
Langkawi is a very popular island destination in Malaysia. Located about 55km west of Kedah, the island is made of 99 isles but only 2 are mostly populated. The introduction of two ferry operators that transport vehicles from Kuala Perlis to Tanjung Lembong jetty, Roro Langkawi and Langkawi Auto Express recently has enable visitors to drive their cars easily into the island.
With a lot of beautiful beaches surrounding the island, a ride and camp trip is a must in the riding calendar. Hence I have planned a ride and camp since December last year and invited a few riders to join. The plan only materialized early this year and Mr. Zul Mamat who joined me in two rides last year confirmed his participation.
We met at R&R Rawang on Thursday night around 8.45pm and departed towards Kuala Perlis about 15 minutes later. The weather along north south expressway that evening is lovely with only a short rainfall in Tanjung Malim and clear sky with bright full moon light all the way to Kuala Perlis.
We stopped for fuel in Sungai Perak and later in Gurun for some food and rest before arriving in Kuala Perlis around 2.00am on Friday morning. The initial plan to rest for a few hours before the sunrise in a nearby mosque is hampered when the mosque gate is shut closed. We checked in a motel in-front of the jetty to catch the ferry tomorrow morning.
The ferry counter opened around 8.30am and after a quick checked-in we are onboard the ferry towards Langkawi. The current charges for motorcycle above 500cc is RM190 for a return trip.
The Auto Express ferry is big and spacious with air-conditioned seat is available in the upper deck of the ferry.
The trip took about 2 hours as the large ferry cruise slowly in-between small islands before docking into Kuala Lembong jetty.
We arrived at Kuala Lembong pier around 2pm and our guide Mr. Joe is already waiting for us at a nearby shed.
We then take our lunch before taking a break for Friday prayers.
Around 3.30pm, we went to our first destination, Gunung Raya lookout tower to enjoy magnifiecient 360° views of Langkawi Island.
We stopped by a few spots along the way for a quick photography session.
Around 5.30pm, we began our descend and headed to our first campsite, Pantai Kok.
We also went scouting for our 2[SUP]nd[/SUP] proposed campsite, near Langkawi Geopark but as the island is experiencing a dry season, the small stream flowing down from Telaga Tujuh is too small and most of the water is not flowing.
Pantai Kok is bustling with visitors enjoying the sunset and the beach view with berthed yacht and catamaran in the marina as the background.
We picked a spot in between these crowd as there are not many options left after a half of the beach is closed for a project. I finished setting up my tent around 7pm and started to prepare for dinner.
Campsite 1: Pantai Kok 6.366759, 99.678676
Facility: Petronas Quay Pantai Kok, 1.5km away
Later that night Mr. Joe came with his wife and a friend (Mr. Firdaus) preparing barbeque of chicken, sausage, sliced meat and fish.
Morning view from Pantai Kok
Our second day on the island started very early and with a magnificent view of the marina. I started preparing breakfast and packing up the tent. We had nasi lemak and instant noodle for breakfast.
We departed from the campsite around 9.30am and headed into Kilim Geoforest Park for a boat ride.
Mr. Joe's camera from our escort car
The jetty is filled with visitors and the tour boat are lined up in the river bank.
We boarded a boat and headed to the first destination – bat cave.
The boat ride took about 2 hours.
A profesional wrestler?
Later that day, we went to Pasir Berdengung Beach through inner road to enjoy the scenery.
We met this group of bikers, whom assemble to show solidarity to their Menteri Besar
It is here that thousands of bronok (retak seribu / shell) went ashore prior to the tsunami in 2014.
We also stopped at the end of the runway in Padang Matsirat airport to catch a glimpse of landing aeroplane.
From there we went to Cenang beach for a quick photoshoot and scouting our 2[SUP]nd[/SUP] campsite. The beach is filled with visitors and it is almost impossible to camp here for the night.
Indeed, we are truly happy here : ) Only if we can camp on this beach!
We went on until we stopped at Pantai Tengah and found a spot just in-front of a resort under-construction.
There is no shade and trees available here so we went searching for some shop selling cold water and met our 2[SUP]nd[/SUP] campsite, right in the middle of the crowd.
We have to wait until 7pm before setting tents as it is too hot and the area is filled with visitors.
Campsite 2: Pantai Tengah 6.281043, 99.729848
Facility: fresh water pipe 5m (water sport counter)
I had a good chat with this lad who operate water sports from a counter behind our campsite. He was in the army before he opens the business here.
Nonetheless the view is breathtaking and sunset into Andaman Sea is simply beautiful.
I prepare our dinner quite late that night as I have only finished setting up tent around 7.45pm. Note the mosquito coils.
Mr Joe came with his wife carrying late night snacks and we chatted until midnight. This campsite is a lot noisier than our first campsite as more people came that night to enjoy the night view.
On our last morning on the island, I took morning shower in the sea and the water is warmer than the ambient temperature. I went to a nearby village to get breakfast before preparing coffee back on the campsite. We packed and leave the site around 9.30am.
We went to Kuah to get some chocolates and souvenirs for our family before having lunch at a very nice seaside eateries. (prompt Mr. Joe for this)
We boarded the ferry at Tanjung Lembung back to Kuala Perlis at 2pm after a swift check through the custom.
We went straight through north south expressway heading south. We stopped at Changloon, Juru and Tapah on the way back and it's a heavy downpour when we passed through Kuala Kangsar.
At Sg Dua toll plaza
I arrived at home around 10.30pm that Sunday night.
It is sad thinking about beaches in Langkawi Island as more and more public beaches were turned into private resorts and closed to public. In my opinion, local authorities should look seriously into this matter and promote more public areas that is clean and easily accessible. Public toilet and public area is very hard to find along the beach and this is sad considering its status.
We find it's hard to camp and having facilities nearby now and it may be impossible in the future. However this ride is a successful ride and a good hospitality & service provided by our guide Mr. Joe is a plus and I strongly recommended other riders to have this experience. Resort and chalet accommodation is plenty and available but when you opted into something rare, the reward is truly amazing.
p/s: Mr. Joe can be contacted at 01121471800 or visit his facebook page Homestay Dan Kereta Sewa Langkawi
*****Originally posted on myridinguniverse.blogspot.com*****

subset: commoncrawl


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I saw the Business Week article called "Deliver a Presentation like Steve Jobs" on Techmeme this evening.
I was prepared to read it and hate it.
There is only one person who can give presentations like Steve Jobs. And it's Steve Jobs. It's more art than science. It has to be pure and natural, not contrived.
But these tips are actually pretty good. I see lots of presentations every week. And most entrepreneurs would benefit from reading this. Give it a read.


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Every year, hundreds of local children celebrate Halloween at the White House's Halloween party but, this year, one toddler made a special impression on President Obama.
One toddler dressed as Pope Francis, complete with a pope mobile and security detail, stole the show on the South Lawn. While the president and first lady Michelle Obama were handing out candy to young party-goers, the president was impressed with the costume.
"Top prize!" the president proclaimed to the press, giving a thumbs up.
The White House shared a video of the adorable meeting on Twitter.
Of course, this wasn't the first little pope to make headlines. In September, during Pope Francis' trip to the U.S., one toddler in Philadelphia dressed in full papal regalia and earned herself a kiss and a blessing from Pope Francis himself.


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Ensembles Wear My Design Winning Dresses8:00 AM
Ensembles Wear My Design Winning Dresses are here!
ENSEMBLES proudly presents the 8 deserving ladies and gents who stood out with their creations and won the Wear My Design Contest for Spring 2014! The 8 winners get to live out their dream of being acknowledged as a designer, and their winning designs worn by ladies all over the country as part of Ensembles Spring Collection!
Starting off with Marielle Lacar with her design entitled CARLEENA, "a constructed dress inspired by the modern Filipina – exceptional, creative, confident, practical and spontaneous." SHADOWS by Clarice Joyce Tan which she fondly described as inspired by ninjas: "strong yet elegant which this dress embodies." BLACK & WHITE creation by Richard Enriquez: a "structure simple" piece yet "strong with a woman's essence on it." Michelle Marie Sacramento's CURVE that as the title implies aims to emphasize the body's natural curves and instill confidence. Jacinta Theresita Bravo's "fusion of classic cuts, modern folds and unusual color combination" fittingly called UNORTHODOX SOPHISTICATION. Danjamel Bobis' MEL: a "simple – crisp – elegant dress that can be worn at any time of the day at any event." BLOOM by Merie Sheryl Clarete which is all about a lady's blooming independence and Bernard Escalona's SUNDAY DRESS in soft color palette capturing the ease of a Sunday afternoon.
Being an innovative brand, Ensembles started this contest in 2012, inviting everyone, amateurs and professionals alike. For the second year in a row, Ensembles was excited to receive a submission of almost 100 dress prototypes from all over the country. From these, the top 8 were chosen by voting and a judging panel. All these winning spring dresses embody the Ensembles' woman: feminine yet strong and independent. The dresses range from materials using laces, stretch woven, double knits and charmeuse, all made up of carefully picked fabric to accentuate the female figure. If you opt for simple yet classy, or you just want to amp up your corporate attire into a fashion-forward piece, the Spring Collection is sure to provide what you want and what you need.
These winning creations are now part of the Spring 2014 Collection of Ensembles and are available in stores this February. So, do you think you have what it takes to become a designer? Don't box yourself and join the next Wear My Design contest this April! Who knows, it could be your creation that will be featured in our next spring collection! Watch out for the upcoming Wear My Design Contest this April!
The Ensembles Wear My Design Spring Dresses lookbook photos were paired with lovely shoes from Janilyn.
Ensembles Facebook Page
Ensembles on Twitter
Ensembles on Instagram


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To obtain the maximum life from fuel system components, routine and proper maintenance is critical. Spill containers should be inspected and cleaned monthly and prior to any fuel deliveries.
The automatic tank gauge (ATG) will provide more accurate fuel and water level readings when the floats and probe shaft are cleaned periodically. Overfill prevention valves (commonly referred to as drop tubes or flapper valves) benefit greatly by removing and testing annually to prevent corrosion from seizing the valve in the fill riser. Dispenser filters should be monitored closely and changed according to amount of fuel dispensed, condition of the fuel, and desired GPM output. Any electrical junction boxes underneath grade manholes should be accessed yearly and anti-seize thread sealant applied to prevent corrosion from seizing the cover.
Fuel system components will benefit greatly and reward the owner/operator with an extended life when a simple, smart maintenance plan has been implemented. Maintenance plans can often be performed simultaneously during compliance driven inspections so as to diminish costs and repeat trips by the service contractor.
Deteriorating and failing fuel system components will leave you exposed to possible petroleum releases into the environment and compliance violations with state or federal regulatory agencies. Increase the life of the components by implementing a maintenance plan. To request a professional opinion on your existing fuel system, and to propose a sound maintenance plan, please Contact Us.


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Barnet's Big Idea: £10,000 to be Won and Other Prizes!
Do you have an innovative business idea or are you running a business less than 2 years old? Want to showcase your idea and have the opportunity to be coached by business experts and win funding to develop your business? Register for Barnet's Big Idea - an entrepreneurial competition that promotes and develops enterprise and entrepreneurship throughout Barnet.
To register to pitch your idea you will need to be a Barnet resident with either a business idea or you can be running a businesses under 2 years old. Current and recent students at Middlesex University or Barnet and Southgate College can also register. To book your pitching slot register your place on one of the dates below:
Date: Tuesday 21st January
Time: Slots available from 14:00 to 16:30
Location: Brent Cross Shopping Centre, Prince Charles Drive NW4 3FP
Register to pitch at Brent Cross - https://bigidea_brentcross.eventbrite.co.uk
Date: Wednesday 22nd January
Time: Slots available from 12:00 to 14:00
Location: Barnet and Southgate College, Wood Street, Barnet EN5 4AZ
Register to pitch at Barnet and Southgate College - https://bigidea_barnetcollege.eventbrite.co.uk
Date: Thursday 23rd January
Time: Slots available from 11:00 to 14:00
Location: Middlesex University, The Burroughs, Hendon NW4 4BT
Register to pitch at Middlesex University - https://bigidea_middlesex.eventbrite.co.uk
Date: Friday 24th January
Time: Slots available from 12:00 to 14:00
Location: The Stay Club, 16-18 Charcot Road, Colindale NW9 5WU
Register to pitch at The Stay Club - https://bigidea_stayclub.eventbrite.co.uk
*Please note these are ticketed events and you must register a place to enter.


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Hassayampa Who? - Gildan 9.5 oz. Ultra Cotton Hoodie
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9.5 oz., 80/20 cotton/poly. Air jet yarn feels softer and is pill-resistant. 2x1 spandex ribbed cuffs. Double-lined hood. Matching drawcord. Front pouch pocket. Fully double-needle stitched. Ash and Sport Grey are 80% cotton, 20% polyester.
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The story so far
Xanadu's mission is to build quantum computers that are useful and available to people everywhere. OMERS Ventures led investments in Xanadu at both the Seed and Series A rounds.
Xanadu was founded in 2016, with a mission of using photons, or particles of light, to perform exceptionally fast and complex computations at room temperature. Quantum computing has the potential to solve problems that we've previously only dreamed of solving.
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French billionaire François Pinault has big ambitions for Paris' former stock exchange – and he's enlisted Tadao Ando to realise them.
The luxury goods tycoon has tasked the Japanese architect with transforming the storied Bourse de Commerce building into a new 32,000 sq ft gallery and exhibition space for his collection of contemporary art.
'In creating this new museum, I am writing the next chapter of my cultural project, whose goal is to share my passion for contemporary art with as broad an audience as possible,' said Pinault. He already owns Christie's auction house and two museums in Venice featuring Ando interventions.
The protected building is said to be inspired by Rome's Pantheon, and features a soaring glass dome and elaborate frescoes. Ando will insert a cylindrical three-tiered structure inside the historic rotunda to create gallery space for artworks from Pinault's 3,000-piece collection, as well as an underground auditorium.
Slated to open in early 2019, the new museum is expected to cost around €108m.
'I thought that it should be up to me and my family to make the necessary efforts, and not to ask the state for funding,' said Pinault, who has leased the building from Paris for 50 years.
Pinault – whose holding company also controls fashion brands Gucci and Saint Laurent, among others – has been trying to open a Parisian museum for decades.
Added Tadao Ando: 'This is a project that calls on the people to recall France's proud identity as a country of culture and art and to renew their hopes for the future.'
The museum will be steps away from the Louvre and the Palais Royal. It's also close to controversial 1970s shopping centre Les Halles, which was given a make-over last year with the addition of a sculptural leaf-shaped canopy.
Read next: Renoir's home reopens as a museum in France


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'Big Brother' 15: an opportunity to discuss discrimination of all formsBy Britt Julious
'Big Brother' 15: an opportunity to discuss discrimination of all formsBy Britt Julious
'Only what can be seen can be considered real. Reality is not based on what you tell me, but what I choose to see and believe and recognize. Everything else holds no place in my world. '
This mindset appears on the surface to be harmless enough, but when it comes to forms of discrimination and prejudice, the voice of the narrator is far too often considered as unbelievable as the events themselves. As a society, we have been taught to recognize homophobia or racism or sexism in as blatant of terms as possible, and ignore the smaller things.
When I was younger, I had a friend who had a difficult time understanding the microagressions I faced in my seemingly diverse school. According to TAARM (Taking Action Against Racism in the Media), microagressions are, "brief and commonplace daily verbal, behavioral, or environmental indignities, whether intentional or unintentional, that communicate hostile, derogatory, or negative racial slights and insults towards people of color. Those who inflict racial microaggressions are often unaware that they have done anything to harm another person."
"Are you sure you're not just over thinking things?" she would ask when, for example, during regulated classroom debates or discussions, my teacher would call me "aggressive," "angry," and "confrontational" whenever I disagreed with a fellow classmate.
"What else do I need to prove my point?" I would ask her. "A burning cross?"
It was not until my parents came to see him that he – a seemingly "perfect" far-left liberal – recognized that his words spoken in front of the entire class were problematic, at best, and emotionally crippling at worst.
For the first episode of WBEZ's Changing Channels podcast, I said that Big Brother was one of my most anticipated shows of the summer. Like every other summer, I looked forward to the drama, manipulations, and lies of the Big Brother house guests. Hurtful comments are a given on a show in which contestants compete in challenges in order to eat good food, control what happens in the house, and avoid losing out on a $500,000 grand prize.
I have been a secret fan of the reality competition since it began and regularly troll online forums like Jokersupdates.com or ONTDBB for the latest information about the house guests. Season 15 began in late June and features a standard cast (beautiful, young, athletic, slightly diverse). What has not been "standard," however, is the abundance of racist, homophobic, ableist, and sexist comments uttered by the house guests (seen above). In seasons past, such low level attacks were rarely seen (at least on the CBS broadcast) and if they occurred, they were usually only said by one or two house guests at most.
This season has included offensive comments from numerous house guests, like Aaryn who said, when Helen, a Korean-American contestant was crying, that she should "shut up, go make some rice." Or Spencer, who has referred to Andy, a gay contestant (and local Chicagoan) as a f— and women in the house as c---s. Additional comments from four other contestants (Ginamarie, Jeremy, Kaitlin, and Amanda) have sullied the mood of the house.
The comments have sparked outrage among the public. A petition to remove the most problematic house guest was created and both Aaryn and Ginamarie have been fired or dropped from their jobs outside of the house.
But similar to the Paula Deen fiasco, the public outrage reflects the ways in which we dissect offensive behavior: go big or go home.
We obviously should be talking about the problems with such statements. Although the term microagression is typically applied toward racially or ethnically-charged incidents, the act in itself can be applied to other marginalized populations. It's disappointing to think that a greater public outcry does not occur when smaller acts of racism or homophobia or sexism or ableism occur on television.
This diminishes the impact of incidences such as microaggressions. It pretends that racism or sexism or homophobia or ableism only exist when they play into our mainstream ideas of what racism or sexism or homophobia actually are. There is no racism unless the n-word is dropped. There is no sexism unless it is in the law to discriminate based on gender. There is no homophobia unless it is coupled with violence. Essentially, there is no discrimination until those outside of the marginalized group "recognize" it as so.
The Big Brother controversy provides an ample opportunity for more media outlets to not only report on the nastiness and the the outrage, but to also spark further discussion on how these statements are not just "flukes" of the house.
In a recent interview, newly evicted house guest Jeremy claimed that, "I'm not racist, sexist, or homophobic" despite the fact that he regularly called the women in the house "bitches." If the house guests can't even recognize it when they do it, how can we expect people in other situations to recognize it when they witness it?
In the media, we can't just say, "this is bad." We must also say, "this is an example of the way some people think," and ask, "What can we do to help end this?"
In order to better eradicate racism, homophobia, ableism, and sexism, we must actively recognize all forms of them, from the brief and commonplace forms of "hostile, derogatory, or negative slights and insults," to the aggressive and confrontational interactions we read as offensive. And more importantly, we must also listen to and trust those who report when such aggressions – of all shapes and sizes – occur. Willful ignorance is no longer acceptable. In truth, it has never been okay.
Britt Julious writes about culture in and outside of Chicago. Follow Britt's essays for WBEZ's Tumblr or on Twitter @britticisms.


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Your audition is scheduled, your video is in progress, your music is polished, and now you're wondering:
How do I ace this audition?
My scholarship audition was a mistake.
I delayed the audition, because I didn't think I was ready. Turns out I was just scared. When I finally did audition, I was nervous as all get out. Sure, I had played solos, and had private lessons, and been in a number of ensembles. But these guys were professionals! I had read their bios, met their students, and heard their ensembles–it's why I wanted to go to their school.
Plowing ahead, I performed anyway, and they asked me to do a few things that seemed normal, and a few things that seemed strange. I was shaking through most of the audition, especially when I blew a measure in the Goldenberg snare drum etude I was playing-it was tough getting over that!
At the end, they told me I'd done well, and wished that I had auditioned earlier. When I asked why, they said, "Most of the money has been given away already–we'll have to see what we can do." I was flabbergasted–I'd never even thought that they could run out of scholarships!
I did end up with a scholarship, and a nice one, too. But I can still remember that audition, and the experience leaves me with much sympathy for hopeful young musicians.
You see, now I'm on the other side of the table.
I'm the one asking students to do strange, and yet normal demonstrations of musical knowledge and skill.
So how DO you ace a Scholarship Audition?
Learn what the professors that are sitting on your audition are looking for. This is most easily accomplished by asking them directly, either face to face, or through email. Websites are wonderful, and many list requirements…and many are also out of date, or are very vague. Direct contact is best. I ask students to perform at least one lyrical, and one technical piece. As I'm the Department Chair at MSJ, I tend to sit a wide range of auditions, but I do get more specific for percussionists, asking for snare drum, mallets, timpani, and drum set. I also let students of all instruments know that they should expect to be asked to demonstrate scales, arpeggios, and perhaps some sight reading.
Generally, I tailor these expectations to the students' ability level, which becomes obvious with the demonstration of any of the above items. In other words, I want to see what the student believes is their best work. It honestly doesn't bother me at all to hear a student make a nerves mistake at an audition. It DOES bother me to hear a student attempt to play a piece way above their ability level. In that case, some gentle questioning usually reveals a lack of private lessons, or a private lesson teacher that is…opinionated.
The next item I look for is their base level skill, and how deep it is. For instance, I'm not impressed by someone who can play the newest, most difficult, modern piece, but can't play their major scales. That shows a lack of respect for what the basics can teach, or is a telling commentary on whether this student has a teacher, or can be bothered to watch 5 minutes of YouTube videos. Seriously, learn your scales, and in all keys, please. Believe me, scales can teach A LOT. So I'll ask for scales, rudiments, etc. If you think you can hack your way through the latest hybrid rudiment, but can't play a decent long roll, open AND closed (multiple bounce for those picky people), then I'm not so impressed with your book reports into blue cheese paradiddles.
I'm all for new rudiments, but again, learn the basics first. That's why they're THE BASICS!
Whatever your instrument, learn to sight read. Just do it everyday, and you'll get better. There's a lot of strategies to improve your sight reading, but long story short, the more you do it, the better you get. If you're struggling to read diatonic scale patterns with basic rhythms, don't try sight reading Flight of the Bumblebee. That won't help. Start by reading things you succeed at, and then increase the difficulty. Beyond Auditions, the better you read a piece at first sight, the faster you get to a performance ready level.
Almost all college professors will let a prospective take a lesson with them before their actual audition. Your future lesson teacher is most likely watching the scholarship auditions, and when the time comes to dole out dollars, their opinion will carry a lot of weight. Making sure you hit the points that professor is looking for could be crucial to your success. Taking a lesson could also save you from a wasted audition–in other words, your lesson could tell you that you aren't a good fit for this school, because you can already tell that you and the professor are NOT going to be sharing the same goals for your musical journey. Best to figure that out before you commit to 4 years at an institution.
Ever heard of Murphy's Law? It states that what can go wrong, will. It's pretty simple. Traffic will be terrible on your audition day…but only if you're running late. You'll forget to bring a crucial item, but only because you didn't get out of bed early enough to leave on time. Perhaps you'll arrive, only to find that none of the equipment is in the audition room, whether that's a piano, a music stand, timpani, etc, and you have to take time out of your warm up, just to make sure that you're able to play at your assigned time. I've seen it all, and trust me, if you're even anywhere close to being late, most of them will tend to happen. Those who arrive early are ready to fend off Murphy, and play their audition free from his insidious influence.
Some of us college people are still old school–I have colleagues that wear a suit and tie everyday. Some of us are not that formal, but the music world is strange in this regard–whatever you're playing at your audition, you should have that level of dress. For instance, if you're playing Bach, I expect you to look a certain way. If you're playing Rush, I expect you to look different than if you're playing Bach.
Frankly, cognitive dissonance is a thing, and it can negatively affect the perceptions you create in the audition committee. Don't wear ratty jeans and a t-shirt if your audition entails high level orchestral excerpts in a recital hall. On the same note, don't wear a tux if your audition consists of you performing with your heavy metal garage band at a local club. Music programs vary widely, and expectations can as well–dress to expectations, and you'll do better.
Finally, this is good life advice. If you're hard to deal with in your audition, or particularly needy, or outright rude, the committee has to get past that. If you're polite, prepared, and ready to be challenged by the committee, you're more likely to do well, and receive a scholarship.
Here's why–that rude person? The committee conversation would be like this, "That person was a great player, but I just couldn't believe they were so rude! Can we justify giving them a scholarship? How will they represent our school?" On the other hand, imagine the conversation around someone that is polite, "That person was a great player, and so polite! They were prepared, and when we threw them a curve-ball, they rolled with it! Scholarship for sure!"
If you enjoyed this, have a tip to add, or disagree, please leave me a comment!


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Thompson & Morgan Retail Seeds
From humble beginnings in a small garden behind a baker's shop, we were founded by William Thompson who was later joined by John Morgan. Since our first catalogue, published in 1855, our continuous hard efforts and dedicated staff to drive our business, has lead us to become the leading company in the market, selling to garden centre retailers across the UK and Europe.
About Us
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Trading for an unbroken line of 160 years we have become one of the country's greatest seed firms with a reputation for introducing more species and varieties to the British gardening public than any other seed company.
We are now recognised world-wide for our innovation and quality, and are one of the world's leading packet seed suppliers, becoming the only UK packet seed company to breed and develop its own varieties. To ensure only the best seed with the highest germination rate makes it to market; we put all our seeds through vigorous testing twice a year.
We are incredibly committed to growing your business offering a range of extensive A-Z seed varieties along with speciality ranges designed to cater for individual markets.
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If you are interested in being a stockist of T&M seed or experience any issue with downloading our brochures above, please contact email@example.com


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THE NEUROENDOCRINE Tumor Research Foundation (NETRF) has awarded six new research grants, totaling about $1.85 million, to leading academic institutions around the world. The grants fund clinical, translational, and basic research in the United States, Australia, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.
The NETRF grant process is a competitive and structured peer-review process, which starts with an annual global call for letters of intent. All responses are reviewed by NETRF's Board of Scientific Advisors and external reviewers, with final approval made by the Board of Directors.
2018 Accelerator Grant Award
AN INTEGRATED preclinical and clinical evaluation of DNA-repair mechanisms in determining response to peptide receptor radionuclide therapy as a guide to patient selection and for development of novel combination therapies will be led by Rodney Hicks, MD, of the University of Melbourne, Australia. Over the course of 4 years, Dr. Hicks and colleagues will evaluate the impact of peptide receptor radionuclide therapy on tumor cells' ability to recognize and repair radiation damage.
2018 Petersen Investigator Grant Award
IN A 2-YEAR Petersen Project study, Roger Schibli, PhD, of the Paul Scherrer Institut, Zurich, Switzerland, will investigate simultaneous auger-electron– and β–particle therapy of metastasized neuroendocrine tumors using 161Tb-DOTATOC.
2018 Pilot Project Grant Awards
JENNIFER CHAN, MD, MPH, of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, will investigate biomarkers of response to cabozantinib (Cabometyx) in patients with neuroendocrine tumors. This 1-year pilot project will evaluate cabozantinib and its potential role in treating neuroendocrine tumors.
Exploring the role of epigenetic dysregulation in the progression of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors will be Sita Kugel, PhD, of the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle. Over the course of 1 year, investigators will study the SIRT6 protein and its role in metastasis in pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors.
Raj Srirajaskanthan, PhD, of Kings College London, United Kingdom, will study the development of ex vivo models of metastatic neuroendocrine tumors utilizing precision cut slice technology.
Charlotte Kuperwasser, PhD, of Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, and colleagues will study the models of neuroendocrine tumors using three-dimensional hydrogels to study the formation and progression of neuroendocrine tumors. ■


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Staticworx has introduced precision-milled Ameriworx Rox as the next generation of solid vinyl flooring, according to the company. Functionally, Ameriworx Rox is identical to Staticworx's Ameriworx line, which boasts a gap-free installation in addition to its anti-static properties. The new line features splashes of color and multi-pigmented, conductive granules that resemble rocks to create a […]
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Homeowners today are investing in their lifestyles with thoughtful home additions. Additions to the house can consist of that new master bedroom/bath, kitchen and family room expansions, guest room, den, office, or second story addition you've been imagining to boost your home's potential value and livability. Studies show that the rate of return on a family room addition is 83 percent.
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ED on a Club railfan trip to Brooklyn on New Year's Day 2004
Ed's Obituary from the Asbury Park Press
Edward Anthony McHugh, died peacefully on Friday, Sept. 28, 2012, at home with his loving wife, Anne of 48 years by his side. He was born in Brooklyn, NY on March 6, 1940, the eldest son to the late Anthony and Marie McHugh. He later moved to Aberdeen, NJ where he and Anne raised their four daughters.
Edward had a love of music, cooking, gardening and model trains. He was a member of the Garden State Central Model Railroad Club. He will be remembered by many as the nice man with the beautiful gardens. Along with his other interests he enjoyed his family, especially his 10 grandchildren, Bryce, Jennifer, Gavin, Connor, Spenser, Deaglan, Kate, Olivia, Craig and Tommy. For years, his backyard has been known as Camp-Run-A-Muk by his many nieces and nephews.
He is survived by his wife, Anne (Maguire) McHugh; his daughters, Maryrose and Tony Cutrino of Haddonfield, Katrina and John McPherson of Baltimore, MD, Anne and Young Nam of Denver, CO, and Tara and Joseph Cassidy of Little Silver.
A Memorial Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 6, 2012 at St. Benedict R.C. Church, 165 Bethany Road, Holmdel, NJ 07733. In lieu of sending flowers, the family would appreciate a donation in memory of Edward McHugh to the VNA Hospice. The love and care the hospice team showed the McHugh family will never be forgotten. VNA Health Group Hospice, Attn: Foundation Office, 176 Riverside Ave., Red Bank, NJ 07701.
Published in Asbury Park Press on October 3, 2012


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Eye For Film >> Movies >> Australia (2008) Film Review
Reviewed by: James Benefield
Many people have spotted similarities between Baz Lurhman's new movie and Michael Bay's Pearl Harbour. Although, on the whole, they're pretty glib comparisons, elements shared between the two do provide an interesting introduction to looking at, and understanding, Baz's latest project. Both feature glossy revisionist histories (I struggle to use the word 'interpretations') of major events in and around World War Two, interspersed with fictional characters, who all brandish cornflour white teeth and expensively exfoliated skin.
At their best, both fail to grasp the role of their non-Westernised 'other' characters; at their worst each is condescending and mildly xenophobic of them. The films are also kind of neo-epics; large scale imaginings of war and conflict akin to epic flicks of the 1930s and 40s, suffused with 21st century technique and attitudes.
The film focuses on Lady Sarah Ashley (Nicole Kidman) and her coming to terms with an inheritance; she arrives in Australia to find she's lost her husband, and gained his cattle estate. She befriends a freelance cattle rancher, Drover (Hugh Jackman) to help the upkeep of the estate, but they soon discover something is awry. A rival businessman is trying to at best take over, at worst steal, the ranch and its cattle. Hugh and Nicole decide to up sticks to Darwin to try to get their cattle first on the boat, in order to save their hides. On the trek, Lady Ashley grows closer to an aborigine boy left at the ranch, and, also, closer to Drover.
Aside from the plot's main thrust, the major difference between Pearl Harbour and Australia is that Australia is not shit. Luhrman is a filmmaker who has a history of throwing his entire box of tricks at the audience, regardless of whether or not these are appropriate. His work has an internal logic and spirit like nobody else's. He wants you to react to his world, engage with it, be seduced by everything he shows you. He's the celluloid equivalent of an infatuated art student (he probably was one), who sends his object of desire a heady selection of mix tapes, roses (both the flower and the confectionary kind) and self-penned poetry, whilst maintaining his distance as he doesn't quite yet have the emotional maturity, and sense, to take that next step.
Pearl Harbour was pompous, overlong, arrogant and in love with its own meticulously conceived set pieces of destruction. Australia is possibly, and probably, guilty of some, if not all, of these things. However, it undercuts its cinematic insecurities with heart, soul and imagination. Its irritating use of Somewhere Over The Rainbow is trite, but sweet. Its attempt to engage with the aboriginal cultures of Australia is highly patronising, not to mention exhausting in its persistence, but it's noble and sincere in its intention. The melding of the off-kilter whimsy of Moulin Rouge! and the grandiosity of Gone With The Wind is original, although ultimately jarring.
Sure, Australia is terrible. But it's never boring. Underneath all the bombast, the worthy but misguided flirtations with aboriginal culture and the cloying saccharine, it's bold, gutsy movie making from a director who has heart, good intentions and, above all, something new to show his audience. Rumours have it that if you say Baz Lurhman's name three times in front of the bathroom mirror, he will come and cut through certain members of the Hollywood A-list from gut to gullet. Or perhaps that was a dream I had.Reviewed on: 01 Feb 2009
If you like this, try:The African Queen
Pearl Harbor
Rabbit-Proof Fence


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Pom Pom Operas Cigars are small machine-made cigars produced by Swisher International Inc. Multiple flavor varieties including grape, sweet, strawberry and peach are infused into the fillers and are secured in natural homogenized binders. Because of their tapering shape, the cigar ensures a smooth draw because the smoke is funneled through. These bold cigars are bold and rich in flavor.
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When The Sun released photos of Taylor Swift and Tom Hiddleston kissing (or "snogging"), the question on everyone's mind was, Was this staged? (Also, Tom Hiddleston? Really?) To get a better understanding of how the shady world of pap setups work, Cosmopolitan.com spoke to New York City paparazzo and creator of Stupid Famous People, Justin Steffman:
Do you think the Taylor and Tom pics are staged? Why or why not?
Taylor Swift is a celebrity that won't walk outside without perfect makeup and great fashion, and she smiles at every paparazzi to make sure they all get beautiful pictures. There is an unspoken deal between Swift and paparazzi, and her bodyguards make it clear. If we act professionally and listen to their instructions, then she will give it up and everyone gets what they want. We get nice pictures, and she looks great in the magazines. She takes an entirely different approach to paparazzi than most celebrities do. It's all about business for her. Every time she steps outside is a new opportunity for her to look good in the magazines. Certain celebrities, like Taylor, not only accept that paparazzi are a part of the business, but they actually go out of their way to use us as a tool for publicity.\
My first instinct when seeing the pictures of Taylor and Tom is that they are definitely staged. But I'm friends with the paparazzo who is credited with those images and he is one of the best in the business when it comes to capturing sneaky pictures. Taylor loves to have control, and I'm sure she absolutely hates that someone was able to catch her sharing an intimate moment with her new love interest. But like I said … if it's a huge news story, you always have to wonder, don't you?
Why would a celebrity ever set up and stage photos?
The biggest reason is money. But they also release photos because they want to have control of their own image.
Many setup photos include a paid product endorsement, where a photo agency works as a middleman between a celebrity and a company who has a product to sell. It could be the latest cell phone that was just released, or a food or beauty product, or something as simple as them being seen shopping at a certain retail outlet. Certain photo agencies specialize in these types of fake paparazzi photos. They usually try to make the photos look natural and candid, but in reality, the celebrity and the photographer are working together. It's a paid photo shoot and the celebrity gets a big check. The readers of tabloid magazines and blogs have no idea!
Control is another big reason for staging photos. There are certain celebs who hate being photographed by paparazzi and they will do anything to avoid it. When your image is such an important part of your career, the last thing they want is to be photographed looking badly. Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds are a good example of a celebrity couple who hates paparazzi, but you will see nice photos of them released on a regular basis. Those photos are totally set up. When they see paparazzi in real life, they put their heads down and hide their faces — unless they are promoting something.
Another example is when there is high demand for a certain photo. When Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin's daughter Apple was first born, they worked directly with an infamous paparazzi photographer in New York. Together, they staged the first baby photos and made them look like candid pictures, then they sold the shots to a major magazine. The pictures were rumored to sell for upward of a million dollars. The paparazzi got a cut, and they took the rest.
Kim Kardashian is the biggest example of a celebrity who releases fake paparazzi photos. Kim has a personal paparazzi who she texts regularly. This man flies around the world, going wherever she asks him to be, and they work together to produce the latest fake paparazzi pictures of her. She reviews every image before they start selling them to magazines. If they shoot on a beach, these images are heavily Photoshopped and she chooses her favorites to sell.
How frequently does this happen?
Very often. I can't remember the last time I flipped through a tabloid or browsed a gossip blog without seeing setup shops in the mix.
How much would a staged pic like the Taylor "first official BF/GF pics" get?
Enough to put a down payment on a very nice house. Most paparazzi have heard rumours that the first shots of Taylor Swift and Jake Gyllenhaal looking cozy together on a sidewalk in Brooklyn were staged. They were shot with a long lens from a great distance, and the photographer had to put time into the job. But many people believe that his tip came from inside Taylor's own camp.
Have you ever staged pics? Explain?
The most interesting celebrity I've ever worked with directly to do staged pictures was Amanda Bynes during her very public mental breakdown. She asked me to meet her at an IHOP restaurant in Harlem, of all places, and the first staged shots with her happened on the sidewalk outside. She talked a lot about how the magazines always published photos of her looking ugly and how she wanted to look beautiful. After the shoot, she deleted all of the pictures she disliked and I sent the other ones out to the magazines. A few days later, she was having a small party and wanted to do another staged shoot. Those images ended up on the cover of a tabloid as well, but it backfired when they ran them alongside a very negative (although honest) story about her unhealthy lifestyle at the time.
What are telltale signs of a staged shot?
Most of the staged shots look silly and are very obvious to a trained eye. If it's a huge news story, you always have to wonder, don't you?
From: Harper's BAZAAR US
- Celebrities
- Life
- Taylor Swift


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With less than stellar success of immediate intra-arterial therapy for acute stroke, Cloft1 mentions the need for "penumbra imaging" or advanced imaging to aid in management decisions. CT and MR approaches to such imaging are still not used by many interventionalists. There is more than just a side interest for acute stroke imaging protocols to be performed before such urgent management decisions. The goal of acute stroke therapy is the treatment of patients with ischemic brain to minimize infarct progression while not intervening when infarction is already complete.
For decades, imaging was performed to exclude other causes of stroke, parenchymal hematoma, mass, subdural hematoma, and seizure foci. Present day management decisions need imaging protocols with the following features: 1) demonstration of the intracranial arteries, extent of ischemia, and extent of completed infarction; 2) ability to be carried out promptly, conveniently, consistently, and accurately; and 3) immediate availability, facilitating management decisions for treatment (whether intra-arterial or intra-venous treatment).
Simple reliance on a NCCT and NIHSS threshold to inform clinicians of the presence and possible proximal location of a thrombus is not dependable for distinguishing ischemia from completed infarction. Although a higher NIHSS score may be seen with more proximal occlusions, a recent study of 699 patients demonstrated that 55% of patients with significant occlusions had an NIHSS score of ≤10,2 with a sensitivity for detection of a proximal occlusion in only 48% by using an NIHSS cutoff of ≥10.3 Similarly, high NIHSS scores can be seen without vessel occlusions in ≤30% of patients.4
Cloft1 states that penumbra imaging is still at the research stage without a consensus of approach. Consensus is not always the proper judge of research evidence. The value of CTP and CTA in conjunction with acute stroke imaging is widely reported.1,5⇓⇓⇓⇓⇓⇓⇓⇓⇓–15 Informative structural and physiologic data can be obtained quickly for acute stroke presentations. Rapid acquisition is needed to meet the "Time is Brain" rally cry of acute stroke treatment.
We propose that acute CT protocols currently have a practical advantage over MR imaging protocols. Despite the uncontested sensitivity of DWI for core representation, primary MR imaging–based acute stroke protocols are rarely performed in tertiary institutions. Magnetic safety precautions, longer scanning duration, and concerns for managing potentially restless or unstable patients within the confined magnet environment limit MR imaging as a technique in the acute stroke setting. Time is expended on stringent safety checks, impractical for unaccompanied dysphasic patients, ironically necessitating CT head screening for orbit evaluation and a CT body scout for implant exclusion before MR imaging. These considerations and limited access to acute MR imaging in many centers render MR imaging impractical to direct immediate stroke management. Even expert sites in advanced MR stroke imaging begin with NCCT and commonly commence IV-rtPa on the basis of clinical presentation and NCCT alone before MR imaging. A protocol delaying thrombolysis after baseline NCCT pending DWI volume estimation amounts to a delay in time to treatment and undervalues the role of CT perfusion in infarct core estimation.
Acute CT stroke protocols (for our team, noncontrast CT, CTA arch to vertex, CTP, and postcontrast CT [PCCT]) need 2 minutes of scanning, little more than the time for noncontrast CT alone. The technical success of acute CT protocols requires organizing CT technologists to do efficient CTA and CTP postprocessing. Our team has >20 trained CT technologists able to perform and process acute stroke protocols 24/7 with standard CTA reformats as quick maximum-intensity-projection multiplanar reformations and CTP maps. Emerging data support CTP use to identify infarct core and at-risk ischemic tissue. Several challenges remain, including the optimal processing technique and determination of thresholds that best predict radiologic and clinical outcome. Yet, there is a convergence of data showing that both CBF and CBV thresholds demonstrate high correlation with DWI core,16⇓–18 while CBF, time-to-maximum (T-max), and mean-transit-time thresholds correlate with penumbral tissue.16,19
A number of core surrogates facilitate interpretation of perfusion maps, including early ischemic changes on NCCT and hypoattenuation on PCCT. Ischemia is shown with CBF and CTA source images on modern CT scanners when CTA is performed first.9 Irrespective of precise tissue-specific thresholds, a large mismatch identifies candidates ideal for revascularization.20,21 Consideration of multiple available CT sequences increases confidence for correct stroke diagnosis among inexperienced readers22 and may facilitate identification of stroke mimics.23 The renal safety of iodinated contrast and radiation dose concerns are addressed in acute stroke CT.24⇓⇓⇓⇓⇓⇓–31 Last, CT-based protocols have cumulative data to widely apply to strokes, safely and cost-effectively.32,33
Neurointerventionalists are strongly motivated to treat occluded vessels, spurred on by case successes, despite lack of notable overall statistical success, as reviewed by Cloft.1 State-of-the-art full stroke imaging seems key for high-level interventional techniques to more appropriately select candidates likely to improve with revascularization. Practical issues relating to expertise in image acquisition and postprocessing potentially may limit wide use for vascular and physiologic imaging. Incomplete imaging of patients with stroke can result in an inability to determine suitable candidates for intravenous thrombolytic or interventional treatments. Improved patient selection could optimize time-consuming, staff-intense, and expensive interventional neuroradiology normalized ratio procedures. This change would allow improved allocation of these services and avoid futile procedures that expose patients only to risk, without chance for benefit.
- © 2012 by American Journal of Neuroradiology


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Update: Cthulhu: Death May Die has launched on Kickstarter.
Original Story: Cool Mini Or Not and Guillotine Games have announced Cthulhu: Death May Die by two of contemporary board gaming's most popular, prolific designers: Eric M. Lang and Rob Daviau. In Cthulhu: Death May Die players will attempt not to stop an alien god of Lovecraft's mythos from entering our reality, but summon it accidentally or on purpose in order to, in CMON's own words, "shoot it in the face."
Daviau is known as the principal pioneer of the Legacy game, the popular genre of board games that permanently change as you play them. Lang, an improbably prolific and successful designer, is responsible for more games than is easy to list—suffice to say he designed at least one of the newest hotnesses in board games each year for the last five years.
Cthulhu: Death May Die will be a series of standalone episodes. Each episode will have a two-act structure focusing on the moments before the monster is summoned, then transitioning into a focus on killing the Great Old One. The twist is that no players can die in the first act without a loss, but any number can fall in combat with the alien god—as long as it dies. Few other gameplay details are available right now, but it has miniatures and dice-based resolution mechanics. Mitigating dice rolls and bad outcomes by playing around each character's insanity is cited as a major mechanic.
Eric M. Lang is known for such games as Blood Rage, Chaos in the Old World, XCOM: The Board Game, Quarriors!, and Bloodborne: The Card Game, as well as this year's new hotness: Rising Sun. He's famous for making asymmetrically balanced, relatively approachable designs that make heavy use of miniatures.
Daviau is best known for legacy games like Risk: Legacy, SeaFall, Pandemic Legacy, and the upcoming Betrayal Legacy, as well as miniatures game Heroscape. Daviau is also part of classic games revival company Restoration Games, whose Fireball Island Kickstarter topped $2.8 million.
Cthulhu: Death May Die will be funded in a Kickstarter to be launched "soon." Given the production times involved with miniatures-heavy board games, it's almost certainly a mid to late 2019 release.


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The Pullman London St Pancras hotel is ideally located just a few minutes` walk from three major City railway stations: King`s Cross, Euston and St Pancras International. Guests arriving on business will find this the perfect destination, with 17 contemporary meeting rooms capable of holding conferences and functions. The hotel is one of the city`s premier upscale destinations, with a host of luxury amenities and offerings such as tranquil rain showers and more.Its prime location means that guests can easily navigate the city and unwind in many of London`s popular tourist attractions, including Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament and the world-famous British Museum. The redevelopment of King`s Cross station makes commuting far easier for guests. Whether you`re in the city for business or pleasure, enjoy the best of both world`s with a stay at this flagship Pullman hotel.TravellingThe hotel is located 5 minutes walking distance from King's Cross, Euston and St Pancras International stations.NCP car parks nearbyWining and DiningMirrors Restaurant & Bar
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With the growing amount of data and increasing complexity in litigation, law firms are changing the way they handle e-discovery. Many are building or expanding e-discovery practices within their firms, with this shift often driven by members of the litigation support team. After all, these are the people who see the day-to-day challenges.
These litigation support pros have the e-discovery knowledge to find and implement a solution, but many hit a wall when determining where to start, deciding what information to collect for a proposal, or attempting to get the firm's partners on board.
To build a thriving e-discovery arm, you'll need a plan tailored to your firm's needs and goals. To help you get started, we've compiled seven tips to prepare for your meeting with the partners.
1. Know Your Current Landscape
Before you start drafting your plan and campaigning around the firm, the first step is to analyze the current state of your organization.
"You need to do an assessment of what types of cases you get, what's the typical volume and data structures, who are your clientele within the firm," says David Hasman, e-discovery manager at Bricker & Eckler. "A deep analysis of your current architecture is going to drive the rest of your project by helping you identify holes and opportunities for improvement."
To get a complete view, gather information about where you've spent your time and money over the last year or two.
2. Understand Your Goal (And Align It to Your Firm's)
No matter how thorough your pitch is, if it doesn't align with your firm's goals and vision, it's not happening.
A good place to start is considering whether you want the e-discovery practice to recover costs or become a profit center. Your firm most likely already makes significant investments in e-discovery support, but your ultimate ROI goal will have a huge impact on the approach you take.
3. Create a Plan
After you've outlined your current landscape and thought through your vision and goals, you can start creating a strategic plan. David recommends a whiteboard exercise to identify where your practice is and start thinking about where you want to go.
"I used a whiteboard to map out the department's current landscape—block by block—in one color. In a second color, I drew blocks signifying what I wanted to add to the practice. In a third color, I added blocks explaining where I wanted the department to be in two years. Then I did the same for three to five years down the line," explains Hasman. "This is how I started the strategic plan for the department."
Once you have an outline of your strategic plan, it's time to start thinking about technology, licensing options, and infrastructure. You'll also need to think about whether you want to host the software on-premises, in the cloud, or a combination of both.
While you might not be ready to make these decisions yet, it's helpful to consider how each option would fit your firm's structure and needs.
4. Crunch the Numbers
Now that you have an idea of what technology, infrastructure, and billing approach you want to propose, you can start to dive into the numbers to forecast your expenses and ROI. Examine your costs for operations, employees, and technology as well as how you'll bill for e-discovery services and support to estimate the practice's ROI for the next three to five years.
Depending how your firm currently bills for litigation support, it can be difficult to revise your model to incorporate e-discovery services and recover new associated costs. One tip is to use a billing tool to automate the process.
5. Have a Safety Net
When you build out an e-discovery practice within your law firm, it doesn't mean you're on your own. Do some research to determine how solution providers can support your team when it comes to particularly large and challenging cases or in areas where your firm doesn't want to invest in an in-house team.
It can also help to know what third-party developers are available to build tools to solve specific or unique problems. As e-discovery changes and new data types arise, developers are busy innovating and creating new ways to efficiently tackle emerging challenges.
6. Paint the Big Picture
Litigation is the main function of your e-discovery practice, but it's important to show how your solution can address other pain points. If you can improve technology and process throughout the firm and include other practice areas into your strategy, it will add to the value of your plan.
"Once you know your current landscape, you can see which practice groups aren't using your team. We noticed some groups that don't have e-discovery or traditional document review needs, but they do need to analyze unstructured data sources. We've built a lot of custom applications within Relativity to help these groups," says Hasman.
For example, one of Bricker & Eckler's clients—a national energy provider—was developing a multi-billion-dollar interstate pipeline. Hasman's team built an application on top of Relativity that allowed them to track the progress of land acquisition and integrate the platform with a geographical information system (GIS) mapping feature.
"Layering various applications, our team created a streamlined information exchange platform that automated document collection, tracked the status of lawsuits in real time, and integrated an innovative GIS mapping feature. It even established the ability to file a lawsuit with the click of a button," explains Hasman.
7. Find Champion Partner and Executive Sponsors
Even with determination and knowledge, your efforts will be more effective if you have colleagues backing you up.
A partner who supports your plan can help socialize it throughout the firm and act as a sounding board to dissect your ideas and prepare you for objections and questions. It's also beneficial to have a senior IT leader in your corner. Not only do they have the tech authority, but they have the knowledge to fill any IT or security holes in your proposal.
With big visions for your firm's e-discovery practice, it's tempting to jump ahead to the solution without investigating your options and planning how you'll get there. Your ideas will go a lot further with research and metrics to back them up.
Keely McKee, content marketing specialist at Relativity, contributed to this post.


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Have you heard about šakotis? More than a dessert. A special souvenir, thousands of which travel from Lithuania to foreign countries every year. During holidays, this huge cake covered with branches always graces our tables. Even people holding modern celebrations always end the evening with this delicious treat made according a recipe that monks developed in the 15th century. Seeing how it is made is also worthwhile, and there are bakers in Lithuanian villages who are happy to show you the complicated process.
N. Paluckas


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Dwight D. Eisenhower Bobblehead
- Collectors box included
- Stands 8 inches tall
Product Description
Dwight David Eisenhower, better known as Ike to Americans during the 1950's, was a five-star general in the U.S. Army, served as Supreme Commander of the Allied forces in Europe during World War II, and was the 34th President of the United States from 1953 until 1961. As President he increased resistance to the Soviet Union during the Cold War, launched the Space Race, expanded the Social Security program and initiated construction of the U.S. Interstate Highway System. President Eisenhower's favorite recreational pastime was golf and the media seemed to always be publishing pictures of Ike enjoying himself on the golf course. The U.S. Air Force Academy has a 36-hole facility featuring the Blue and Silver courses at their Eisenhower Golf Club.
The Dwight D. Eisenhower bobblehead is a valuable collector's item because it is no longer being made. These bobbleheads were made from Polyresin, a high quality, synthetic polymeric plastic material that can be intricately molded with consistent textures and is compatible with a wide variety of different paint and metallic finishes. Your Dwight D. Eisenhower bobblehead gift will be packed and shipped in a durable cardboard box with molded Styrofoam protection.


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Theatre in care homes
Being involved in a theatrical production or watching one being performed allows people to express and explore what it means to be human. Putting on a theatre in a care home creates an exciting focus.
Doing it yourself Open
Participation from individuals may vary vastly, from watching the activity to full participation, and will provide a feeling of wellbeing. It is important to have discovered what genre of drama interests the individual in order to involve them. For example, it may not work to put on a pantomime for individuals who enjoy Shakespeare.
You don't have to be a director, writer or actor to benefit from the creative participation in theatre and storytelling. It should be an active, experiential approach that facilitates the individual's ability to tell their story, solve problems, set goals, express feelings appropriately, improve interpersonal skills and relationships.
Drama/theatre maximises the individual's cognitive and communication skills; fosters creativity and individuality; encourages physical activity; builds community; and strengthens self-esteem. You may use dolls, puppets, hats, scarves, photos, copies of artwork, or sensory devices to evoke memories or encourage individuals to use their imagination to create and enact stories. Through use of sound and movement, drama can provide a means of communication and connection for people who have lost capacity for speech or clear verbal communication.
The following suggestions can be adapted to suit the needs of all individuals, regardless of their physical or mental health and wellbeing. A risk assessment should always be completed.
Practical tips:
Deliver drama sessions in a creative, imaginative and enthusiastic manner
- Encourage staff, volunteers and family members to join in
- Create a performance feel using a range of props and various stories
- Opportunity to dress to suit the occasion
- Have appropriate accompanying music playing to create atmosphere
Provide advance notice to participants so that a potentially new experience is offered in a non-threatening way
- Consider naming the group imaginatively
Structure the time of the session appropriately
- Forty-five minutes is regarded as a good length of time for participants to feel that they have been active without becoming over-tired
Remove distractions that can break up the flow of the session
- Participants may have a regular routine and may become anxious if tea-breaks don't happen at the same time
- Pre-warning about a change of routine or planning the session times to coincide with the breaks may be wise
Ensure that the sessions are held in an accessible space where people can watch at a distance initially
- Decorate the area to suit the theme of the drama
- Have food and drink to fit the theme
Playing music before a session can be helpful in getting everyone in the right mood
- Replaying the music used in the sessions during the week can also be helpful
- Could lead to discussions about costumes and music
The use of props can be effective
- Scarves, ribbons, flags, etc. can all be incorporated into the drama sessions to support inclusivity
- Ensuring that sufficient staff support is available to assist with the care aspects such as helping participants to join the group, providing refreshments, going to the toilet and other personal needs
Other ideas:
Put on your own production
- Write and produce your own plays or pantomimes
- Don't start with a script, but have some roughly worked-out scenes around which people improvise
- Handling props, listening to music and wearing costumes can lead to discussions about a theme enabling stories to be made up and enacted
- Use themes that are accessible and evocative, e.g. 'A Seaside Pier' and 'A Western Saloon'
- Hold an 'Oscar's' ceremony where individuals are awarded certificates and given photographs of themselves taking part in sessions
- Don't underestimate potential achievements
- Engage people using music, storytelling and reminiscence
Watch TV or DVDs of plays and productions
- Many are available to hire or purchase
- Could benefit either a group or an individual
- Discussion about the actual play could take place
Other ideas
- Discuss residents memories of previous theatre attendances
- Read a play
- Play charades
- Hold storytelling sessions
- Discuss photographs of famous actors and actresses
- Sound-effect quiz – what does this sound suggest to you?
- Invite others to join in e.g.family members
- Make it a regular event
- Deliver drama sessions in a creative, imaginative and enthusiastic manner
Working with others Open
Here are some ways in which other organisations can support the art activity. Start by searching locally for what's available.
Theatre companies may be funded by a charity or award-making body to offer inexpensive seats for residents and staff to attend shows. A backstage 'tour' may be offered so residents can see what goes on behind the scenes. Local schools may offer to do a production in a care home.
Other companies will be funded to work within care homes. A company will stage a famous play or musical in the care home (or part of it). Some companies offer a writer who works with residents to develop a joint production. The play may be based on the life stories of residents, draw on local stories or have a seasonal theme.
Sometimes it will be professional and/or amateur actors who perform in the show in the communal space of a care home. There are also companies which specialise in co-producing shows with residents who become the actors. Puppets are sometimes used as actors. One company makes miniature portable theatres of objects and artefacts. These 'boxes of memories' help older performers to engage with their audiences.
Family, friends of residents and the local community can be invited to attend performances.
Examples of good practice Open
Here are some examples of how the art activity is used in practice. Search locally for what's available in your area.Burwood Nursing Home Theatre
A family run nursing home in Dorset has built a 1930s style theatre to bring the arts to their residents.Collective Encounters Live and Learn
Through Live and Learn older people are offered the chance to get involved in making theatre. This may be through participating in a theatre workshop or watching a performance in the care home.Entelechy Arts Little Boxes of Memories
Life stories of older people are transposed into miniature portable theatres full of objects and artefacts and these Little Boxes of Memories are used by older 'performers' to engage with their audiences.Imagine Nottingham Playhouse Performs
Over five weeks, residents within the care home were encouraged to participate in a series of bespoke performance sessions facilitated by drama specialists and musicians. Familiar stories were enacted each week on the request of the residents.Ladder to the Moon Vibrant Communities
The programme combines staff training, advice and guidance with a series of co-produced creative events for residents in care homes. Theatre, creative activities and arts are used in programmes. For example, at Ashley Gardens care home a project culminated in the recreation of an Oscars ceremony.Small Things Creative The Storybox Project
This project, which is built around residencies in care homes, comprises workshops which are designed around different themes using theatre and stories as a starting point. A variety of music, props and costume are also incorporated into the workshops.Magic Me Artists in residencies in care homes
This intergenerational arts company collaborates with artists and performers to create new artwork and performances in care homes. Artists in residency programmes include projects with Duckie, an 'Arts enterprise, homo-social honky-tonk and performance club for extraordinary populations'. They produced Palace of Varieties which took place at Anchor's Waterside Care Home in Peckham. Another example is a collaboration with Punchdrunk, in which an immersive experience of a lifelike village green was created for residents in Greenhive care home, Peckham. Magic Me also runs Cocktails in Care Homes, an initiative seeking to aid to loneliness in old age in care homes across London.Spare Tyre The Garden
This is an interactive installation and performance for people with dementia and their carers. Bringing the outdoors in, it takes participants on a multisensory journey through the seasons. During the performance, Spare Tyre artists create a safe space for communication and creative engagement, particularly focusing on methods of non-verbal communication.Waterside Theatre Telling Tales
Based in in Derry-Londonderry, Northern Ireland, this company ran 'Telling Tales', an intergenerational visual arts project, which linked together care homes, community centres and schools. The project provided an insight into the minds of people living in residential care and demonstrated the transformative power of the arts in bringing children and older people together as co-creators. In: Lynch U., Not So Cut Off: alleviating isolation and loneliness in older people through the arts.
Resources OpenMagic Me's Artists Residencies in Care Homes programmes report
This is the final report of a two-year programme Artists Residencies in Care Homes, which was set up to show the benefits performance artists can bring to older people and people with dementia in a care home environment. It also aimed to develop new tools and techniques to support artists in this work. The programme was delivered by Magic Me in partnership with Anchor and four leading performing arts companies in the country: Punchdrunk Enrichment, Duckie, Upswing, and performance artist Lois Weaver. (Magic Me)Vibrant communities: the care homes of the future
In this article, the author reflects on the state of activities in the care home sector and the emerging evidence in favour of participatory approaches. Drawing on his experience of the work of Ladder to the Moon, he also looks at what creativity (such as arts and drama), leadership and community events can offer. Ladder to the Moon provide a package of organisational and workforce development services for care homes, Vibrant Communities, which provides coaching, training and creativity training to staff. (Journal of Dementia Care)Igniting transformative change in dementia care: through research-based drama
As part of a longitudinal research project, the authors set out to examine how personal images, understandings, and actions of family members of people with dementia and health care professionals change after the introduction of a research-based drama about the experiences of living with dementia called I'm Still Here. This article focuses on the shorter- (six weeks) and longer-term (12 months) experiences of engaging with I'm Still Here and how those experiences triggered personal transformation. (Gerontologist)The Storybox Project: examining the role of a theatre and arts-based intervention for people with dementia
This report presents the findings of an evaluation of Storybox, a participatory and participant-led theatre and arts based intervention in Manchester. (University of Manchester)


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Why RMS Title & Appraisal?
Founded in 1998, and with almost 25 years of experience, we serve the state of New Jersey and combine a client-centric approach with the highest level of professional integrity. We are known for our:
- Accessibility.
- Efficiency.
- Timeliness.
- Trustworthiness.
Discover how RMS Title & Appraisal can make the real estate title insurance and valuation process easy for you.
Red Oak Mortgage Company
In all my years of experience, I have not found another company that is as professional, efficient and pleasant to work with as RMS Title & Appraisal.
Red Oak Mortgage Company
D.W. Esq
I have had the occasion to work with many title and appraisal companies and your attention to detail, efficiency and professionalism is the best I've seen.
D.W. Esq
Keller Williams R.E
RMS Title & Appraisal goes above and beyond to get the transaction closed!
Keller Williams R.E


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Canadian Devlin DeFrancesco to compete in 2019/20 F3 Asian Championship
Looking to get his year off to a flying start, Devlin DeFrancesco is proud to announce that he'll be joining Absolute Racing to compete in the 2019/20 F3 Asian Championship certified by FIA.
After a promising 2019 FIA Formula 3 campaign, Devlin will be looking to continue his upwards trajectory as he tackles Asia for the first time. Entering its third season, the Asian F3 Championship visits Asia & Middle East's most premier circuits from Sepang in Malaysia, to Yas Marina in Abu Dhabi, as well as to the Buriram International Circuit in Thailand and the Dubai Autodrome.
Contested over 5 rounds spread starting in December and ending in February the series offers the perfect opportunity to stay race-sharp throughout the winter months. With a jam-packed schedule, Devlin will be competing in 3 races a weekend on top of 2 qualifying sessions and free practice session.
Since its launch in 2010, Absolute Racing has become one of the most respected names in Asian Motorsport. Competing with success in a wide variety of series and championships, including Asian Le Mans Series, the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia and the Blancpain GT Series Asia, to name but a few.
Last year it expanded it's horizons to the newly created F3 Asian Championship certified by the FIA, taking part in it's inaugural season securing several race wins.
The team has become one of the most recognisable names on the Asian motorsport scene, owing to it's on-track success and an off-track reputation for reliability and credibility.
Looking forward to welcoming the nineteen year old to the team Team Manager Martin Young commented:
"I'm really pleased to have Devlin join us. He has a lot of experience in F3 machinery, and whilst he will have to adapt to this car after coming from International Formula 3, I am confident that with testing he'll be straight on the pace."
Excited for his latest challenge Devlin added:
"I'm really looking forward to the F3 Asian Championship, Absolute Racing are a good team, they had a good season last year so I'm looking forward to going there and seeing what we can do. It'll be fun to try out some new tracks as well.
It's a great championship and I'm excited to get back in a car again, the end of the season seems like an age ago now! I feel like I've progressed a lot this year, so this is the perfect opportunity to show what I've learned. Can't wait to get going!'"
With the first round taking place in a little over 2 weeks (December 12-14th) at Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia the young Canadian-Italian will be looking to end 2019 on a high.
F3 Asian Championship schedule:
- R1 Sepang, MY 14-15 dec.
- R2 Dubai, AE 10-11 Jan
- R3 Yas Marina, AE 17-18 Jan
- R4 Sepang, MY 14-15 Feb
- R5 Buriam, TH 22-23 Feb
Content from devlindefrancesco.com / Image James Gasperotti


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Love As Hyperbole
Angst, melodrama, tears, anger,
Not love.
Death, drowning, demons, duplicity,
Not love.
Love is kindness.
Love is loyalty.
Love is sickness or health.
Love doesn't qualify or quantify or question.
Love is clasping a hand.
Love is seeing it through.
Love is old and gray, thickness and thin.
Love grows, doesn't dispose.
Love is golden, it seeps around a body, warmth in a blanket.
Love doesn't despair.
Love smiles, love gladdens, love protects.
Love doesn't rage.
Love doesn't pretend.
Love is the happiest memory and sometimes the saddest regret.
Love is the burst in the heart.
Love is never an island.
Love is a flowing fountain.
Love releases and love enfolds.
Love is never angst, that's all you.
end 11/5/2016
S. Darlington


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It's a Party With a Give-Away!!!
|The Christmas Lady Pattern
|2 Kits for a Santa Wall Quilt
|Santa Quilt Sample
This Giveaway will have 3 Winners!!! One will win the pattern and the other 2 will each get a kit.
I will ship internationally.
|CHRISTMAS STOCKING HANG OUT December 17 - 24
Giveaway Over. Winners are comments #66, #81 & #44. Thanks for participating.


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How many syllables are in orange? 2 syllables
Divide orange into syllables: or-ange
How to pronounce orange:
US English Accent and Pronunciation:
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British English Accent and Pronunciation:
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Definition of: Orange (New window will open)
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Orange Poems: (See poems with this word. New window will open)
oranges (3 syllables),
chromatic (3 Syllables), orange river (4 Syllables), orange tree (3 Syllables), orangeness (4 Syllables), orangish (3 Syllables)
bergamot (3 syllables), bigarade (2 syllables), candyweed (2 syllables), celandine (3 syllables), chiggerflower (4 syllables), chromatic (3 syllables), jewelweed (3 syllables), mandarin (3 syllables), nitweed (2 syllables), orangeness (4 syllables), orangish (3 syllables), owlclaws (2 syllables), pekoe (2 syllables), pineweed (2 syllables), saffron (2 syllables),
What do you think of our answer to how many syllables are in orange? Are the syllable count, pronunciation, words that rhyme, and syllable divisions for orange correct? There are numerous syllabic anomalies found within the U.S. English language. Can orange be pronounced differently? Did we divide the syllables correctly? Do regional variations in the pronunciation of orange effect the syllable count? Has language changed? Provide your comments or thoughts on the syllable count for orange below.
A comprehensive resource for finding syllables in orange, how many syllables are in orange, words that rhyme with orange, how to divide orange into syllables, how to pronounce orange in US and British English, how to break orange into syllables.


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Live in USA
The Walt Disney Company, commonly known as Disney, is an American diversified
multinational mass media corporation headquartered in Walt Disney Studios,
Burbank, California. It is the largest media conglomerate in the world in terms
of revenue.3 Disney was founded on October 16, 1923, by Walt and Roy Disney as
the Disney Brothers Cartoon Studio, and established itself as a leader in the
American animation industry before diversifying into live-action film
production, television, and travel. Taking on its current name in 1986, it
expanded its existing operations and also started divisions focused upon
theater, radio, music, publishing, and online media. In addition, Disney has
created new divisions of the company in order to market more mature content than
it typically associates with its flagship family-oriented brands.
The company is best known for the products of its film studio, the Walt Disney Studios, and today one of the largest and best-known studios in Hollywood. Disney also owns and operates the ABC broadcast television network; cable television networks such as Disney Channel, ESPN, A+E Networks, and ABC Family; publishing, merchandising, and theatre divisions; and owns and licenses 14 theme parks around the world. It also has a successful music division. The company has been a component of the Dow Jones Industrial Average since May 6, 1991. An early and well-known cartoon creation of the company, Mickey Mouse, is a primary symbol of The Walt Disney Company.
On August 31, 2009, Disney announced a deal to acquire Marvel Entertainment, Inc. for $4.24 billion.34 The deal was finalized on December 31, 2009 in which Disney acquired full ownership on the company.35 Disney has stated that their acquisition of Marvel Entertainment will not affect Marvel's products, neither will the nature of any Marvel characters be transformed.36
In October 2009, Disney Channel president Rich Ross, hired by Iger, replaced Dick Cook as chairman of the company and, in November, began restructuring the company to focus more on family friendly products. Later in January 2010, Disney decided to shut down Miramax after downsizing Touchstone, but one month later, they began selling the Miramax brand and its 700-title film library. On March 12, ImageMovers Digital, Robert Zemeckis's company which Disney had bought in 2007, was shut down. In April 2010, Lyric Street, Disney's country music label in Nashville, was shut down. In May 2010, the company sold the Power Rangers brand, as well as its 700-episode library, back to Haim Saban. In June, the company canceled Jerry Bruckheimer's film project Killing Rommel.37 In January 2011, Disney Interactive Studios was downsized.38 In November, two ABC stations were sold.39 With the release of Tangled in 2010, Ed Catmull said that the "princess" genre of films was taking a hiatus until "someone has a fresh take on it … but we don't have any other musicals or fairytales lined up."40 He explained that they were looking to get away from the princess era due to the changes in audience composition and preference.citation needed However in the Facebook page, Ed Catmull stated that this was just a rumor.41
In April 2011, Disney broke ground on Shanghai Disney Resort. Costing $4.4 billion, the resort is slated to open in 2015.42 Later, in August 2011, Bob Iger stated on a conference call that after the success of the Pixar and Marvel purchases, he and the Walt Disney Company are looking to "buy either new characters or businesses that are capable of creating great characters and great stories."43 Later, in early February 2012, Disney completed its acquisition of UTV Software Communications, expanding their market further into India and Asia. Download