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By Dustin Rowles | Film | May 12, 2006 |
An Unfinished Life is another of the films left on the shelf for the last few years, collecting dust and waiting, presumably, for the stigma attached to Jennifer Lopez's acting career to blow over, or for Robert Redford to succumb to a fatal illness so that Disney's Miramax could capitalize posthumously. Actually, it's not hard to see why the movie was abandoned for so long; like director Lasse Hallström's previous efforts, it's another prestige "adult" film that's nearly impossible to market. With a Hallström offering, studios are often left with no option but to release his films on weekends with little competition, in the hopes that word of mouth and/or Oscar buzz will eventually create an audience, a strategy with its fair share of success (Chocolat, The Cider House Rules, and What's Eating Gilbert Grape) and failure (The Shipping News, Something to Talk About). Like last week's The Constant Gardener, An Unfinished Life has very little draw appeal; it's the kind of movie you end up seeing because you have nothing better to do or because you feel you should see it; in either case, you'll be glad you made the effort.
An Unfinished Life tracks the life of Einar Gilkyson (Robert Redford), an ornery rancher living alone amidst the vast landscapes of Wyoming (played here by British Columbia); his only companion is Mitch (Morgan Freeman), a fellow cowboy relegated a year prior to invalid status, compliments of a vicious bear mauling. Einar leads a life of comfortable monotony, administering morphine shots to Mitch each morning, managing the ranch, trekking into town daily to collect his mail, and otherwise persistently grieving over a son lost a decade before in a car accident.
Enter Jean (Jennifer Lopez), the wife of Einar's dead son and driver of the ill-fated automobile, returning to Wyoming after a long absence, seeking shelter (along with her daughter) from an abusive ex-boyfriend (Damien Lewis). Reluctant at first to allow Jean to live on the ranch, the curmudgeonly Einar relents after discovering that Jean's daughter, Griff (Becca Gardner), is actually his own grandchild.
From there, the storyline is familiar and predictable. Morgan Freeman (once again) provides the moral compass, guiding the characters as they gradually shed their hostilities, ultimately providing bookends to those open ellipses, all the while utilizing (somewhat lamely) the Chekhovian bear as the story's core metaphor. The story — written by Mark and Virginia Spragg — is another in a long line of tired, anachronistic odes to the emotional unavailability of the male sex, chock-full of self-help platitudes and cloying sentimentality. It is neither an original nor a particularly compelling narrative, yet under the direction of Hallström, the story unfolds with contented Sunday-afternoon momentum, blooming gradually into full-blown catharsis.
Archaic themes and muddled plotlines aside, the film's success rests primarily on the sympathies with which Redford and Freeman imbue their characters; Mr. Sundance quietly plays against type, providing a small glimpse of the existence that Butch Cassidy might have led had he lived long enough to settle into the life of an old man whose emotional grievances have mounted. And, for better or worse, Freeman's character once again acts as the direct channel between the stubbornly cantankerous white man and his God. Though it's difficult to imagine anyone more suited to that role than Freeman, it's a testament to his acting talents that he can still provide such a richly textured performance without resorting to caricature. As for Lopez: Frankly she should be pleased to finally find a role that not even her limited acting talents could spoil; fortunately, she mostly acts as a sounding board to the superior talents of Redford and 11-year-old Gardner, who act circles around Ms. From-the-Block. Camryn Manheim, as a local waitress, and Josh Lucas, as Jean's love interest, also provide capable performances in supporting roles.
Dustin Rowles is the publisher of Pajiba and managing partner of its parent company, which prefers to remain anonymous for reasons pertaining to public relations. He lives in Ithaca, New York.An Unfinished Life / Dustin Rowles


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Whispering Sands at Corlette - 2
Luxury on the absolute Waterfront at Corlette!
Whispering Sands at Corlette - 2, Holiday House, Corlette
LINEN SUPPLIED! This stunning five bedroom air-conditioned home is situated on the popular waterfront of Corlette. If you are after pure relaxation than Whispering Sands is for you. Please note a security deposit of $2000 is applicable to this property. Accommodates 16 (Max 8 Adults)

subset: commoncrawl


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CruiseMates' Readers Cruise Reviewsby Paul Motter
We sailed with a Cruise Critic group on the Navigator's Eastern Caribbean route 1/18/03- 1/25/03. Our friends Mike and Debbie, also from Louisville, joined us. We were on the Voyager the past summer and couldn't wait to book her new sister! I will compare these two ships in this review. Our friends stayed at the Hyatt the night prior to the cruise. We flew down the morning of, having stayed at an airport hotel in Louisville, then parking and shuttling to the red- eye. Very easy flights.
Arrival: It was in the low 50's and windy when we arrived at the RCCL terminal in Miami at 11:50. We had to wait in line about 40 minutes outside, which was pretty brisk. Once inside, we waited another 40 minutes in line before finally stepping aboard the ship. We headed to our room and met Wickham, our steward, who provided wonderful, friendly service all week. We gave him his gratuity up front, and later handed him another tip for the great job. I recommend tipping everyone up front; they know you won't stiff them and you'll have a chance to reward above average service.
The Ship: On for the tour. Right away, we saw many changes in the Navigator that we liked better than the Voyager. The art work in the atrium is stunning! The library is now separate from the computer terminals, which makes it a bit more peaceful and relaxing. After the Norwalk scare, we noticed more cleaning. The smell of bleach became overwhelming at times and burned my sinuses. The Fitness facility had better machines. They used all Lifestyler bikes, elliptical trainers and treadmills. These machines read your heart rate and have other fun features such as workout programs.The weight machines were also very nice- much better than the Reebok machines on Voyager. The temperature of the gym was cooler, which was pleasant for aerobics.I used the jogging track outdoors once- it was too windy most of the time. 5 laps to a mile, get there early before people start sitting there.
Bars: Vintages Wine Bar was our favorite addition to the ship. We went for seminars, tastings and other events hosted by an affable and knowledgeable staff .The BIG negative is they allow smoking on one side and at the bar which drifts throughout the bar. There is not good ventilation either. It ruined our first tasting when we tried to distinguish smells from fruits and compare them with wines. All we could smell was smoke! At later tastings, they asked people to refrain from smoking, but it was still allowed at other times. RCCL allows smoking in all bars- here's one where they could offer a smoke-free environment! Boleros: This replaced the Aquarium bar on Voyager. It had warm, rich tones and gorgeous glass flowers on the walls. My favorite artwork on the ship. They had the Rosario strings playing a mixture of standards and Latin music. The dancing was great! This quartet also provided tunes on the Promenade in the afternoons. They were fabulous and much appreciated.
Ixtapa Lounge: Pretty typical rock music. The Stingrays did a variety for the theme nights .They have an excellent keyboardist/singer who is the guts of the group. This lounge also hosted the karaoke nights. They are no longer contests, as the ones held in Pig and Whistle on Voyager.
Two Poets: PeteWickersham played guitar and sang a typical variety. We enjoyed singing with him and he was gracious with passing the mike . He enjoyed the harmony, and was a good entertainer. Cosmopolitan Club: Bigger than High Notes on Voyager. Also, prettier, warmer with a larger dance floor. Excellent jazz Band, the Phil Magallenes Quintet. We only wished they had played a little more swing,; we love that dancing. Pianist was one of the best I've heard on a cruise. Real pro.
Studio B: This is where the fabulous ice show was held. Do not miss it. They didn't "fly" as on the Voyager, but it was more Ice Dancing instead of the competition format. The costumes and music were stunning. On one night, a dance floor was installed, and there was a 50's-60's sock hop. Jeffrey Arpin, the Cruise Director, dressed as 'Big Daddy" and hosted a dance competition, sang and played piano! The Stingrays did the music and the staff danced as well. It was a solid hour of fun!
Schooner Bar: Usually a favorite, we weren't crazy about Matt Yee. I play piano for a living, so I am a bit opinionated. When we do piano bars, we like the crazy stuff, but it's also nice to do some standards and sing alongs. Most pianists pass the mike and make it a group activity. he wouldn't give up the Gilligan's Island stuff. In your face music. Every other song, he'd break into the song from Grease- wella wella wella UUGGHH. That's what you heard over and over and over when you passed through. I found it pretty annoying.
The Dungeon: Very cool, loved the cracked glass steps,gothic-style decor, lighting was something to see. We didn't care for the music, so didn't stay there long.
Food: Windjammer/Jade: Big improvements here! There is a lovely wood-trimmed entrance to this area with Chops and Portofino's on either side. Jade has the first buffet lines. I REALLY enjoyed the food here. I had some interesting Indian dishes, Chinese mixed veggies with Tofu ,and salad with a very spicy Indian dressing. Since buffet food tends to be bland, this is a welcome change. The buffet of the Windjammer is now set up in several stations. It keeps the lines shorter, but also has people going in lots of directions! The food was good- they had a couple of fish and chicken dishes which were tasty and had an excellent vegetable stew. I'm not a big meat eater, but my tablemates raved about the short ribs. At breakfast, you could have an omelet made at the very back line. The fruit was excellent- pineapple fresh, watermelon and cantaloupe sweet. The spicy salsa was great on eggs.
Dining Room: Food was good to very good. Lobster on Friday was superb. Many ordered two. We were booked with a group and were originally given first seating with them. The four of us from Louisville had our cards hand- marked , and we were changed to second seating on the third tier by the door at a table for 10! We got a very strange explanation when asked how this occurred. We spent a couple hours with Raj, our patient Head Waiter, trying to get it right. Many in our group were really irate! They've cruised extensively, and had never encountered such a mess. There was a large group of senior citizens who switched seats and made it difficult to rectify the situation. However, on the second night, 8 from our group were seated together on the second tier, albeit alongside the senior group. That was fine, they were very nice and we made some friends in that group. Our waiter, Tamer, was wonderful as was his assistant Richard.
Chops: We had a group of 13 at two separate tables. We arrived, got water, then waited 10 minutes for a drink order and bread. Terrible! The service was spotty all night. The filet was wonderful, and they brought all the sides on the menu served "family style." Really enjoyed that. Captain Bang's daughter was having a birthday there that night, and they shared the cake with us! The Adventure Ocean kids above us made a lot of noise during dinner.Sounded like elephants.
Portofino: Perfect service from Eva and Ernest. Food very good- atmosphere excellent. Loved the truffles after dinner!
Cafe Promenade: Loved the daily sandwich specials. Also had sweets, fruit and pizza. The Navigator is serving Seattle's Best Coffee now; what an improvement!
Entertainment: Poolside: The Mega Four was an outstanding band. They did all the standard Marley covers, plus a wide selection of Caribbean and standards. Excellent musicians; really got the party going.
Metropolis Theater: RCCL Singers and Dancers- First show, Now and Forever, was our favorite. Featured Broadway numbers. I didn't write down the names of everyone, but Stephanie Pope was featured female singer. The featured young man was an excellent entertainer, too. Stephanie is pregnant, so I doubt she'll be there very long! We heard Phil Tag, comedian, who was good and did the late adult show.Also enjoyed Don Friesen. Our favorite act was Two Funny Guys= two Argentineans Mario and Daniel who were gut- busting funny! Singer/Pianist Bobby Avron, known as the "Voice of Happy Days" proved he had many other skills, including impersonating all the popular male singers you could imagine. A real ball of energy!
Parties: We had our Cruise Critic party on Monday at 11 am. We put faces behind the names we'd seen on the Internet all those months. It was a lively, friendly group and we made many friends. (Linda and Joe from New Hampshire gave us a tour of the Royal Suite- that was something to behold! ) The Captain, his wife and family came to the party, as well as Jeffrey Arpin, the cruise director and Genie Lee, the social host. Several others on the staff attended as well. During the week, many in our group attended dinners together, had a put-putt tournament and a "White Shark" gift exchange .On the final night of the cruise, the four of us participated in the talent contest. Me on piano, Mike aka "Michelle" on lead vocal and Rick and Debbie on backup. Despite us, there was some good talent that night! This was the friendliest cruise I've been on- both passengers and staff. It was our 5th cruise, and it was a bumpy ride! The weather all over the nation was bad, and it affected the seas. The waves in the pool were soaking the deck during our "Under the Stars" dance! The towel monkey was swinging so hard, he was hitting the ceiling.
Ports: Nassau, San Juan, Labadee, St. Thomas: We did this cruise for the ship, not the ports. I can add little or nothing to what has been written. In St. Thomas, we took a cab to Red Hook (20 min) then took a 15-min ferry to St. John. That's where the beauty is! We parked at Cinnamon Bay this year. It has a restaurant, showers and facilities as well as lockers and snorkeling gear. It was too rough to snorkel, though, but you could SURF! Shopped a while in Cruz Bay- very quaint- before taking the ferry to Charlotte Amalie (45 min). We walked approx. one and a half miles through the shopping area downtown back to our ship. In Labadee, we just beach walked and enjoyed the barbecue. I swam a mile in the ocean there. Easy swimming, but the water isn't clear or pretty, and there are no reefs or fish to see. We stayed on the ship in the other ports.. Debarkation: We were in the second group (purple, blue, gray). We sat at the Cafe Promenade enjoying snacks and coffee.until called The Voyager did not offer that; what a welcome change. We were called at 10 o'clock, and by 10:30 were in the cab. Very smooth and efficient. Miami airport was a total zoo! We curb-checked, which helped a bit. The security line wrapped all over the airport and there was mass confusion about where to go. The staff could not handle it. It took us over an hour just to get through security! We spent a leisurely hour in the airport, then returned home to snow and record cold. We picked the right week to travel!
Conclusion: This was our favorite cruise so far. RCCL staff once again impressed us thoroughly. The Navigator is a stunning ship, and the changes between her and her sister ship, The Voyager, are welcome. We can't wait to book the Mariner next year! Any comments or questions, feel free to email us at firstname.lastname@example.com


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U.S. Morning Call: Wall St. eyes lower open, earnings
July 9 - U.S. stock futures are pointing to a lower open as S&P 500 companies gear up to report second-quarter earnings.
This is your morning call for Monday welcome to the start of the new earnings season but don't get excited. It's according you might wish had never happened as usual Alcoa is the first Dow component to kick off reporting after the close. Analysts have been revising down their estimates for the company has aluminum prices near two year lows. But that's just the tip of the iceberg a significant chunk of firms in the S&P 500 have already lowered their outlooks because of the debt crisis in Europe. And -- strengthening dollar. Any growth in earnings will be thanks to two companies. Apple and Bank of America. Wall Street is set for a lower open partly on all those dismal stats. At the moment futures are firmly in the -- this as stocks dropped about 1% on Friday after the -- jobs report. Traders are also contending with more signs of -- slowdown in China as inflation cools. Meantime top officials from the Federal Reserve are calling on the Central Bank to inject more cash and the economy Chicago fed president Charles Evans says it -- five warm mortgage backed securities. And keep rates near zero until unemployment falls below 7%. His counterpart from Boston -- -- grant is backing -- saying GDP for this year could come in lower than expected. Neither is a voting member of the -- this year but both will be in 2013. In company news dons boss Jim McNerney has told Britain's independent his company looks like it will -- European rival Airbus. In a separate story in the Wall Street Journal the company looks set to start the apartment air show with orders from at least two leasing companies. Boeing shares were trading down in premarket. And patsy is getting into dairy in the US the soft drinks giant will start selling yogurt this month. Joint joint venture with Germany's -- -- group it's another sign the company wants to break its reliance on soda drinks shares are down before the open. Once stopped to watch out for this morning is Celgene Reuters has learned it's one -- two companies. Discussing whether it be different Human Genome Sciences human genome is trying to -- alternative. To a hostile offer by British drugmaker GlaxoSmithKline. Worth two point six 1000000000 dollars. That's your morning call this Monday you can follow us on Twitter at Reuters Insider. Check out our Reuters YouTube channel at Reuters dot com slash Reuters TV and Lisa Bernhard this is raiders.


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Thursday, December 22, 2005
3 Comments:
- Mia and Ghost said...
Shadow - you are very brave... we were scared of the bubbles when Mom got them for us.
- Scooby, Shaggy & Scout said...
Hey, those bubbles look like fun!
- Taz n Angel said...
Wow.... catnip bubbles! I'd luv to get my paws on some of that stuff.... MAAAAMAAAAA you gotta come see this, go buy this for me k????
Luv Taz
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Oldest Known Holocaust Survivor Dies At 110
Pianist Alice Herz-Sommer died in London on Sunday.
Alice Herz-Sommer, thought to be the oldest survivor of the Holocaust, died in a London hospital at 110 years old on Sunday, according to her daughter-in-law, Genevieve Sommer.
Sommer told ABC News she was admitted to the hospital on Friday with health problems.
Herz-Sommer, an accomplished pianist, is the focus of the new film The Lady in Number 6: Music Saved My Life, an "extraordinary story of surviving two years in a Nazi prison camp through devotion to music and her son." Her death comes just a week before the movie will be up for an Oscar for Best Documentary Short at next Sunday's Academy Awards.
"We all came to believe that she would just never die," producer Frederic Bohbot said. "There was no question in my mind, 'would she ever see the Oscars.'"
In 1943, Herz-Sommer, along with her 6-year-old son and husband, were sent from their home in Prague to a concentration camp in the Czech city of Terezin, called Theresienstadt in German.
"We were poor, and we knew that they will send us away, and we knew already in this time that it was our end," she said.
Although 33,430 prisoners died at the camp, inmates were allowed to put on concerts, and Herz-Sommer was frequently the star. Her son, Stephan, was also cast as a sparrow in an opera they put on.
"My boy was full of enthusiasm," she recalled. "I was so happy because I knew my little boy was happy there."
When the camp was liberated by the Soviet army in May 1945, Herz-Sommer and Stephan were among fewer than 20,000 people who were released. Her husband died of typhus at Germany's Dachau camp.
Herz-Sommer left Czechoslovakia in 1949 to be with her twin sister Mizzi in Jerusalem, teaching at the Jerusalem Conservatory until 1986, when she moved to London.
Stephan, who changed his name to Raphael after the war, died in 2001 after a career as a concert cellist.
During her time at the Terezin, the musician remembered herself as "always laughing" from the joy of still being able to make music.
"These concerts, the people are sitting there, old people, desolated and ill, and they came to the concerts and this music was for them our food. Music was our food. Through making music we were kept alive," she once said.
She added, "When we can play it cannot be so terrible."
Read more: http://buzzfeed.com/rachelzarrell/oldest-known-holocaust-survivor-dies-at-110


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Fish - 1/2 Kg
Shallots 5
Green Chillies 4,splitted lengthwise
Chilly Powder 2 tsp
Turmeric powder 1/2 tsp
Ginger 1 small piece(crushed)
Tomato 1 small
Coconut milk. - made from 1/4 medium coconut
Kudam puli(Kokum) - 2 pieces
Curry leaves 1 spring
Fry thinly sliced shallots till golden brown in a manchatty (earthern pots).
Add green chillies, ginger, curry leaves and saute.
After 3 mins, add sliced tomato and saute well until smashed well
Now add the powders, and saute till raw smell goes (important!).
Now add coconut milk, salt and kokum.
When boils add fish, simmer the flame and cook for about 20-25 mins/till the fish gets cooked.


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Update 22/7: the Government has announced that the DfE is taking action to ensure that GCSEs and A levels in languages such as Polish, Urdu, Arabic, Bengali, Turkish and Gujarati will remain available to pupils.
Scroll down for the background to this situation, and calls to action.
With the introduction of new GCSE and A level specifications for languages from 2016 (for French, German and Spanish – 2017 for other languages) – exam boards have announced their intention NOT to redevelop qualifications in a range of small-entry languages.
The languages already affected are:
A level: Bengali, Modern Hebrew, Panjabi and Polish (AQA); Dutch, Gujarati, Persian, Portuguese, Turkish (OCR); Arabic, Modern Greek, Japanese and Urdu (Edexcel).
This will leave only Chinese, Italian and Russian in addition to French, German and Spanish.
GCSE: Dutch, Gujarati, Persian, Portuguese, Turkish (OCR) will not be redeveloped.
Other small-entry languages present 'significant awarding and resourcing challenges,' according to one of the awarding bodies, and are under discussion by both AQA and Edexcel.
What are the reasons for the discontinuation of these qualifications?
The main reasons given by Awarding Bodies are:
- A small number of entries means that it is not cost-effective to redevelop the qualifications under the new, tighter assessment requirements, and there are difficulties in the statistical underpinning of grade boundaries
- The more rigorous conditions attached to the new A-level specifications, and the need to teach and assess cultural content as well as language skills
- Difficulties sourcing examiners and other experts
For further information, see this briefing prepared by Professor Katrin Kohl, University of Oxford: Languages qualifications from 2017 incl. CIE -23 3 2015
Who will be affected by this?
The range of languages being withdrawn is very broad. They are currently taught both in mainstream state and independent schools, in adult and further education, and in supplementary schools provided by local communities. In this case, students may sit the exam in their mainstream school or college, but prepare for it in their own time.
As is also the case with French, German and Spanish, candidates include a mixture of bilingual native speakers, learners who have some 'background exposure' to the language, and those who have learnt the language from scratch in a school, college or adult education context.
In 2014, nearly 4000 candidates sat the affected languages at A level, an increase of 50% since 2004. With the exception of Urdu, Gujarati, Greek and Bengali, entries for all the affected languages have increased since 2004, in a context where entries for French and German have dropped by a third.
According to research by the National Resource Centre for Supplementary Education (representing 922 schools teaching over 67,000 pupils) these reforms will affect 59% of supplementary schools teaching a language (in addition to the 13% whose languages already lack a qualification).
What are the wider implications?
The decision has serious implications for the future supply of language skills that Britain needs. In 2014 the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Modern Languages launched its Manifesto for Languages calling for step change in the UK's national capacity in foreign languages. Without an enhanced capacity in language skills:
- our economy will suffer as British firms are held back from trading across the world
- our young people will suffer as they lose out in a global jobs market,
- our international reputation and capacity for global influence will suffer,
- our defence and security interests abroad will be damaged, and
- our cultural capital at home will be impoverished.
The decision has particular implications for:
- schools which teach or wish to develop the teaching of a more diverse range of languages
- communities which speak or learn the languages in which examinations are being withdrawn
- individuals who wish to learn them
For further evidence and discussion, see:
What is being done about it?
In July 2015 the Government announced that the DfE is working with exam boards to secure the future of these exams. Read the press release here.
Statement by Bernardette Holmes, Campaign Director of Speak to the Future:
These decisions make no sense. Languages matter more than ever to community development, to social mobility and to our economy. Our rich and diverse language capital makes the UK the most attractive place for inward investment. We need to recognise and value the multilingual capabilities of so many of our young people and build our future upon them. At a time when business is increasingly hyper-connected across the globe, it is the very languages which face the axe that would be significant assets to our success and to the prosperity of those who speak them. To say nothing of the intrinsic linguistic and cultural value of these languages which will no longer be taught and assessed in our schools. Please, let us unite to find solutions to reverse this decision!
Petition to keep *all* of the exams:
*New 9/6: Petition to save Modern Greek A Level exams:
Petition to save Japanese exams:
Petition to keep Urdu exams:
Petition to keep Polish exam:
Petitions to keep Turkish exam:
STATEMENTS FROM POLITICIANS: This section will be updated with statements we are gathering from the new intake of MPs. Please check regularly for updates!
Parliamentary debate led by Nick de Bois MP, 24 March 2015 - read it here
Nicky Morgan, Education Secretary, 24 April: "I am making a clear commitment that the next Conservative Government will guarantee the future of GCSEs and A-levels in subjects like Polish, Gujarati, Panjabi, Bengali and Turkish."
Tristram Hunt, Shadow Education Minister, 24 Apr: "Labour has been clear from day one: we will save these important language qualifications."
Tristram Hunt, Shadow Education Minister, 26 Mar: "She [Nicky Morgan, Secretary of State for Education] must take urgent action before Parliament is dissolved so that these subjects are not lost from our education system."
Nick Gibb, Minister for Schools, 24 Mar: "I believe that these problems may well have solutions [...] I will invite them [the exam boards] to reconsider their current position—I will do that tomorrow".
Statements from interview with Londra Gazeta magazine:
Nick de Bois MP: "It's a very short sighted decision that limits the ambition not just of the Turkish-origin community but all Britons with ambition to learn an important language. What the exam body should actually be doing is pro-actively seeking to grow the appeal of Turkish as a foreign language to a sustainable level.
Lynne Featherstone MP: "I will help the community make the case to keep the GCSE and A level courses by contacting OCR, and also raising the matter with ministers in the Department for Education."
Andy Love MP: "I'll be writing to the OCR to seek a reversal of the decision."
Fiona McTaggart MP, 24 Mar: "I have spoken to a senior examiner in Polish and she assures me there is no difficulty in finding suitably qualified examiners in that subject, yet AQA is determined to abandon it."
Please let us know what is happening in your networks, so we can update this section!
OCR Head of Policy article in TES Connect: "Unless we act soon, even GCSE French and German could face the chop."
Withdrawal of GCE AS and A level Arabic, Greek, Japanese and Urdu from 2017 (Edexcel)
Both Labour and the Conservatives pledged to save these exams, and the new Government is indeed working with exam boards to bring this about.
You may wish to contact your MP to raise awareness:
1) Write to your new MP
Each of us can ask them: Will they support the Government's efforts to save these exams?
Find out how to contact your local MP at http://www.parliament.uk/mps-lords-and-offices/mps/
(Remember to include your name & address in your email to them).
You can also tweet them (again, find their Twitter account via http://www.parliament.uk/mps-lords-and-offices/mps/ or search on Google eg "David Cameron MP Twitter")
Example tweet to Lib Dem MP:
As my MP will you support govt efforts to reverse cuts to GCSEs & A Levels in languages? #languagepolicyUK
Example tweet to Conservative candidate:
As my MP will you support @NickyMorgan01 efforts to rescue GCSEs & A Levels in languages? #languagepolicyUK
Example tweet to Labour candidate:
As my MP do you support @TristramHuntMP pledge to rescue GCSEs & A Levels in languages & support govt efforts to do so? #languagepolicyUK
2) Make your views known on Twitter using the hashtag #languagepolicyUK
3) Post this page to your Facebook or LinkedIn pages
4) Sign the petitions (above)
5) You can write to the DfE, to Ofqual and to UK Awarding Bodies concerned: AQA, Edexcel, OCR, CIE.
6) Write to local & national press
7) Email your contacts – ask them to do all of the above too!
Thanks – and don't forget to let us know what you are doing either by emailing us or using #languagepolicyUK on Twitter and Facebook.
*new 22/7: TES coverage of Government announcement on future of these exams:
Ministers force U-turn on plans to scrap minority language qualifications
8/5: OCR Head of Policy on the situation in TES Connect:
TES Connect: "Unless we act soon, even GCSE French and German could face the chop."
23/4: Media coverage of Conservative pledge to protect the exams:
BBC News
The Telegraph
14/4: RT News report (Youtube clip, 2min):
1/4: BBC World News interview (Youtube clip, 3min):
26/3: Media coverage of Labour pledge to protect the exams:
BBC News


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The funeral will take place today (Friday) of Portadown man and former Irish League referee Malcolm Wright.
Mr Wright, who was in his early 80s, died after an illness.
He was a highly respected match official in the 1960s and 1970s who refereed five Irish Cup finals and officiated at many international and European games over a decade.
After retiring from refereeing Mr Wright worked for the Irish FA as a senior referees' assessor and his advice to up-and-coming match officials was always sound and encouraging.
Mr Wright, who lived in the Mahon Road area, is survived by his wife Josephine and daughters Janet and Delma.
He will be buried in Kernan Cemetery at 2pm after a funeral service in Lurgan Salvation Army Citadel.


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Drawers are constructed with dovetail joinery, ensuring long-lasting strength and storage. Made up of interlocking wedge-shaped elements called pins and tails, the joint connects drawer fronts, sides, and backs, designed to withstand the daily pulling forces you apply when you open a drawer, for problem-free use. A time-tested joint that predates written history, dovetail drawers are a mark of quality furniture construction.
This five drawer chest will create a natural allure for your bedroom that you're sure to love. The piece, which is proudly made right here in America from strong Alder solids, comes in eleven custom Amish finishes with three knob options so you know you'll find a style to cherish. The spacious drawers, perfect for all of your clothing and accessories, are crafted with English dovetail joinery and full extension ball bearing glides for smooth use and durability. Additionally, the extra deep blanket drawer is the perfect place for larger and bulkier items. This is a piece that you'll be using for many, many years to come.
The Alder Shaker 5 Drawer Chest with Blanket Drawer by Archbold Furniture at Town and Country Furniture in the Hamburg, Buffalo, Lackawanna, Eden, NY area. Product availability may vary. Contact us for the most current availability on this product.
This Alder Shaker collection will add the quaint feel of the country to your home for an elegant country chic style that you are bound to love in your bedroom suite. Each piece is available in eight beautiful finishes so you can find the look that is perfect for your home. Choose from either a sleigh bed, captains bed, or slat bed to add to your bedroom suit for the perfect down home look. The storage pieces provide ample storage room for you to store all of your clothes and valuables neatly away. The country chic style is completed by framing details, block feet, and slat details to create a look that you will fall in love with over and over again.
The Alder Shaker collection is a great option if you are looking for Cottage furniture in the Hamburg, Buffalo, Lackawanna, Eden, NY area.
These images are representative of this group as a whole and may differ from this item.
Browse other items in the Alder Shaker collection from Town and Country Furniture in the Hamburg, Buffalo, Lackawanna, Eden, NY area.
This item has been tagged as: Chests, Storage Chest, Toy Chest, Chest of Drawers, Hope Chest, Drawer Chest, Dresser, Bureau, Furniture, Bedroom Furniture, Bedroom Accent Furniture, Clothing Storage, Gentlemen's Chest, Cabinet, Commode, Trunk, Small Cabinet, Furniture with Drawers, Storage Furniture
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Has Alex Gordon Finally Figured It Out?
One of the most interesting storylines so far this year has been the resurrection of Alex Gordon. As of April 23rd, he is hitting .361 with 14 RBI and is entrenched in the number three hole for the Royals.
The second overall pick in the 2005 draft hit the majors in 2007, with people calling him the next George Brett. Injuries and prolonged slumps have had Gordon back and forth between Triple-A and the majors. In 2010, Gordon made the switch from third base to the outfield.
In spring training Gordon led the majors in RBI with 23, and he has carried the momentum into the regular season. Those who think this is a fluke point to 2008, where he also had a hot April only to have it fall apart and hit .235 from May 1st on. The optimistic ones point to the fact that for all the ups and downs Gordon has now hit the magical 27 year old hitter's prime and he may be blossoming late a la Jose Bautista last year.
While Gordon has only hit one HR, he has ten doubles and a triple. He mashed 35 HRs in his only full season in the minor's, so the potential is there for the doubles to start going over the fence. At some point Gordon will cool off, but the talent has always been there and it seems his confidence is at an all-time high. He should put together a productive season if he remains healthy.
Also check out:


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Jon Stewart on Crossfire—amazing tv, available from various places.
William Gibson (go read Pattern Recognition) has a blog, because:
Because the United States currently has, as Jack Womack so succintly puts it, a president who makes Richard Nixon look like Abraham Lincoln.
And because, as the Spanish philospher Unamuno said, "At times, to be silent is to lie."


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BERLIN (Reuters) - Second seed Kei Nishikori eased into the last eight of the Halle Open on Thursday, beating serve and volleyer Dustin Brown 7-5 6-1 to set up a clash with Poland's Jerzy Janowicz.
The Japanese gave the German wildcard little chance to play his attacking game on the quick grass court and returned superbly in the second set.
"I am very satisfied with my performance today. It's not easy to play Dustin and I did that very well today," Nishikori told reporters.
Brown, who upset Rafael Nadal at Halle last year, pushed Nishikori to 5-5 in the first set before the Japanese broke and then served out to take a 1-0 lead.
Nishikori then got to grips with his opponent's serve in the second set to move into the last eight of a tournament for the 10th time in 11 events this year.
Janowicz needed three sets to oust Colombian Alejandro Falla.
Italian Andreas Seppi continued his good run at Halle after beating local hero Tommy Haas on Tuesday, outmuscling Spain's Tommy Robredo 6-2 6-7(6) 6-3 to reach the quarter-finals at the tournament for the first time.
He will now meet France's Gael Monfils who beat Kazakh Mikhail Kukushkin in straight sets.
Robredo saved four match points before Seppi kept his cool and sealed the win at the fifth attempt after a lob by the Spaniard went long.
Top seed Roger Federer qualified for the last eight on Wednesday where he will face German Florian Mayer. Third seed Tomas Berdych meets Croatian Ivo Karlovic in the other quarter-final.
Reporting by Karolos Grohmann; Editing by Toby Davis


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Chapter One, Blue Nines and Red Words
1. How does the narrator know that he was born on a Wednesday?
(a) A physician told him.
(b) The date is blue in his mind and Wednesdays are always blue.
(c) His mother reminds him of this.
(d) He looked up the date on a calendar.
2. In what voice is the story told?
(a) Second person.
(b) Omniscient
(c) First person.
(d) Third person.
3. By what quality can Daniel recognize every prime number up to 9,973?
(a) Their "pebble-like" quality.
(b) Their interesting color.
(c) Their rounded shapes.
(d) Their "dagger-like" quality.
4. What is Daniel's rare condition known as?
(a) Pervasive Delayed Disorder.
(b) Attention Developmental Disorder.
(c) Severe Autism.
(d) Savant Syndrome.
5. How does Daniel experience numbers?
(a) As numbers, shapes, and colors.
(b) As bits of food.
(c) The same way you and I do.
(d) As letters of the alphabet.
6. What is synesthesia?
(a) An extremely rare form of schizophrenia.
(b) A rare neurological mixing of the senses.
(c) A disease whereby one's limbs fall asleep.
(d) A form of deep depression.
(read all 180 Multiple Choice Questions and Answers)
This section contains 4,910 words
(approx. 17 pages at 300 words per page)


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Product Review Blog is a part of SEO Basics- Search Engine Optimization Tips Blog and it is a blog created to review different products available online on the internet.
I was inspired by a lot of blogs online that make reviews of products on their blogs and wanted also to create that kind of blog.
I am Burim Bekteshi creator and owner of this blog and also some other blogs.
To read more about me please read about me page.


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|Rediff India Abroad Home | All the sections
US expert sought in Woolmer case
March 22, 2007 20:40 IST
Jamaican Police have sought the services of an American pathologist to help determine the cause of the mysterious death of Pakistan coach Bob Woolmer amidst speculation that he was strangled.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Mark Shields said that the pathologist would be asked to give his opinion after carrying out tests before any announcement on the nature of the death.
Police are treating the death of the 58-year-old Pakistan coach as "suspicious" but were not willing to confirm whether it was a case of homicide.
The police were also offering the governments of South Africa, England and Pakistan options of appointing liaison officers to monitor the progress of the probe into Woolmer's death.
Right through the day, investigators were busy searching Woolmer's room on the 12th floor of the Jamaica Pegasus hotel in a bid to unearth further clues.
According to media reports, police also reviewed the hotel's CCTV footage of activity in the corridors on floors occupied by guests, but did not release any information.
While a horde of journalists camped out in the lobby of the hotel, police officers made several trips between the ill-fated floor and the Alexander Bustamante suite on the ground floor. The search of the 12th floor room went on for most of Wednesday.
Chief investigating officer in the high-profile case, deputy superintendent Colin Pinnock, was tight-lipped and refused to answer any questions.
"I don't know when I can tell you anything," Pinnock told reporters.
Interestingly, this is the third mysterious death that has taken place inside the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in the last two years, following the murders of 23-year-old Air Jamaica flight attendant Wayne Brown, whose naked body was found with 10 stab wounds in January 2005.
An American national was also found murdered in the same hotel in December 2005.
The Cup: The Complete Coverage
Would you like to join the Cricket and Cricket Lovers Discussion Group and discuss your cricket views with other cricket freaks? Click here. Have fun!


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CollectiveSun CCO Lee Barken Interview on CrowdFundBeat
Posted: Thursday, January 30, 2014
CollectiveSun founder and Chief Community Officer Lee Barken was recently featured in an interview on the CrowdFundBeat website. You can watch the entirety of the interview here and learn a great deal about CollectiveSun, its mission and the benefits a partnership with CollectiveSun can deliver to nonprofits.
Lee's interview covers a broad array of topics, ranging from the tax benefits that CollectiveSun helps to provide nonprofits, to how a partnership with CollectiveSun can help grow the member base of nonprofits, and even how solar energy in nonprofits can help address some serious concerns surrounding the environment. Lee also explains the way that funding and investing with CollectiveSun works in a simple and concise manner.
If you have any interest in investing with CollectiveSun, or if you're simply curious about how exactly it all works, this great interview will shine some light on the mechanisms that allow CollectiveSun to provide so many excellent benefits for all kinds of nonprofits in our community.
One excellent and commonly asked question addressed in the interview is, "What can CollectiveSun do for nonprofits in places where it snows or isn't sunny all the time?" Lee addresses this concern by providing successful examples from around the world and provides some interesting insight into the growing solar economy abroad and at home.
Lee also discusses how CollectiveSun works closely with installers to guarantee that the solar installations are a custom fit for the needs of the nonprofit. CollectiveSun also provides excellent PR benefits for installers and can help to grow their client base utilizing exposure through the CollectiveSun partnership.
This thorough and informative interview is an excellent introduction to the mutually beneficial partnerships that make CollectiveSun so special.
- Collective Sun For Nonprofits
- New Solar Financing Model For Nonprofits Blows A Hole In Tariff Barrier
- Greenworks Lending And Collective Sun Simplify Nonprofit Solar Financing
- Renewable Energy Finance Specialists Greenworks Lending And Collective Sun™ Co Launch New Commercial Finance Product For Nonprofit Solar: Collective Pace™
- A Solar Game Changer For Nonprofits
- ►2013
- ►2014
- ►January
- In the News with CleanTechnica!
- Solar Power Aids in God's Work
- US Judge Gives Solar the Edge Over Gas
- East Chicago Nonprofit Weathers 5-Year Funding Drought
- Nonprofit Watsi Tries Innovative New Funding Approach
- Flailing Nonprofit Turns to Crowdfunding to Ease Financial Woes
- Competition Fuels Philanthropy and a Nonprofit's Message
- CollectiveSun in Forbes!
- Community Funding: An Introduction for Nonprofits
- CollectiveSun CCO Lee Barken Interview on CrowdFundBeat
- ►February
- ►March
- ►April
- ►May
- ►July
- ►August
- ►September
- ►October
- ►November
- ►December
- ►2015
- ►2016
- ►February
- ►March
- ►April
- ►May
- ►June
- ►October
- ►2017
- ►2018
- Engagement (16)
- Fundraising (11)
- Impact Investing (10)
- In The News (15)
- Nonprofit News (20)
- Solar Energy News (7)
- Solar Energy for Nonprofits (14)
- Updates (11)


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It has been too long since i last blogged but in my defence I was away for most of Jan celebrating my big 40 birthday.
Had to let you all know about a groovy tool that I received today in my order from Stampin' Up! it's soooooo fabulous, it cuts circles... from 1" to 6" including making rings :)
If you u-tube "stampin up circle scissors plus with Dawn" you will find a great tutorial on how to use it. I think it will be a huge success. I absolutely love it. After seeking out different size circle punches it just takes it to a new level - with larger sizes being achieved.
I will go back to the scrap table and finish off my soul scrapper's 1st challenge (Erika Martin's site) and then it's into creating a CIRCLE page full of circle-y fun xx
Bye for now - will post pics soon :) artsy fartsy mumma


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Anyone with an iPhone knows that the phone is an investment. After all, it is not a cheap phone and unfortunately despite gorilla glass like any smartphone they are susceptible to damage. For this reason, if you want to keep your iPhone safe you have to spend some time looking at the best iPhone 5 cases. Before spending hundreds of dollars on the upgrade, make sure you have your own upgraded case in hand to protect that investment.
The first thing that you need to look at when it comes to choosing an iPhone case is how durable it is. The temptation for plenty of people is to choose an iPhone case that is attractive, and there is nothing wrong with this. It is only natural that you want your iPhone 5 to continue to look sleek and trendy after you place a case on it, but you want to make sure that you are not choosing a case based on appearance alone. If it is not going to protect your phone then you are not any farther ahead.
Instead, you should start by searching for iPhone cases that are strong, durable, and shatter resistant. Once you narrow down your choices to a solid case there will be plenty of time left to pick out the most attractive case from this selection. Keep in mind that the stronger the case the less chance of any type of damage occurring.
You also need to think about the spacing on any iPhone case that you pick out. You want to pick out a case that has a slot or opening for the main power key, the charging slot, and of course your camera. While you might think these are standard issue, the cheaper knock-off companies will frequently try to sell customers general cases that are not actually made to be used with the iPhone. Don't be fooled.
If you find a case that has all of the above attributes and more then you will know that you are checking out some of the best iPhone 5 cases on the internet. By sticking to this selection you can rest assured that you will get the protection and the convenience that you should from your phone and case.


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About Harvey Paris and his Jewish Carving
Utilizing only a hand held knife, Paris carves pictures that tell stories on wooden and leather canvases that resonate with the Jewish soul. Whether as embellishments on ceremonial items (tzedakah boxes, challah boards, etc) or as pieces of art on their own, these carvings tell the eternal stories of the Jewish people in a modern expression.
Harvey's carvings have been featured in Chip Chats, the magazine of the National Wood Carvers Association. Please click on this link to read the article.
Please follow this link to learn more about Jewish chip carving and Harvey Paris, the artist.
Father Abraham
An Exploration of 3 Abrahamic Religions.
ISAIAH HAD A DREAM is a 2017 carving on a 30" circle of wood. As is implied by its name, it refers to the visions of peace of both the Prophit Isaiah in Israel and to Martin Luther King in America.
The Paris Carved Leather Scroll
Last year's visits to DIA Beacon and Mass MOCA started me thinking about installation art. I immediately saw the possibilities of carving scenes from the Book of Exodus as a leather scroll resembling the Torah.
Phase 1 –The Burning Bush and the Etzei Chaim Wooden Staves
Motifs - Right to left
Revelation at Mt. Sinai
Now Mount Sinai was all in smoke, for the Lord had come down upon it in fire. The smoke rose like the smoke of a kiln, and the whole mountain trembled violently. Exodus 19.
This 2 foot by 2 foot carving pushes my "modern phase" even further. Except for the border, which utilizes traditional chip carving technique, most of the remaining cuts (mountain, sky and tent coverings) were carved utilizing non-traditional techniques which I believe created interesting textures and cuts that I have not seen before in chip carvings.
Since seeing Jewish Paper Cuts honoring the deceased, I wanted to create a Memorial/Honorial carving. My first attempt is In Honor or In Memory of King Solomon.
Carving for a Cause - Newtown and Mental Health
Harvey removed 26 chips of wood from the inside of a plate and reinserted them onto the outside to create Newtown 26, 2012. This carving raised over $2500 for mental health services in Connecticut.
To date, he has donated over $6000 to support Jewish Family Service and its vital community programs.
Arons (Arks) and Bimahs (lecterns)
I have been blessed to be able to carve arons (Torah arks) for Congregation Tehillah in Riverdale, N.Y., Choate-Rosemary Hall in Wallingford, CT. and Wake Forest University in North Carolina. I also carved the matching Bimah (lectern) for Wake Forrest.
Ark Carved for Congregation Tehillah
Pomegranate Tree of Life Ark carved for Choate Rosemary Hall.
Photo courtesy of Choate Rosemary Hall.
Challah Board
Let My People Go
Shalom Plaque with Olives
Peace and Promise Grouping
Remembrance-Six Pieces.


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I hope you all are enjoying the little tastes of our upcoming Happiest Holiday release so far. I'm having a ball getting everything ready and am taking a bit of sneaky pleasure in stringing you along this week. Hehehe!
Now are you ready for something truly tempting? Today's stamp set is inspired by an activity from my childhood that I like to do with my kiddos each year.
Do these gingerbread cookies conjure the scent of spicy ginger, nutmeg, cinnamon, and cloves baking up perfectly in the oven ... the cheery sound of Walking in a Winter Wonderland playing on the stereo ... the giggle of little kids while they shake, shake, shake the sprinkles and colorful sugars onto their freshly frosted cookies — and then the PING! PING! PING! of the silver dragees as they bounce onto the floor, never to be seen or heard from again?
May we have a taste of your gingerbread treats, BLOOMIES?
Hope to see you all back here tomorrow — we've got ONE MORE DAY of sneaky peeks to share before we're ready to put everything up in the shop for you! Have a great one!


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Welcome to the Champlin Dayton Chiropractic Center new patient center!
We understand that arriving at a doctor's office for the first time can be nerve racking. Filling out paperwork, learning new faces and names, and getting to know your way around the office can be an overwhelming experience.
That is why Champlin Dayton Chiropractic Center aims to remove any stressors causing unnecessary tension and to make you feel comfortable. Here you will be able to take care of items necessary for your visit in the comfort of your own home,prior to arriving at the center.


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We are visiting Yosemite this summer and are unfortunately restricted to public transportation.
We have succesfully booked the service via Amtrak which will help us get TO Yosemite, but we cannot book online a ticket FROM Yosemite back (if your starting station isn't the main station, you MUST include a US mailing address to get the tickets sent by mail, which us being international customers kinda do not have). The closest place we can book the tickets from is Merced.
So my question is:
How hard it is to reach Merced from Yosemite? Which services offer this route and are they bookable online?
I thank you in advance. Cheers!


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Whether you're making the transition from another system, or just getting started with Online Searching, a variety of training options are available to help you learn the platform at your desk or in person.
Training tailored to your needs by one of our Education Consultants is available. Please contact us to arrange by either calling or completing the form on the right.
Clients, please log in to the Corsearch platform and select the green Training button on the left to view additional information regarding available training for your account.


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Yamaha RXA 1070 Receiver 7.2
This 7.2-channel AVENTAGE network AV receiver features Dolby Atmos® and DTS:X™ for surround sound realism. With the latest in HDMI® technologies, experience movies in stunning 4K Ultra HD and high dynamic range (HDR). In addition, Dolby Vision™ and Hybrid Log-Gamma compatibility provide incredible contrast, smooth tone and rich, bright colors. The free MusicCast app makes it easy to access your music library and streaming music services. Add audio in up to 9 additional rooms with MusicCast wireless speakers or other MusicCast devices. Connect wirelessly via Wi-Fi®, Bluetooth® and AirPlay® wireless connectivity. Additionally, a phono input for vinyl playback, advanced HDMI zone switching and Zone 2 control options provide added system versatility.
- The AVENTAGE Advantage: Designed to deliver the highest levels of audio performance through engineering
- Aluminum front panel with door, symmetrical amplifier layout, H-shaped cross frame
- 7.2-channel Dolby Atmos® and DTS:X™ (5.1.2-ch)
- 9 speaker terminals with Intelligent Amp Assign for Zone 2
- Add audio in up to 9 additional rooms with MusicCast
- 8-in, 2-out HDMI
- 4K Ultra HD pass-through with HDCP 2.2 support, HDR video including Dolby Vision and Hybrid Log-Gamma, and BT .2020
- Advanced HDMI zone switching (Zone 2)
- High-performance digital-to-analog conversion (ESS SABRE Premier Audio DAC ES9006A)
- Fully loaded with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirPlay, Spotify Connect, TIDAL, and Deezer music streaming service
- Stream Pandora®, Spotify, Napster®, SiriusXM Internet Radio and thousands of free internet radio stations
- DSD 2.8 MHz / 5.6 MHz, FLAC / WAV / AIFF 192 kHz / 24-bit, Apple® Lossless 96 kHz / 24-bit playback
- Phono input to connect to your favorite turntable
- Room acoustics optimization using YPAO™ - R.S.C., 64-bit precision EQ calculation and angle measurement
- Zone 2 control options


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Arin Andrews and Katie Hill look like your average teenage couple in the throes of summer love, but their journey has been anything but average. Arin, 17, and Katie, 19, have both undergone transgender reassignment surgeries and for the first time in their lives, say the've never been more comfortable together.
The couple met two years ago at a support group for transgender teenagers, and quickly grew inseparable. They were profiled by The Sun this week following Arin's surgery to remove his breasts:
"I hated my breasts. I always felt like they didn't belong. Now I finally feel comfortable in my own body. Now when I'm out in a public pool or lifting weights, no one raises an eyebrow. They just think I'm a guy. I can wear a tank top, which I couldn't before, and I can go swimming shirtless. I can just be a regular guy. And I'm so lucky to have my family and Katie to rely on."
Originally from Tulsa, OK, the teens say despite being bullied and having to change schools, their parents have been nothing but supportive. Their families, in turn, are grateful for Arin and Katie's relationship, saying it has helped both with transitioning.
"To me, Arin's just my Arin," said Katie. "He's always looked manly to me. But now he's had the surgery he's much more confident and comfortable with himself. Being transgender myself, I understand Arin better than anybody else — how good he feels and how complete he feels."
The couple says they plan to undergo more surgeries to complete their respective transitions, but for now, are content being the cutest sun-baked couple on the lake.
Get Queerty DailySubscribe to Queerty for a daily dose of #arinandrews #couple #katiehill stories and more
62 Comments
M2F + F2M – I guess it's the new heterosexuality.
Glad they're getting the help and support they need.
Triple S
Wow, the transformation is bloody flawless. I wonder if the genitalia part worked out…
cutest. couple. ever.
i love love love this story.
Red Meat
This is a heterosexual relationship which ever way you see it…
Charlie in Charge
Adorable is right, very happy for them.
Congratulations, first, or finding each other. My you be together and happy for a long time. As regards the reassignment surgery, may your transitions continue without hindrance of ANY kind. Mazel Tov!
Mr. E. Jones
I gotta say, when Is saw that pic I thought they were a biological born male and female couple. Then I read the story, and I'm like, damn!
Their doctors did an amazing job. That is one beautiful couple. Their faces are glowing. Someone asked if their genitalia part worked out. I don't think the doctors got to that yet. Usually when words like more surgeries to "complete " the transition, taking care of the genital part is what their referring to..And in many cases, that's the last part to go for the complete transformation.
Will L
They really do make a cute couple.
So and how does USA deal with their passports and later possible adoption etc?
I question this story. Being familiar with Oklahoma and it's extreme views and laws this is a court case waiting to happen. IF this is a true story (and it does appear that Katie is equipped as a male) then the laws in Oklahoma would throw her into prison in a heartbeat for having sex with an underage minor, regardless of gender, gender reassignment. Oklahoma is very harsh on this sort of thing. IF this is true than this couple is putting themselves in extreme danger.
Great for them!
@deepfriedpeas: First off, if I'm reading it correctly, they are "originally" from Oklahoma not currently from there. (Thank God!) Second, why do you assume they are having sex? Because they are transgender so everything must be about sex for them? I know plenty of couples their age who wait years to be intimate. Never assume you know the details. I'm sure that they and their families are VERY knowledgeable about the dangers they face. They would have to be just to survive in this bigoted, small-minded world.
Lovely story, and they are indeed the cutest couple ever. I'd totally be hitting on Arin if he wasn't already taken, and, you know, half my age.
@p-candotorg: IIRC you can get temporary passports in your new gender until you are able to get a permanent one in your new gender. I still have my old male passport that I eventually have to update. I don't know how adoption works out, but it's probably a huge grey area.
@Red Meat: It's not a heterosexual relationship at all, in fact during each transitiion the type of relationship would change and they've maintained their attraction. Arin is genitally still a girl but he identifies as a boy, while Katie is the opposite. So for them to be still attracted to each other at every step of the way during this process, they would both be bisexual or more likely pansexual since Katie liked Arin before and after his breasts were removed and each have genitals that are opposite of their assumed gender roles, so it's a straight, gay and lesbian relationship all at the same time. It's so complicated and really would only work if each felt the same way and truly understood what the other was going through, so it's remarkable that they found each, a perfect match and soul mate for the other. 🙂
@deepfriedpeas: The age of consent in Oklahoma is 16.
B Damion
As long as they are both happy then I am happy for them. Life doesn't smile down on everybody. Atleast they took the steps they needed to take to make them feel happy and complete.
BJ McFrisky
@Red Meat: Agreed. I've always wondered why the gay community includes transsexuals among us, when transsexuals will be the first to clarify that they are not gay, that they are heterosexuals trapped in the wrong body, and that they're totally attracted to the opposite sex. And yet somehow it's becomes a gay issue.
Deepfriedpeas, this most assuredly is true, and Katie and Arin are still from the Tulsa metro area. Tulsa World reporter Cary Aspinwall did an incredibly good series on "Becoming Katie" a couple of years ago and then followed up as Katie was transitioning. Katie and Arin have both had gender-reassignment surgery. http://www.tulsaworld.com/specialprojects/becomingkatie/
And they are indeed the cutest couple ever!
@BJ McFrisky: You do realize the site you are commenting on is called "Queerty"and not "Gay Man/Lesbian Ty"? I have not quite understood the vehemence of some trans-excluders on these various blogs. While it is true that some trans folks have tried to distance themselves from the gay community as part of their transition and identity-building, many do not. And it is hard to see how these two young folks (not much older than my son!) will be anything but "queer"after such a public disclosure. Generosity and open mindedness are always a better rule.
@BJ McFrisky: Except for there are A LOT of gay trans people. I am a straight trans woman, but so many of my trans women friends are lesbians and plenty of my trans men friends are gay.
@Brendan: There's nothing non-hetero about this. She's a (young) woman, he's a (young) man. Their genitals are really none of your business and don't change the fact that SHE'S A WOMAN and HE'S A MAN. This was true before they were able to transition and at every stage of their medical and social transitions. Just because they couldn't always present the truth of their gender and/or their bodies have not always strictly aligned with society's expectations of physical sex aligning with a particular gender doesn't mean they weren't already that gender.
If you have to be closeted at work, because you fear you'd be fired if you were openly gay, would that make you actually not gay? No, you're gay regardless of other people's assumptions or assignments of your sexuality. Same with gender. They don't suddenly become a man or a woman at the moment any particular surgery is concluded. They were a man or a woman before hand. The surgery just helps ease their dysphoria about the body mismatch.
@BJ McFrisky: Because plenty of trans people ARE gay and lesbian. In addition, much of the anti-gay sentiment comes from the transgression of expected GENDER roles (i.e., being unmanly, effeminate – or unladylike or masculine lesbians). Femme lesbians and butch and straight-acting gay men get much more of a pass from straight society and are at less risk of violence, generally speaking.
Thus, fighting for freedom of gender expression is the fight for gay liberation.
For the record, I am a pansexual trans woman. We do, actually, exist. 😛
@deepfriedpeas: Did they say they were having sex? Is that really any of your business? Why can't you just look at them as a couple who is lucky to have each other and be happy for them without having to throw something negative into the mix? I'm from Florida and the laws here don't matter unless the parents of the minor press charges..
BJ McFrisky
It just seems to me that the gay community is constantly inviting anyone with a sexual anomaly into our fold. How many more letters do we have to keep adding to LGBTQ etc etc? I fear one day there will be a P and an SL thrown in there for pedophiles and sheep lovers.
Sterling Ericsson
Um, you all? I'm pretty sure that this story is fake. As the article says, it was first reported by The Sun, which is about as credible as The National Enquirer or any other tabloid journalism like that.
Not to mention that if the supposed FTM boy in the picture used to be a girl, he certainly has a very, very prominent adam's apple, doesn't he? I didn't realize they surgically engorged those now. Oh, wait, because they don't.
I love this!!! You cant tell they were ever the opposite sex!!
@deepfriedpeas: Honey, the age of consent in OK is 16.
@BJ McFrisky …. "How many more letters do we have to keep adding"? How about until there aren't any more letters and we all are just seen as humans? You make it sound like you are special and have the right to be in some special club where others can't. Whether you like it or not we are all shunned by society to some extent and we need to stay together. It's not about how we identify, it's about how we love and how we are hated for it. And how are you helping your own cause by likening trans people to pedophiles and sheep lovers? That's the same stupid leaps the conservatives make about gay marriage….
Spread love not hate…
Dixie Rect
If they are a couple, then aren't they heterosexual? Why is this 'news' published on this website?
@Sterling Ericsson:
Ive a video about this couple on Youtube, it's real!
@Dixie Rect:
LGBT…T as in Trans….Geezzz
@Sterling Ericsson: The story is legit. The couple has been featured in several other articles in a variety of national and local news publications. Back in February, they were featured in an episode of 20/20, entitled "Crazy Stupid Love"
This article in the Huffington Post includes more info, as well as several other photos of both Arin and Katie: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/07/23/transgender-teenage-couple-arin-andrews-katie-hill_n_3639220.html
As for the "adam's apple", that means nothing. I'm a cis-woman who happens to have a fairly pronounced voicebox…and I'm not the only one! It's actually pretty common for women to have visible "apples", especially if they're of a slender build. Since testosterone can cause a thickening of the cartilage surrounding the larynx and may change the definition of muscle in the neck, it's absolutely possible for a trans-man to develop an "adam's apple" without it being "surgically engorged".
@eiram: Nothing in this article has implied that they've had sex.
@eiram: that last comment was not meant for you very sorry
@deepfriedpeas: Nothing in this article has implied they have had sex.
@BJ McFrisky: RE:
"Agreed. I've always wondered why the gay community includes transsexuals among us, when transsexuals will be the first to clarify that they are not gay, that they are heterosexuals trapped in the wrong body, and that they're totally attracted to the opposite sex. And yet somehow it's becomes a gay issue."
The gay community are not the LGBT community; the gay community is part of the LGBT community. And gender identity and sexuality are not the same thing.
Most of the trans people I've met and talked to about sexuality are basically bisexual &/or pansexual identified. I've also met lesbian identified transwomen and I know there are gay identified transmen.
However, even trans people who are only attracted to the opposite gender and ID as heterosexual are still subjected to homophobia by people who don't accept and respect their gender identity.
I think they are cutie-pa-tooties. I think it's great that they're families are supportive.And they have each other. Great love story.
@Brendan: Nah. Anatomy doesn't define gender. Women can have penises, men can have vaginas. And I don't think it's anyone's place to put labels on a relationship that they're not a part of.
Vermin Jerky
Why do I always spot the thing that makes me sad in a happy story?
"I can wear a tank top, which I couldn't before, and I can go swimming shirtless. I can just be a regular guy."
Am I the only one thinking it would be nice to be a "regular gal" and go swimming shirtless? We so often talk about becoming "colorblind" as a society; will we ever even aspire to being "genderblind"?
Then young people like them won't even be an issue. And neither will swimwear.
@BrinConvenient: Well said!
@BJ McFrisky: You're in a "fold" all by yourself, dear.
Very cute couple and I wish them all the best. Not to be snarky, but Katie looks a bit like Quagmire from Family Guy with a wig.
Things that follow phrases like 'Not to be snarky': Snarky comments.
Why exactly would you take it upon yourself to try to make such a lowlife asinine comment?
Quagmire is a fictional character, a creep. Why would you say that?
I'm sure you're God's gift to the world, too, huh?
Not that I believe that a person's merits should ever be based on their looks, but to insult them in such a way is ridiculous.
I hope they truly continue to be close, because I'm positively happy about this.
Kate LBT
Gregm, why would ANYBODY say such a thing??? That's a horrible thing to say, especially about a woman. Gay men really can be the worst misogynists in the world because people let them get away with making those kinds of comments.
@BJ McFrisky: A lot of trans* people are not straight. Though even those of us who are straight still go through the same kind of issues and some to more to an extreme. I am a straight transwoman and I identify as queer. We are part of your community and excluding us makes you hypercritical on your quest for equality.
Eh, just an observation. On a second look…still think she does, but I'm happy about their relationship too.
Although I believe the story is true, I believe the picture was taken prior to any transitioning and that they are actually male and female as they appear in the picture. I base this on the following. The female's mouth is much bigger than the male's mouth. She has a female mouth and he has a male mouth. The same is true for other features of their faces. (male facial characteristics VS female facial characteristics) Nothing was said in the story about either having Facial Feminization or Masculinization Surgery and it would have been necessary for them to appear so perfectly appearing in the picture shown in the article. If they had such surgery, but it was not reported, it would have taken a Looong time for their faces to heal and become normal again, longer than the article implies they have been in transition. Also the male has "man hands" and the female has "girl hands". Hormones do not change bone structure. I think someone just picked a photograph that was available of the two and that was great looking for the article, even though it was not representative of what they actually were. How many times have you seen pictures of celebrities that have been reversed (for example) to show their "good side". Frank Sinatra's pictures, for example, were notorious for that. I still think it is a great story and very encouraging for all who are Trans and are in transition or want or need to be.
@Beenthere123: Instead of stereotyping trans people and coming up with a crackpot theory based on a photograph and your know-it-all prejudices why don't you just watch some videos of Arin Andrews and Katie Hill?
I mean they're on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g35kGQGwwM8
@GeriHew: I believe you have done me an injustice in accusing me of being prejudiced. (I assume you mean I am prejudiced against them) If I am prejudiced at all, which I don't believe I am, it would be IN their favor and FOR them. Why do you think my username is 'Beenthere"? I have seen the videos and yes they are cute and adorable and believable. But, the videos are current, that is they show them as they are NOW. I believe the picture in the story was taken before they transitioned. It certainly is a great picture and that is what newspapers and news stories want – Great Pictures. I gave you some examples of how publicity photos are altered to present the person in the best way.
And yes, I do know about facial features and such. If you would like to do some research on the subject, I recommend the book "Facial Feminization Surgery" by Dr. C. Osterhout, who has been an originator and a foremost surgeon in the field of plastic surgery for many years. I never said I did not think their story was true, but perhaps you missed that. BTW, in what way did you think I stereotyped them? I actually did not stereotype them.
BTW I understood that the rules say to avoid personal attacks on brother or sister bloggers. I think that your comment on "crackpot theory" and "know-it-all prejudice" would qualify as an attack. But,I hold no grudge and only seek to impart some knowledge to you that you may not have been aware of.
Just for the record, my original comment was to counter all those who implied the story was not true, based on the picture in the original article. I know the story is true and that picture should not be used by persons who wish to discredit the story, based on that picture.
Last comment (today): I re-read my original comment and I think it is actually very PRO Trans people. I don't understand how @GeriHew came to the conclusion that it was negative of the couple. Some people just like to rant, I guess.
Jessie R
They're young enough that hormones can still change all of those traits a lot more readily than in someone who has already gone through a complete puberty matching their sex. Hormones **do** change bone structure and other 'permanent' traits if started before or early enough into first puberty. That's why it's imperative that trans children be allowed to go through the puberty matching their gender, because if they do, they'll look just like any other member of that gender, and the only thing they'll have to change is their genitals if they so desire.
NB: The picture of the couple that was on this page has disappeared fro some reason, however it can be seen via a link fro the article: "The couple says they plan to undergo more surgeries to complete their respective transitions, but for now, are content being the cutest sun-baked couple on the lake."
pic is here:
You said in your first post: "I believe the picture was taken prior to any transitioning and that they are actually male and female as they appear in the picture. I base this on the following. The female's mouth is much bigger than the male's mouth. She has a female mouth and he has a male mouth. The same is true for other features of their faces." etc,
And your meaning is clear – i.e. that the guy in the picture is really the m2f and the girl is really the f2m. This is what they looked like before they transitioned.
Well that is not the case. And you need to acknowledge that what you said was wrong.
I believe that you were basically stereotyping trans people by implying that you can always tell from certain "tell tale" physical characteristics which cannot be changed.
I am not trans. I do know and have known quite a few trans people and I can say from personal experience that some "pass" totally and other do not.
To No. 58 · GeriHew. Our discussion or "argument" is silly since we both BELIEVE the story is true. (I (and you)would only KNOW it to be true if we met them in person) We are arguing over a minor point. However, I AM trans and there were more characteristics that indicated who was who in the original picture than I listed and they are both old enough to have developed characteristics (too many to ignore) of their born gender. I do not believe I was wrong and I have substantial knowledge and pictorial evidence to back me up, whereas you have only your admitted lack of knowledge and experience and your opinion to back you up. However, I will admit I may be wrong when they (Katie and Arin) and the photographer, who took the picture, tell us. My opinion on the original picture was and is my opinion. You can stick with yours but the conflict is a tempest in a teapot. We should be speaking out against those who are discriminating against TRANS persons and not waste our energy on pointless arguments. (Unless, of course, that is what YOU want to do.)
@Beenthere123: Huh?
As I already told you, you can see the happy couple on YouTube in several videos.
You can watch this can't you?
And listen to what Arin and Katie say can't you?
If you can, then I repeat you need to acknowledge that what you said was wrong.
No. 60 · GeriHew: et al: It has been pointed out to me by someone I know (and trust) that I was wrong in my previous assertion.
Thank you Beenthere123.
No hard feelings 🙂
Comments are closed.


text:
A day planned by the UC Merced Cellular and Biomolecular Machines Center brought about 75 Merced schoolchildren to the campus on Tuesday to see laboratories, practice hands-on science and even make ice cream by using liquid nitrogen.
Researchers at UC Merced last year won a $5 million grant from the National Science Foundation to study how biological matter such as proteins or cells come together to perform specific tasks, which led to the establishment of the center.
The research is funded over five years through the NSF's Centers of Research Excellence in Science and Technology program.
The center also works with local schoolchildren, high-schoolers and Merced College students to give them an opportunity to study at UC Merced, according to Carrie Kouadio, the center's executive director.
Sign Up and Save
Get six months of free digital access to the Merced Sun-Star


text:
Cuisinart's Metal Classic Toaster has a smooth brushed stainless housing with polished chrome and black accents. Its custom controls let you defrost and toast bagels and bread, four at a time just the way you want them!
Color: Silver
Manufacturer: Cuisinart
Material: Plastic and metal
Removable crumb tray: Slide out crumb tray
Timer: No
Defrost feature: Yes
Adjustable temperature: No
Toast darkness control: Yes
Bagel setting: Yes
Slice capacity: 4
Safe-to-touch exterior: No
Auto shut-off: No
Cord storage: Cord wrap
Weight: 7 lbs


text:
Making Their Mark
Destined for Greatness
The MDC Sharks baseball team has had a stellar season, winning the state championship and heading to the Junior College World Series for the first time since 2001. This recent achievement highlights MDC's long-standing tradition of developing outstanding players and coaches.
Recently the College Baseball Hall of Fame announced that six new members will be inducted June 28 in Lubbock, Texas – and two of them were stars at Miami Dade College.
Headlining the list of this year's inductees are former MDC pitcher Alex Fernández and former MDC coach Demie Mainieri.
While pitching for MDC in 1990, Fernández won the Golden Spikes award, given to the nation's top player. He was the first junior college player in history to win the award. In June of that year, he was the fourth player selected in the Major League Baseball draft. Two months later – at age 20 – he was in the big leagues, capping an amazing year that started at MDC.
Exceptional Training
Fernández said he had a great experience playing for MDC under Coach Charlie Greene.
"He was awesome," said Fernández, who went on to pitch for 10 years in the majors, helping the Marlins win the 1997 World Series.
Setting Records
Mainieri was a head coach at MDC's North Campus for 30 years, starting in 1960. He became the first junior college coach to win 1,000 games and had more than 100 of his players drafted by the pros. Of those, 30 made it to the major leagues. His 1964 team won a national championship, and four other of his teams finished in the top three.
Mainieri, 85, finished his career with 1,012 wins and was inducted into the National Junior College Hall of Fame in 1983. He was also inducted in January into the American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA) Hall of Fame, joining his son, Paul, who is the head coach at Louisiana State University. They are the first father-son combo to make the ABCA Hall of Fame.
"Demie is a competitive, fiery guy who cared about his players," said Danny Price, MDC's current coach. "He always got the best out of them."


text:
See my image and others on the Summer of Color 5 Flicker page:
This year, instead of giving us three specific colors, Kristin is giving us two basic colors and we are supposed to choose our own shades of those.
For Week 4, we are supposed to choose two shades of red and one metallic.
If you post your images to a blog or to Flickr I can see them. (If you posted to Facebook, sorry, but I don't have a Facebook account.)
|"Angles 6"
(Artist Trading Card, 3.5" X 2.5" without the border)
One paper is a glittery craft paper made by Crayola ---which can be put through a printer to add color, but is a silverly sparkly paper without added color. It is no longer available, but I still have several full sheets and a lot of small scraps which are perfect for ATCs.
When I scanned my image, that paper turned blue on my scans, so I added a color layer over it in Photoshop using my first red shade . It now looks white with pink and red outlines of the glitter. The actual piece would appear to be different from this scan ---with the silver paper, paint, and markers more apparent.


text:
Great Lakes Annual "Afternoon Tee"
Meet us on the green!
Heels & Helmets
Great Lakes Annual "Afternoon Tee"
Grab a friend and join us for a fun day learning golf! You keep hearing that deals are made on the golf course. So, take a golf lesson and network with other women business leaders and entrepreneurs. Whether you are new to golf or just need to improve your swing, come join us on the green at Thousand Oaks Golf Club, West Michigan's finest year-round golf facility.
Saturday, September 15, 2012
10:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Thousand Oaks Golf Club
4100 Thousand Oaks Dr.
Grand Rapids, MI 4952
10:00 am Welcome
10:30 am Golf lessons with PGA pro Raquel Bryant
Noon Lunch
12:30 pm Keynote Marketing & Branding
Shavannia Williams, Founder & President, Heels & Helmets
1:00 pm Wrap-up and Network
$75 per person ($60 Early bird through August 19)
Register at: http://glgolftee2012.eventbrite.com/
Select Beginner, Intermediate or Advanced lessons.
Beginner- never played before or only had a few experiences with golf
Intermediate- understand basics of how to hold the club, stand, and swing, had 10 of more golf experiences
Advanced- feels comfortable playing 9 or 18 holes, had 20 or more golf experiences
For more information and group discounts contact:


text:
Jack Lynch's Grammar and Style Notes
Problems with grammar? Check it out
Purdue On-line Writing Lab
Need to know what punctuation to use where? Great site!
Elements of Style by William Strunk
Great grammar site
Bluebook of Grammar and Punctuation
Worth reviewing
Big Dog's Grammar
On line Grammar from a dog?
Create a bibliography and citation on-line
Index for Guide to Grammar and Writing and Principles of Composition
I'm really not into English grammar, but this site is definitely cool
Citation Builder
Another good citation builder from North Carolina State University
Principles of Composition
How to be an expert writer
A Basic Guide to Writing an Essay
Good information on essay writing


text:
JB Bruzulier Signs World Cup Joker Deal
Young Worcester halfback JB Bruzulier has signed a two month World Cup joker contract with French powerhouse Clermont.
After Clermont got in contact last week, JB jumped at the opportunity to join the Top14 giants with the blessing of Warriors DOR Dean Ryan. For JB this is an opportunity to gain valuable game time during a world cup year and come back to Worcester with the added experience of Top14 rugby.
Speaking on the deal, Bruzulier said "This is a huge opportunity for me and after spending two years playing in France previously it will be great to get back there…hopefully my French isn't to rusty. Clermont is one of the biggest clubs in world rugby so hopefully what i can pick up there will help when i get back to the Warriors in a couple of months."


text:
2011-02-16 / Events & Calendar
Free marketing seminar for business
What's the secret to making money in these tough economic times? Christ Covenant Church is sponsoring a free marketing seminar for local businesses, Tues., Feb. 22, 7:30 p.m. at the church Fellowship Hall, 67 Scudder Ave., Copiague. The event is by The Book Business Solutions with Tony Aguilar. For more information, call 631-594-1377.
You must be an online subscriber to view this story.


text:
Happy Fourth to all of you who don't work from home, so you actually get things like weekends and holidays. Lucky ducks. At least I get to work from my air-conditioned home today. Tomorrow it's back to the unair-conditioned job site.
I haven't gotten a chance to get around to any of my slush today. It piles over my head. Well, that's an exageration, but I got a large amount of slush last week, all of which appears to be picture books. I have reconciled myself to the picture books, but if you want to read me having a mental break down over them, go to my other blog. I kind of snapped. I've decided to use that site for all my negativity, and this site for positive and instructional musings. And what did I learn from all those picture books? That people don't read guidelines. Please, please, read a press or agen'ts submission guidelines before sending a manuscript. If a press (like Blooming Tree) specifically says not to send picture books, don't waste your postage sending picture books to them. By rights, I should just reject all of them out of hand, but I won't. I'll look through them. But I can guarantee my mood won't be real good. It's a dangerous condition.
So have a wonderful holiday. In a bit, I'm off to see the fireworks, and I don't mean the ones I experienced when I discovered how many picture book in my slush. I'm going to the big park and watching the pretty lights in the sky. See, I can take a break too.
May be excerpted and duplicated for educational purposes.


text:
Cisco TelePresence IX5000 Series Immersive Solutions
|Exam Number
|Associated Certifications
|Cisco TelePresence Solutions Specialist
Cisco TelePresence Video Master Authorized Technology Provider Program (ATP)
|60 minutes (45-55 questions)
|Available Languages
|Pearson VUE
|Exam Policies
|Read current policies and requirements
|Exam Tutorial
|Review type of exam questions
This exam is designed to provide students with a strong understanding of the installation, configuration, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of the Cisco IX5000 and IX5200 systems. The Cisco IX5000 exam assessment topics include features and options, physical installation, configuration, operations, maintenance, upgrades, and troubleshooting.
The following course is the recommended training for this exam:
- Cisco TelePresence IX5000 Series Immersive Solutions (IX5K)
Cisco Partners can access Sales Connect for access to a variety of training content to help them prepare for this exam.
A variety of Cisco Press titles may be available for this exam. These titles can be purchased through the Cisco Marketplace Bookstore, directly from Cisco Press.


text:
|Morning traffic in Cluj
We spent the night at the same hotel we'd been to before. Located in a rather run-down, former industrial area, it is a surprise to the visitor as it's really quite classy, but very reasonably priced. I've spent more on nights at youth hostels in Ireland and Finland and those were several years ago! We were met by a male, Spanish-speaking receptionist, who didn't smile much but gave us coffee on the house - which made up for the lack of warmth. It felt good to be back and good to be familiar with Cluj.
In any event, the train left on time. We found our compartment easily and it was great to be travelling on a Romanian train again. This time a young woman joined us with her handicapped son. I was very touched by her caring concern for him. I say she was young because she must have been, but she carried the care and responsibility in her face. As with our last visit, it was very hot - well over thirty degrees - but we couldn't open the window in the compartment. Several people joined us along the way. They all tried to open it, but it wouldn't budge and we became increasingly damp and probably not very savoury to sit near. Mother and son absconded to another carriage where it seemed to be cooler. Better for him, so better for her.
|Passengers cross the tracks to get off the train
|Leaning out of the carriage is the norm
|Hay stacks for winter feed
|The start of lovely scenery
Every station we passed had its own uniformed attendant standing out front. Men and women getting off the train had to walk over the tracks to the station, which seems to be the norm. I just loved the whole experience. But the heat. It didn't let up. And no one, not even the conductor, could open the window. Eventually, two strong and very determined young men managed to force it open. We were all very relieved, but even so, the carriage doors were left ajar. Passengers smoked at stops and then as the train moved on hung out of the doorways as they'd done on our trip to Timisoara. I know, I know. It was totally unsafe, but somehow, it added to the feeling of adventure.
|A smartly dressed station master standing to attention
|A family transports their pickings from the forest
At one stop, a family of six climbed aboard with several huge buckets full of berries, both blueberries and red currants. One of the sons who could speak a little English told me they'd picked them in the forests and were taking them home to make jams and other preserves. At another stop, a man boarded carrying a huge bag full of mushrooms. He told us he'd picked them in the woods and was taking them to sell at the market. We figured that these people may have had free train passes as the distances were great and if they'd had to pay, it wouldn't have been worth it for them.
|Leaving the door ajar even while the train is moving
|Our very friendly conductor on both trips!
|Iasi down town
|The very fine station at Iasi - I loved it!
|A host of golden daffodils - oh no, big yellow taxis...
We spent the evening people watching in the town square. Iasi is no Cluj or Timisoara, but its atmosphere is lively and very pleasant. There was a young couple playing with their dog and lots of children running around having fun. The kids seemed very free and uncomplicated. Fun meant playing hide and seek or just chasing each other, not having toys and mobile or electronic devices. Young people sat on benches talking, content with each other rather than their phones.
The next morning was very hot again. Well up in the mid thirties. We found our way to the bus station and on the way, I looked at daytime Iasi. It is not beautiful but it has a certain appeal. The centre is a bit modern and bland, but being hilly with plenty of trees, it looks attractive. At the bus station, we asked about transport to Chisinau in Moldova, our next stop. A driver told us it would be in an hour, so we went to sit in the large, cool waiting room. But then ten minutes later, he came to find us again. There was apparently another bus leaving shortly. We marvelled at the kindness of his gesture.
|People enjoying life on the streets
|City of Trees
|Locals relaxing in the afternoon sun
|Many trees are painted at the bottom. I liked these stripy ones!
And indeed, the following days, while interesting and vivid with great encounters, would prove me right. And maybe her too, but for different reasons!
To be continued...


text: You maybe have seen me wear this dress before for work but obviously this time, I've styled the dress a lot different. Thailand is the perfect place to bring a long maxi to throw on. I love how versatile this dress is just by how I can tie the halter. And lemmie tell ya, this thing is so comfy it should be illegal; the last thing you wanna be on vacation is uncomfortable. But even with comfort, I still felt like a goddess wearing it - especially next to these amazing turquoise waters!


text:
A Gwaii Haanas Paddling Adventure
One of the highlights of the past couple of years, was an 8-day Gwaii Haanas kayaking adventure with Green Coast Kayaking. Green Coast Kayaking (formerly Gabriola Cycle and Kayak) has offered inspiriational paddling tours in Gwaii Haanas since 1989
Charting the course Leigh McAdam / Hike Bike Travel
Upon enquiring, I was reassured that kayaking experience was not necessary. I had a hard time believing that, however the lure of Gwaii Haanas was too much and I registered.
Our group of 9 consisted of people from across Canada all with varying degrees of kayaking experience. We were met by Moresby Explorers (transportation providers to Gwaii Haanas) at the Alliford Bay ferry terminal (near Sandspit, Moresby Island). The 4 hour zodiac ride in itself, was packed full of scenic inspiration preparing us for the kayaking trip ahead. Admittedly, the ride was chilly and we needed all the warm layers recommended.
Transportation to Gwaii Haanas Leigh McAdam / Hike Bike Travel
We arrived at Rose Harbour, an abandoned whaling station with time to paddle around Kunghit Island to our first campsite - thick carpets of moss beckoning the weary travellers.
Kunghit Island Campsite Haida Gwaii Tourism
Each person brings supplies for a breakfast, lunch and supper to share with the group. This is something that differentiates the Green Coast Kayaking tours from others, making them affordable to the budget-wise. Our meals were amazing and ingredients ranged from fresh vegetable salads to mouth watering candied salmon and variations of wraps and fillings to gourmet pasta and rice dishes – mmmm!
Our days were guided by the tides and currents and we began the paddle to SGaang Gwaay (aka Ninstints) at 8:30 the next morning. We were all looking forward to the journey into the ancient world of standing totem poles and moss-covered foundations of longhouses from another time. The knowledgeable guides from the Haida Watchmen program toured us around the village site providing stories and explanations which seemed to bring this ancient village to life before our eyes.
Ninstints Village Site Haida Gwaii Tourism
The 4 hours spent at SGaang Gwaay passed too quickly and by late afternoon we found ourselves making the crossing to our next campsite at the Gordon Islands.
Gordon Islands Haida Gwaii Tourism
The next day we explored the main island which overlooked SGaang Gwaay.
We paddled south, circumnavigating the Gordon Islands and were fascinated with the 'boomers' (surf pounding against rocks). No sooner had we rounded the southern end of the islands than we were greeted by two Humpback whales 'sounding' (breaking the surface). So close was the encounter that one of them swam under the kayaks, creating a noticeable swell - an amazing experience!
Exploring the Gordon Islands Bernice Tong
After a leisurely lunch on the beach, we began to paddle back to Rose Harbour and our campsite for the night. Our guide accompanied us to a 'secret' location in the nearby rainforest at which a moss-covered, abandoned ancient Haida canoe awaited us. Could the sights and sounds of this tour get any better? The day ended with a magnificent dinner hosted by Susan Wier, known far and wide for her meals for guests of the Rose Harbour Guesthouse.
Abandoned ancient Haida canoe Haida Gwaii Tourism
Wondering if this 8 day Gwaii Haanas wilderness experience might be for you? Envision yourself paddling through rich, healthy kelp forests, watching jelly fish floating peacefully beside your kayak, experiencing marine life such as whales and sea lions, and paddling through the magical Burnaby Narrows.
Things I learned on this most amazing adventure:
- Kayaking experience is not necessary with guides like ours to coach you along (and double you on the kayak)
- With the right stroke, one can paddle long distances comfortably (I even dreamed about that stroke)
- There is an art to getting in and out of the kayak (I really appreciated Dominic understanding my wordless plea that he was to grab my camera as I was going under after an incorrect exit - great reaction time Dominic!)
- Teamwork develops into a sense of family
Simple pleasures such as a rock throwing contest Leigh McAdam / Hike Bike Travel
I'm already planning for the next Gwaii Haanas or west coast trip with Green Coast Kayaking – I just can't decide which one I should choose! Any sugggestions?
Taking a break and basking in the sun Haida Gwaii Tourism
* Note: Bryce Klee is the new owner/operator of Green Coast Kayaking. Find out more about Bryce in Green Coast Kayaking's Love Haida Gwaii profile