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Diaochan | |
| |
Force(s): | Han Dong Zhuo's Forces Lu Bu's Forces |
Age: | 19
Height: | 168 cm (5'6")
Weapon Type: | Dual chuí (1~5) Chain whip (6~8) |
4th Weapon: | Gold Globe/Diva (3~5)
Dragon Bone (WO3) |
5th Weapon: | |
Playable Debut: | Dynasty Warriors |
| |
Real name: | Diāochán
Chinese name: | 貂蟬 - 貂蝉
Born: | ?
Died: | ?
Possibly fictional. Scholars reason she was born sometime around 161 to 169 while Dynasty Warriors 6 lists her birthdate as 176. | |
| |
Force: | |
Stage: | |
Mystic Weapon: | Mystic Dragonbone
Character Type: | |
Personal Item: | Lu Bu's Comb
Diaochan (onyomi: Chōsen) is Dong Zhuo and Lu Bu's lover in Romance of the Three Kingdoms. She is one of Wang Yun's dancing servants who used her beauty and charms to turn both of her lovers against one another. Due to the open nature of her origin, she can either be seen as a malicious or loving character.
In the Dynasty Warriors series, her romantic ties for Dong Zhuo are discarded often in favor for her role as Lu Bu's lover. Gamecity's Dynasty Warriors 7 character popularity poll has her at fourteenth place; she was the fifth most popular character with fans in the Dynasty Warriors 8: Xtreme Legends poll. In Famitsu's character survey, she placed tenth in the girlfriend category. The latest poll for the eighth installment puts her in twenty-eighth. This counterpart shares a character duet with Lu Bu called REASON TO FIGHT.
Her Kessen II counterpart's height is 165 cm (5'5"). Her voice actor is a thespian and television celebrity. She is one of the many celebrated actors who performed for the title.
Before 2012, Koei titles separated the Chinese characters for her character's name and called her "Diao Chan". Her given name is now properly localized in the games.
Role in GamesEdit
- "Some flowers are too dangerous to touch."
- ~~Hideyoshi; Warriors Orochi
Dynasty WarriorsEdit
Diao Chan is a dancing maiden who wants to destroy Dong Zhuo, usually on request by her adopted father Wang Yun. She does so by infiltrating Dong Zhuo's army as a normal mistress and fights to gain the tyrant's trust. She also appeals to Lu Bu, using his feelings for her to antagonize Dong Zhuo. In their related Musou Modes, she joins Lu Bu's revolt. During other characters' scenarios, she either dies fighting against the Allied Forces at Hu Lao Gate or the army opposing Lu Bu at Xia Pi.
Her only appearance in Dynasty Warriors 2 is at Hu Lao Gate where she accompanies Dong Zhuo into battle, generally dying in the battle. Should players fail to ensure her survival while fighting under Dong Zhuo's banner, Lu Bu will immediately blame the tyrant for her death and turn against him.
Diao Chan's role in Dynasty Warriors 3 remains similar to the last title and she will always die at Hu Lao Gate, unless she is ignored by the player. However, she may defect in Dong Zhuo's version of Hu Lao Gate if the coalition gains the upper hand. She is also seen dancing and singing the game's image song during Shu's ending scene and may appear in one of Wu's versions as well.
In her story in Dynasty Warriors 3: Xtreme Legends, Diao Chan constantly flatters Lu Bu while they fight together in Dong Zhuo's army. Her performance in the battles against Cao Cao and Sun Ce earns Dong Zhuo's trust, and he allows her to accompany Lu Bu to conquer Shu on Dong Zhuo's behalf. Diao Chan convinces him to betray Dong Zhuo after they succeed, and their armies clash at Chi Bi. Lu Bu and Diao Chan are victorious and Dong Zhuo is slain. Afterwards, Diao Chan convinces the "politically inept" Lu Bu to support the Han Dynasty and the Han are restored. Diao Chan then attempts to leave Lu Bu, but her way is blocked by Lu Bu's officers and the remnants of the Three Kingdoms. Lu Bu corners her and refuses to let her leave. To leave the political arena for good, she defeats him to live peacefully by herself. In the other story modes, she generally has a minor role in Yuan Shao's, only appearing at Hu Lao. In Dong Zhuo's she fights in a few of his battles and later is slain by him at Chi Bi, alongside Lu Bu. She has a similar role in Lu Bu's story, except that she lives and fights with him. In Zhu Rong's story, she is one of the characters humiliated by the Nanman pair. Along with her lover and the remaining couples, they stage an attack on Zhu Rong's army at He Fei Castle, but are all slain by the Nanman King and Queen.
In Dynasty Warriors 4, her role varies depending on which kingdom the player selects. Choosing Lu Bu's scenario causes her to convince him into revolting against his master. However, she remains with Dong Zhuo from beginning to end if his scenario is chosen instead. It's unknown if her loyalty to him in this path is sincere or not. In Shu's story mode, she only appears at Hu Lao Gate where she will always die. While in Wu's story mode she appears in both Hu Lao Gate and a Wu's Tale stage called The Imperial Seal, she normally dies in the latter battle. She has a larger role in Wei's Story Mode, appearing at Hu Lao and Xia Pi, in which she usually meets her end at Xia Pi, however she also appears at Wei's Tale Stage Lu Bu's Offensive, where either she or/and Gao Shun need to be defeated in order to carry out the fire attack. If you skipped Xia Pi, she will die at Lu Bu's Offensive.
Dynasty Warriors 4: Xtreme Legends details her version of Dong Zhuo's death. Diao Chan faithfully sticks to Wang Yun's plot to use Lu Bu to kill Dong Zhuo, yet the warrior doesn't move against Dong Zhuo. As the tyrant's reign of terror prolongs itself, she decides to carry out her father's will by herself and sneaks into Dong Zhuo's room within the capital. She may choose to avoid the patrol guards so as to not fight Lu Bu. When she completes her mission, Dong Zhuo expresses his disbelief that she has been targeting him since the start. Diao Chan reasons that his death is needed to start a new age and leaves. She continues to fight through Dong Zhuo's remaining officers to escape from the castle.
Dynasty Warriors 5 has Diao Chan assist the front at Si Shui Gate, reluctant with her role in her father's plot. As she draws closer to Lu Bu, she becomes infatuated with him and fears for his safety at Hu Lao Gate. When she tells him that she chooses to stand by his side, she confesses Wang Yun's plot to Lu Bu and the couple kill Dong Zhuo together. Although her role is finished, she devotes herself to her love and follows him where ever he goes. They are hunted down as rebels and Cao Cao and Liu Bei attack Lu Bu when he finally gains a land for himself at Xia Pi. While Lu Bu's forces were able to prevail, their leader exhausts himself and dies. Diao Chan, left with no will to fight, gives no heed to the land's ensuing chaos.
She shares her Legend Mode in the Xtreme Legends expansion with Lu Bu and Zhang Liao. The trio work together to surround Puyang Castle and create a land of their own. They join forces with the Wei defector, Chen Gong. After the battle, Diao Chan laments being ostracized by the surrounding regional lords. Even so, she pines to spend more time beside Lu Bu.
In Dynasty Warriors 6, she has already carried out her father's plot to destroy Dong Zhuo. While her father's dying wish was for her to live her own life, Diao Chan promises to keep using Lu Bu's strength to restore the Han Dynasty. Once Lu Bu steals Xia Pi, she acts as a damsel in distress to manipulate Lu Bu into action. His army attacks Sun Jian for the Imperial Seal and defeat the indignant Liu Bei at Jing Province. Cao Cao retaliates against Lu Bu and the army runs away from him until Han Zhong. They rout the conqueror and are granted a moment's peace. Chen Gong, who isn't fooled by Diao Chan's lies, asks her real desires and what it has to do with Lu Bu's wishes, which has her ponder her feelings for him. During their following conflicts with Cao Cao, Diao Chan begins to realize Lu Bu's genuine care for her and begins to feel guilty about her scheme. When Lu Bu hints that he has known the truth about her since Dong Zhuo's death, she is surprised yet touched, truly thanking him for his efforts. Cao Cao falls at Xu Chang and the Han Dynasty is restored to its former power. Diao Chan and Lu Bu detach themselves from political affairs and live their lives together in peace.
In Dynasty Warriors 7 Diao Chan is hardly seen in the story modes of the three kingdoms. She fights the coalition army at Hu Lao Gate, but after Dong Zhuo is murdered, she wanders the land with Lu Bu and later aids Liu Bei and Gongsun Zan's forces in the Battle of Xu Province. Later, Diao Chan fights the armies of Liu Bei and Cao Cao in the Battle of Xiapi, but she is not mentioned in any story mode after that. It is presumed that she dies alongside Lu Bu.
Her three Legendary Battles roughly follow her general role in the series. Her first one has her act on her father's wishes to personally assassinate Dong Zhuo in the capital. Diao Chan's secondary Legendary Battle has her star in the defense of Xiapi, defending her lover from Liu Bei and Cao Cao's armies. Cao Cao states her duty to kill Dong Zhuo has long been achieved and asks how long she intends to keep up her farce to Lu Bu. Diao Chan has no idea how long she intends to follow Lu Bu, but she implies her feelings for her lover may be genuine. A beauty contest held between her and other maidens in the game acts as her last Legendary Battle. She defeats various beauties -including Zhang He- to prove her charms to be unmatched throughout the land.
The Xtreme Legends expansion adds a Hero Scenario dedicated to her. It is a detailed version of Dong Zhuo's assassination, in which she tries to convince other generals to defect. When her plan for stealth fails, it turns into massacre in the capital. Together with Lu Bu, the couple succeed in slaying the tyrant.
Dynasty Warriors Next has her enact Wang Yun's plot to destroy Dong Zhuo. She is encountered again as an enemy of Cao Cao's forces during the Battle of Xiapi. Despite her best efforts, she fails to defend the main camp from Xiahou Yuan and is forced to leave the battlefield. Following her lover throughout his scenario, Diaochan grieves over the continued conflict which motivates Lu Bu to end the fighting for her sake. His rampaging causes more suffering across the land, forcing Wang Yun to band the other warlords against him. Out of obligation for her father, she leaves Lu Bu's side and declares her intent to have him die for the chaos to end. She surrenders to Lu Bu after her father's defeat and they both mutually confess their affections for one another. The couple resumes their journey throughout the land in an effort to stop the scourge of war for good.
Dynasty Warriors 8 has Diaochan aid the worn out Cao Cao in his plight from Dong Zhuo by leading him to an escape route outside Luoyang. She is seen later on participating in the battles at Hulao Gate and Xiapi as an enemy. For her personal scenario in Story Mode, she and Wang Yun are pursued by Dong Zhuo who caught wind of their plot. Making their way through various foes and obstacles, they reach Lu Bu in time and successfully turn him against his master. With his aid, the three of them manage to repel Zhang Liao before exterminating Dong Zhuo.
In the Xtreme Legends expansion title, Diaochan plays a small but pivotal role in the first half of Lu Bu's Story Mode. After helping Dong Zhuo's army move the Emperor to Chang'an, she persuades Lu Bu to eliminate the tyrant for her father's sake. Once the deed is done, their army is forced to leave the capital due to enemy reinforcements led by Jia Xu. With her role over, Diaochan retires from the battlefield and does not appear in the historical route. Should the player have Wang Yun hide during the revolt, Diaochan will find him alive and promise to return to Lu Bu's side.
In the hypothetical route, Diaochan actively participates in Lu Bu's campaigns while showing concern over his dissatisfaction towards the Emperor. She proves instrumental in cementing her lover's alliance with Liu Bei in time for their attack against Cao Cao at Xu Province. She also appears in the final battle at Chang'an, and is happy to see Lu Bu's decision to become emperor without killing Emperor Xian.
Warriors OrochiEdit
In Warriors Orochi, Diao Chan originally followed Lu Bu into the Serpent King's service, but is disturbed by the cruelty of the Orochi Army and the effect that it has on Lu Bu. She eventually joins the Coalition against Orochi, causing Lu Bu to disown her. In the Japanese script, he merely says he looks forward to meeting her again.
She loyally follows her lover in the sequel and joins his side when he declares his independence. She shares her dream stage with Motochika and Zhang He as the three artistic warriors punish Da Ji for ruining the picture-perfect scenery. When Lu Bu appears on the field to aid the vixen, she chastises him for blindly following orders and convinces him to defect from the serpent forces.
During the original timeline of Warriors Orochi 3, Diaochan was Lu Bu's faithful companion in his travels throughout the dimensional realm. Upon watching her lover be defeated by Nezha after the two chanced upon an engagement between the Wei forces and Da Ji, she attempted to flee, but was cornered and subsequently killed. Her death is averted by the coalition when they travel to the past to chain boats together to form new passage for her in a changed timeline. After returning to Tong Gate again, the makeshift bridge is enough to encourage her speedy and safe escape after Lu Bu's withdrawal. Grateful for saving her life, she eagerly accompanies them in their quest to change the future. In the battle at Osaka Castle, she asks Lu Bu to join her if the two of them meet.
Throughout the downloadable stages she appears in, Diaochan accompanies Lu Bu, rarely being without him. In "Dong Zhuo's Ambition", they help their lord in creating a paradise of beautiful women. In "Lu Bu's Revenge", Diaochan helps her lover in defeating Nezha.
One of the new scenarios in Ultimate has Diaochan cooperate with Ayane and Nemea in driving off the demonic troops at Yan Province. Their efforts help them earn the trust of Ayane's half-sister Kasumi. Diaochan also participates in one of the Coalition's skirmishes against Kyubi alongside Zhou Yu and Sanzang.
Romance of the Three KingdomsEdit
Romance of the Three Kingdoms III refers to her as Chou Sen. At her father's behest, she will join the player if they conquer Chang'an during the former's twilight years. Her high charisma makes her an excellent choice for recruiting new officers.
Diao Chan acts as the narrator for both the Shu and Wei stories in Kessen II. She is a simple dancer and Liu Bei's compassionate lover. The infant Han emperor entrusted her with the Imperial Seal and asked her to find a worthy man to possess it. She kept its location a secret, but Himiko sensed that she had it thus leading Cao Cao to stage a rebellion against Liu Bei. She is kidnapped by him and is constantly interrogated to reveal the hidden treasure. She communicates with her lover through a crystal orb whenever she can.
As she stays with Cao Cao, Diao Chan begins to sympathize with him and realizes that he wasn't the cruel tyrant she originally thought. Midway through the game, Cao Cao's troops leak a false rumor regarding her death with the hopes of demoralizing Liu Bei. The ploy didn't last long as Zhuge Liang tells his lord that she is still alive.
During the later part of Wei's story, she eventually offers to tell Cao Cao the Imperial Seal's location. Cao Cao, who has a change of heart by this time, states he no longer needs it. In Shu's ending, she is happily reunited with Liu Bei and reveals that Cao Cao died due to the wounds he sustained in battle. Liu Bei is declared missing after his defeat in Wei's ending, so Diao Chan respectfully leaves Cao Cao to search for him. She finds him in the game's epilogue, and the lovers are content to leisurely sail on a boat.
Character InformationEdit
Diaochan is an elegant and patient woman who displays her cunning with her charms. Normally a kind and benevolent individual, she painfully conceals her true feelings for her father's scheme. She does not enjoy violence yet finds that battle is inevitable in the times she lives in. A talented dancer and singer, she equates each encounter she fights as a dance. Her English counterpart is slightly stronger willed than her Japanese counterpart, who speaks in a dainty, graceful and overtly feminine dialect.
Her sincerity towards Lu Bu changes in each title. In certain titles, she seems only to be manipulating him to better serve her goals. However, many titles and scenarios depict that she truly loves him and is genuinely devoted to him. She addresses her lover as "Lord Lu Bu" in the English script and "Lord Fèngxiān" in the Asian script. Like Zhenji, her sexually suggestive phrases for Lu Bu are often cut in the English script. She despises Dong Zhuo, which she emphasizes in every appearance. While she sides with Dong Zhuo and Lu Bu, she ultimately stays true to her own set of beliefs as she manipulates the men to do her bidding. In the Warriors Orochi series, she shares an affinity with Oichi and Nene during the first game while befriending Okuni, Sanzang, and Kasumi in the later sequels.
Character SymbolismEdit
In the Japanese version of Dynasty Warriors 4: Empires, Diao Chan is given the nickname of "The Fatal Lady" while the English version changes it to "The Dancer who Toppled Kingdoms". As a dominant ruler in Dynasty Warriors 5: Empires, she calls her five greatest warriors the "Five Warriors of Grace".
Her second weapon in older titles is named after the hibiscus, or specifically the Confederate Rose. Its characteristic trait is its changing color as it blooms. When it's morning, the flower is white and it gradually turns scarlet by nightfall. According to legend, Hou Zhu of the Later Shu kingdom was surrounded by the flower at the castle he was within. Touched by the sight, he praised the flowers to match the charm and beauty of several thousand maidens. Today, the flower is the emblem of Chengdu and is famous for having fields of them when in season. Within the flower language, the flower means forbidden love or a delicate beauty.
Diao Chan's outfit in Dynasty Warriors 6 is decorated with a peony native to China, the Chinese peony. It is seen as a national flower and often paired with another native tree peony. An idiom for a beautiful maiden includes these flowers: "If standing, she is a Chinese peony; if sitting, she is a tree peony; and when she walks, she is like a lily." In the flower language, it means bashfulness or shyness. When pressed, it can also mean a growing sense of attrition or spite. Her outfit also has a butterfly adornment, which is related to a pun more commonly associated with Zhang He in the series.
Her weapons in the sixth title are originally named after romantic and pristine images. They are moon incense (Standard), a rainbow drop (Skill), and flower tears (Strength). Her skill chart has two hearts, likely a reference with her relationship with Lu Bu.
Diao Chan's personal item in Warriors Orochi is Lu Bu's headdress. Made out of gold and precious pearls, the headdress was a gift from Wang Yun who used it to curry favor with Lu Bu and have him meet Diao Chan. It also gave away his presence to the maiden when she stayed with Dong Zhuo, allowing her to feign tears on cue to stir the warrior's emotions.
Voice ActorsEdit
- Lynn Harris - Dynasty Warriors 2 (English)
- Melodee Spevack - Dynasty Warriors 4 (English-uncredited)
- Carrie Savage - Dynasty Warriors 5~8, Warriors Orochi series; first and second games only (English-uncredited)
- Wendee Lee - Kessen II (English-uncredited)
- Beate Pfeiffer - Dynasty Warriors 3 (German-uncredited)
- Chen Xiaoyue - Dynasty Warriors 3 (Chinese)
- Bae Jeong-mi - Dynasty Warriors 2 (Korean)
- Jeong Hyeong Yeong - Dynasty Warriors 3 (Korean)
- Choi Deok Hui - Dynasty Warriors 4 (Korean)
- Kim Seon Hye - Dynasty Warriors 5 (Korean)
- Rika Komatsu - Dynasty Warriors series, Warriors Orochi series, Sangokushi 12 (Japanese)
- Emiri Nakayama - Kessen II (Japanese); also the model for character and actor for Diao Chan's live action sequences
- Maria Kawamura - Romance of the Three Kingdoms drama CD series
- Rie Suegara - Romance of the Three Kingdoms 13 (Japanese)
- Ayana Taketatsu - Sangokushi Legion
Live Action PerformersEdit
- See also: Diaochan/Quotes
- "I will serve under you always and forever... my love, Lord Lu Bu."
- "Rest now... My beloved."
- "There is only one man I wish to stand by... and it is you, not Lord Dong Zhuo!"
- "For me to receive this rank... From hereafter I shall continue dancing to comfort everyone's body and soul with all my best."
- "Such a fine woman to be wasted on such a beast!"
- "My lord Lu Bu is more than you'll ever be!"
- ~~Cao Cao and Diao Chan; Dynasty Warriors 5
- "Diao Chan, will you dance for me tonight?"
- "Your wish is my command. What sort of dance would you desire?"
- "Hmm... I'll leave that to you. Any dance will be fine, as long as it's you."
- ~~Lu Bu and Diao Chan; Dynasty Warriors 7
- "Diaochan, I'm sorry. I know I always ask a lot of you."
- "No, I don't find it any trouble at all. I want to repay you for the kindness you have shown me, Father."
- "If that is so, then let me see you be happy. You could think about finding a nice man to settle down with..."
- "Hehehe... Father, getting married would only cause me more trouble."
- ~~Wang Yun and Diaochan; Dynasty Warriors 8
- "I'm not sure how to say this, but... Your outfit is really sexy. I don't think it would suit me at all."
- "Oh, I wouldn't say that. You have a very cute charm all of your own."
- "Being sexy is all about making men's heads spin, though, right? I don't really understand that stuff yet."
- "It's more than that. Being loved, and having special people. That's another type of sexiness. You have a lot of friends, and Master Zhou Yu treasures you deeply. You should have more confidence."
- "Hehe, it's nice to hear that! Thank you! You're also one of my friends!"
- "I'm one of them too? Thank you for saying that. I will treasure you too."
- ~~Xiaoqiao and Diaochan; Dynasty Warriors: Godseekers
- "Your dance has beauty, but it is faithless, and it only brings dishonor to the battlefield."
- "Honor, faith... These words mean nothing in this world of turmoil..."
- ~~Kanetsugu and Diao Chan; Warriors Orochi
- "Beautiful. Much too lovely a flower for the battlefield."
- "Compared to you, I am but a plain, poor girl..."
- ~~Nu Wa and Diao Chan; Warriors Orochi 2
- "Lady Sanzang, please listen. My dancing is impure. I think..."
- "Diaochan, there is sadness in your movements, but that can soothe the human heart."
- "Lady Sanzang, you must be all-knowing. Maybe I can learn to appreciate my dancing somewhat."
- ~~Diaochan and Sanzang; Warriors Orochi 3
- "Lady Kasumi, is something troubling you? From time to time, I can see it in your face."
- "There is somebody that I wish were dead. That's what I was thinking about."
- "Oh, I see... Hehe... I know exactly what you mean."
- ~~Diaochan and Kasumi; Warriors Orochi 3 Ultimate
- "I am sorry to disturb you my lord, but I am afraid. I feel that I will never see you again once you leave the castle."
- "You do not have to worry, for I am invincible. I will not be defeated by the likes of Cao Cao. I have always come back to you after a battle, have I not?"
- ~~Diao Chan and Lu Bu; Romance of the Three Kingdoms VIII
- See also: Diaochan/Movesets
Keys: | Normal Attack • | Charge Attack • | Musou • | Jump/Mount |
Dynasty Warriors 7Edit
Diao Chan is affiliated with nine sectioned whip in this appearance. When she is equipped with it, she can perform a unique attack exclusive to her. Upon performing her Musou techniques, she will automatically use the weapon in her attacks.
- EX Attack: , , , , : Spins in place declaring her battle cry causing an attack and speed buff to temporarily increase speed and attack for a short time.
- Musou - Silver Lotus (銀蓮): : Performs a "prancing" dance while surrounded by a pink flower pedal aura, hitting enemies as she dances. Classified as a Multi-strike Musou in Next and used in Warriors Orochi 3.
- Alternate Musou - Lunar Dance (月李): R1 + : Performs a spinning dance in place, hitting enemies with the same flowery aura as she spins. The animation used for this move varies in each version of the game.
- Dynasty Warriors Next
- Speed Musou - Whirlwind: Tap both sides of screen: Draws in enemies by twirling weapon in an upright position to create a pink-tinted whirlwind. Following the attack's movements causes the whirlwind to grow larger and release flower petals.
- Warriors Orochi 3
- , : Spins around while descending, sending nearby enemies up into the air.
- R1: Quickly swings whip to perform an aerial dance that devastates the enemy within landing range.
- , R1 (Ultimate only): Hangs unto whip while spinning around kicking at the enemy sideways multiple times.
Dynasty Warriors 8Edit
Diaochan keeps the same moveset from the previous title with the following additions.
- EX Attack 2 (Xtreme Legends only): , , : Performs two radial strikes and a slide attack while covered in numerous petals.
- Aerial Musou - Blossoming Flower (木花相): , : Gracefully lands on top of an enemy. If it successfully connects, she will perform three somersault kicks in a row.
- Awakening Musou: Encircles flaming weapon in a vertical fashion slowly. Ends the attack with a pirouette kick that sends off electric surges followed by a shockwave-generating flip kick. The extension picks up the speed by having her hop around spinning with whip in hand before including additional hits.
- See also: Diaochan/Weapons
Dynasty Warriors 8Edit
Diaochan still uses the chain whip as her default weapon in this title.
Historical InformationEdit
Diaochan is a woman who may not have existed in history as her name is not listed in official historical records. While records suggests that Lu Bu did have relations with one of Dong Zhuo's maids, no mentions of her name are found anywhere. Nevertheless, she is known as one of the Four Beauties of Ancient China, who was said to be so luminously lovely that the moon itself would shy away in embarrassment when compared to her face.
Chinese FictionEdit
Her name and backstory can be found in Romance of Three Kingdoms. In the text, she appears as a sixteen-year old songstress of unparalleled beauty taken in at an unspecified time during her childhood by Wang Yun, one of the high-ranking ministers in the Han court. Wang Yun, despondent after Dong Zhuo had a minister's head brought in on a red platter during a banquet, walked to-and-fro at his home at night, weeping. There he hears the crying of Diaochan, who herself was grieving over her caretaker's depression caused by the tyranny of Dong Zhuo. She expressed how she would rather die ten thousand times before declining an opportunity to serve him. Wang Yun, after observing her visage quickly formulated a plan, and prostrating before her presented his Double Snare plot, which was to catch the hearts of Dong Zhuo and Lu Bu and pit them against the other.
Diaochan hurriedly accepted the offer. Shortly after, Wang Yun introduced the fair maiden to his target's adopted son, Lu Bu, who was instantly charmed by her graceful demeanor. Wang Yun promised her to the stricken youth but, only a few days later, he gave her to Dong Zhuo as his concubine at a banquet. Diaochan's beauty enraptured the chancellor so much that official work was left alone for a month. Diaochan stayed with Dong Zhuo, and on more than one occasion acted helpless in front of Lu Bu while his adoptive father was not watching. At the same time, Dong Zhuo grew suspicious of his son harboring feelings for the maiden, causing their relation to worsen. Tensions between the two came to a head when Dong Zhuo chased off Lu Bu for embracing Diaochan outside the palace garden. Diaochan cleverely secured the tyrant's trust by making it seem as if Lu Bu was harassing her and protested at the idea of being sent to him as a peace offering. Pleased with her answer, the two of them set out for the city of Meiwo. Despite advice from Li Ru, who was foreseeing what might have happened should the wedging bonds continue, Dong Zhuo would not let her go. Eventually, Lu Bu would betray his father and kill him in another trap set by Wang Yun.
After this event, Diaochan reunited with Lu Bu and became one of his wives. She stayed with him during their time moving from place to place until his execution at Xiapi five years later. She is no longer mentioned in the novel at this point, though some adaptations of the story have her die alongside Lu Bu.
Various folktales of Diaochan mostly describe her fate after Lu Bu's death. In one story, she is given to Guan Yu as an offering by Cao Cao to gain his loyalty. Another tale has Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei arguing over her. Both stories end with Guan Yu killing Diaochan to prevent her from causing anymore discord between men.
The Yuan Dynasty opera Lianhuan Ji (連環計) portrays Diaochan as the daughter of one Ren Ang (任昂) from the village of Mu'er in Xinzhou. Her real name being Ren Hongchang (任紅昌), she became a handmaid within the Han court and handled the sable cicada headresses worn by high-ranking officials. This role is depicted as the origin of her current name. She was originally given to Ding Yuan who then handed her over to Lu Bu as his wife. When the two of them were separated during the Yellow Turban Rebellion, Diaochan was taken in by Wang Yun who discovered her ties with Lu Bu and reunited them both. When her husband died at Xiapi, she was introduced to Guan Yu by Zhang Fei only to be decapitated by the former.
A different folktale has Diaochan be spared by Guan Yu before becoming a nun. Unfortunately, she commits suicide after hearing of Cao Cao's intention of making her his concubine. In another tale, however, the three sworn brothers escort Diaochan back to her alleged hometown of Muzhi Village (once known as Mu'er) where she lived for the remainder of her days.


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The diversified manufacturer and finance company saw revenue rise 4.3 percent during the quarter to $3.5 billion. Manufacturing revenue alone totaled $3.48 billion, a 4.6 percent increase over the $3.33 billion in manufacturing revenue reported for the fourth quarter of 2012.
Profits increased year over year in all but one of Textron's corporate segments during the three months ended Dec. 28, improving upon Textron's performance in the third quarter, when all but two segments saw falling profits. The Cessna segment reported profit of $33 million, 43.5 percent greater than segment profit of $23 million during the same quarter last year. Bell Helicopter's segment profit rose 0.6 percent to $178 million from $177 million in the fourth quarter of 2012.
The Textron Systems segment saw profit rise 11.1 percent during the fourth quarter to $40 million from $36 million in the 2012 fourth quarter. Textron's Industrial segment profit rose to $54 million in the fourth quarter, 25.6 percent greater than the $43 million during the same period last year.
The only segment that did not report an increase in profit for the fourth quarter was the company's financial segment, which saw its profit remain flat in the fourth quarter at $2 million.
For the entire year of 2013, Textron saw its bottom line fall 15.4 percent to $498 million, or $1.75 per diluted share, from $589 million, or $2 per diluted share, for 2012. The company reported a slight revenue decline of 1.1 percent from $12.2 billion during 2012 to $12.1 billion during 2013.
"Overall, we had a good fourth quarter to close out the year, with revenue growth at Cessna, Bell and Industrial and solid cash generation across all of our businesses," said Scott C. Donnelly, Textron chairman and CEO. "2013 was an important year with significant new product introductions and investments for future growth of our businesses. Our 2014 outlook reflects the benefits of those efforts, and we will continue to make investments necessary to support ongoing growth and create long-term shareholder value."
Textron has forecast 2014 revenue of approximately $13.2 billion, representing a 9 percent increase over 2013 revenue. Earnings per share from continuing operations in 2014 are expected to be in the range of $2 to $2.20, according to a company release. Cash flow from continuing operations of the manufacturing group before pension contributions is estimated to be between $600 million and $700 million, and expected pension contributions are roughly $80 million.
These projections do not include the impact of Textron's planned acquisition of Wichita, Kan.-based planemaker Beechcraft Corp. for $1.4 billion, which is expected to close in the first half of this year.
A company spokesperson was not immediately available to say whether the 2014 projections included the impact of Textron's new Textron Simulation & Training Systems unit. In November, when Textron announced the formation of the unit within the Textron Systems segment, total annual revenue for the new business was estimated at more than $100 million.
Tuesday, March 21
Thursday, March 23
Wednesday, March 22


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Shouldn't be a problem with Flip's offensive ingenuity. That's why Joe D brought him in here - to deal with the new, free-wheeling NBA.
The funny thing about this game LP was that Flip had played everyone dressed halfway through the 2nd qtr.. Unfortunately, when the zoo crew was in there, the sixers stretched their lead out to 12 points before the starters came back in and brought it back down to 6 before the half.
Was looking at the box. Is Flip trying to kill Prince before the playoffs?? He played almost 40 min again. Why does Flip resort to the thinking that if the bench players behind them suck, play the starters more. We have AA and Hermann. Try a different player. Flip is reverting right before the playoffs. We spent time developing Amir/Stuck/Afflalo and now we're just going to scrap it even though it was working beautifully ? Also Theo had -15; worst on the team.
Did the zoo crew consist of Dixon in AA's spot b/c that would make the difference ? I was going to skip the game, but i think i might watch and FF a little. I can complain about the rotations more accurately then LOL.
Fabio was in a suit tonight. Flip did bring in AA to try to cool down AI and I thought it worked. But then he brought in Dixon to replace AA, which I couldn't understand.
Some of those three ball attempts were way behind the arc too and not really necessary. He was 7-11 from inside the arc (although one was a long 2) not sure why he abandoned it??? He didn't even get to the FT line...I guess Reggie Evans beard or Samuel Dalenberts hair scared him out of the paint.
Disappointing. I think that about sums this game up for me. Very little energy, even from the bench. AA should definitely play over Dixon. His D can really help, particularly in games when Rip decides he won't play any. Sheed's not 100%, obviously. Chauncey made some really questionable decisions down the stretch, and though Tay was pretty good, Dice's play down the stretch left a lot to be desired, despite having had a pretty decent game up to that point. Amir was real tentative in his short stint; he got called for 2 quick ones, and Flip pulled him right away. The Rattler had some nice blocks, but it wasn't the best game for him either.
As bad as this all seems, we were 2 missed FT's from winning the game. There was no intensity by the team...maybe because they think they have the 2nd seed wrapped up and all is needed now is to test the rotations vs the bottomfeeders. The Sixers are trying to secure a spot so their energy was more than ours. The good thing is that even though the hot Magic won, we are still 5 games ahead of them and they are still 4.5 ahead of the Cavs to set up the potential second round Cavs-Celtics matchup.
You may be right, Dre. They might be just expending enough energy to keep that No. 2 spot. If that's the case, I can see why HQ didn't want to watch 'em tonight. Frankly, I have no problem with this strategy of keeping the No. 2 seed. I just want to see some improvement in the meantime. I tell ya, though, I think the defense will be real good come playoff-time. We have the personnel now to make defensive adjustments when needed. I'm just worried about the O, and this team's propensity to hoist the long ball when the going gets tough. Flip preaches ball movement. I want to see some ball movement within 15 feet of the hoop, not 23 feet.
meaningless game. we didn't show philly much and didn't need to. played 12 guys with 9:37 to go in the 2nd. we tried everyone for a little bit and saw what they brought - dixon had a poor night trying to create too much and turning it over. i thought stuckey played great for the 3rd game in a row. ratliff was a big fat -15 but i didn't think he did too bad. dice had impressive stats but really hurt us in this one. the missed FTs early, combined with the blown dunk late, were crucial. another time he got the ball taken away from him off a FT by a GUARD, and philly was the ones shooting the FTs! he also had numerous balls fly off his hands.
Dice is still playing to many minutes...we have Max, Theo and Amir and they got a total of 28 minutes compared to his 33.5 mins. You think those legs are tired now, just think what they will be like in May.... and Jon Hammond says that he will start for the rest of the season...
Experiment game for the coach so won't hold him to it. Plus/minus stats are way overdone. Theo's block showed what he is capable of giving us. Wait and see...Theo's role will be crucial to us winning deep into the playoffs...
Forgot the link: PISTONS: Philadelphia 83, Pistons 82 Sheed was playing fairly well, but he is still injured. Looks like Flip already knows people are gonna ask about Amir. No one's gonna see me ask why Theo hasn't played, though.
Still had fun, even though we lost. Darn nice seats. Dyess could not hit an outside shot, not even within a foot of it going in. He could not hit a free throw to save his life. It took him the whole first quarter just to warm up. Hey, Flip, maybe you are overplaying the guy. But still, Dyess helped us tonight, because he went inside over and over and ended up drawing quite a few fouls. If others had done the same, this would have been a win. Another coaching loss. By choosing to let Dixon play. By choosing to use Theo as the first big off the bench. Nope, we don't have to get these guys ready to play for the playoffs. We need to get Stuckey, Afflalo, JMAX, and Amir ready for the playoffs. I asked several people, and sorry Dixon, you are a nice guy, but as a basketball player, every Piston fan I talked to anyway was making fun of you. Nobody appreciated anything you did on the basketball court tonight. Afflalo got into the game for just 3 minutes. Guarding Philly's star, Iguadala. We did not get any further behind with him in. Maybe one hoop. Then Dixon got the rest of the backup minutes to Rip. Pretty horrible stuff. He fumbles the ball more than he manages to dribble it. He can't even begin to stay in front of anyone. And as everyone noticed, he way too short. But hey, he is a vet, so Flip don't care about any of the above. Hayes made a couple of nice plays. Rip got very little rest in the 2nd half, and of course gave us the corresponding production in the 4th quarter. Very little. Missing 2 free throws when he came back in with too little rest should have been Flip's first clue that he is clueless. Afflalo should have come in for Dixon. Sure, it would have shown up a vet. A vet that just got on the team. A vet who has not earned a single minute of playing time. Theo had the one block. Probably a goal tend. Still impressive. But his total lack of anything on the offensvie end for us was almost shocking. No inside presence from him at all. No shots taken. Nothing. No posting up. Nothing. Maxiell barely got to warm up. Amir neither. Stuckey did not do much. Got enough playing time. The one thing Flip consistently is doing right. Billups had a so so game. Drew some fouls. Sheed shot outside too much. Played way too much on a bum ankle. They took him out after 6 minutes, and us fans thought he would play sparingly in this one. But injured or not, he is vet. And since young full of energy guys can't possibly be let to play for this team, Sheed had to of course log major minutes, bum ankle of not. The knee brace is off though. (I am guessing that is because Sheed thought he would just be playing light minutes. Tay did some impressive work here and there going to the basket. No outside shot though. What do you expect with the minutes he has played of late? The highlight of the night was a major dunk by Maxiell. We were right near that hoop too. Good view of it. More of that would be nice. Maybe they can let Maxiell warmup at least in the next game before they put tired, old, injured vets back in. I predicted exactly how this game would go before it started. Exactly what rotation Flip would use. Exactly what excuse he would use after the loss. Being right though is hardly anything that makes me happy. A win would have made me happy. The Pistons getting ready for the playoffs would make me happy. What I saw tonight just makes me sad. Bottom line, will Flip Saunders keep playing this rotation, as we lose game after game from here on out? And lose in the first round. Just to spite everyone who keeps telling him to play our youngsters? Will Dumars stand for it? Here is a hint for you Joe. Whether you fire Flip now or at the end of the season, it will cost the organization no more money either way. An interim coach, like Porter, can take us the rest of the way. The difference: You can win a championship with Porter. Vs. a first round exit coming up with Flip. Your choice Dumars. And if you are forbidded from your management to make the change, resign. I am sure a lot of teams could really use an excellent GM.
I've watched a lot of Juan Dixon play when he was with the Raptors this year and he's a rally killer and just pretty worthless in so many ways. Flip loves his veterans and he's probably a typical coach in that way because the young-uns make mistakes. The only thing is late in the season your rookies are much more steady and battle tested. Aaron Affalo isn't really a rookie he's got 4 years of college under his belt and he played for UCLA which is one of the best pro finishing schools in the country. The Pistons are sitting pretty in 2nd place and why is Flip so hung up on playing his vets until they drop or get injured? Now's the time to get everyone healthy and let the younger legs get some prime time and show they are important pieces in the championship puzzle. Not liking that Theo Ratliff is heading to the spot of first big off the bench. That honor should go to Maxiell or Amir Johnson and Ratliff should be a situational player only. I would only play him 8-10 minutes in spurts. Is Lindsey going to be activated at some point before the playoffs or is he going to end his career wearing a nice suit?
Lee, your hopes, that AA, AJ etc, etc should be ready for PO-s are merely wisful thinking. Developing is not a deadline process and it cannot be somehow hurried. Why? Because everyone would use it instead of talking like this draftee is a three year prospect.
I had a feeling this was coming. The starters plus Stuckey, AA, Jarvis, Max, and Amir was a great group. Now that Flip has 2 more vets he seems fine with ruining a good thing just to play the vets. When will Joe learn that he can't give Flip options and expect him to make the right decisions on who to play when and where. To be honest, I think we are easily a better team with Flip Murray and Primoz on the Inactive list than we are with Dixon and Ratliff in the rotation. Dixon is just terrible. He's a veteran who makes more bad decisions than both of our rookies combined. Ratliff is decent for what he is, but the team is better with Amir on the floor, and that is who he's taking minutes from. Amir was forced to take the hard way and bust his ass every minute before he even got a sliver of opportunity. Now, Ratliff comes in off the streets and is immediately handed his minutes. So much for the "earn your minutes" company line. The fact that we have 5 quality bigs on this team (6 if you count Walter), and Flip still can't get Dice below 30 minutes is mind blowing to me. It really is. Flip's got to find some twisted satisfaction with the fact that his teams consistently flameout in the playoffs, yet he manages to keep his job.
Define ready. Its irrelevant. They are already better than playing guys like Hayes, Dixon, and, Theo. Much better. And they are much better options than playing Dyess beyond the 18 to 20 minutes he is capable of.
The game wasn't that bad- except for the usuals; Sheed taking too many 3s, Tay playing way too much, AJ and AA hardly playing at all and Mc Dyess refusing to do anything inside. The last play was terrible, CB wasn't even trying to force a foul- also, Tay and RIP were uncovered right beside him and he refused to make that damn pass. He turned Mr Bighead once more.


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At Petplan we've made it very easy to find the right dog insurance policy. We offer two types of cover packed with extensive benefits. The first is our lifetime cover option, providing the peace of mind for ongoing cover, right into the old age of your pet. The second is our time-limited 12 month policy. Read on to find out more.
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Covered For Life®
Covered For Life®Our Covered For Life® policies offer and are designed for pet owners concerned about their pet developing a long-term, chronic or recurring illness such as arthritis or eczema. |
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Veterinary Fees
Veterinary FeesCover to help pay for the cost of veterinary treatment following an illness or injury. |
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£4,000 or £7,000 per year |
£12,000 per year |
Treatment Complementary TreatmentComplementary Treatment covers acupuncture and homeopathy when carried out by a vet, herbal medicine when prescribed by a member of a veterinary practice, and chiropractic manipulation, hydrotherapy and osteopathy when recommended by a vet and carried out by a member of a veterinary practice or one of our accepted associations. |
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Inquest into fatal Surrey shooting complete
The RCMP should review some of its procedures regarding junior officers and those in training, a coroner's jury has recommended.
The suggestions came last week following a three-day inquest into the death of Surrey's Kenneth Keith Baines nearly two years ago.
Baines, 46, was shot by an undercover Surrey RCMP officer in July 2009.
Police were investigating an unrelated crime when they spotted a brown 1992 Honda Accord that had been reported stolen that day. When officers tried to stop the car and arrest the driver, the suspect tried to flee by ramming a police car with his vehicle. The officer who shot Baines had two years experience.
A total of eight recommendations were made – six for the RCMP, one for the B.C. Ambulance Service and one for the B.C. Minister of Health.
Three of the six directed to the RCMP involved junior or training officers, such as reviewing procedures about self-assessment in volatile situations to ensure they're thinking clearly. It was also suggested procedures about junior officers communicating with lead officers before using lethal force be reviewed, and that the RCMP provide additional training for new officers "with specific attention to improving skills in reacting to dangerous situations."
The jury also recommended the B.C. Ambulance Service look at "staging procedures" with RCMP for a quicker response time and that the B.C. Minister of Health make more facilities available for rehabilitation of addicts.


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'NCIS' reruns beat other networks' new shows in ratings
CBS was again the most-watched network last week, with even reruns of "NCIS" and "NCIS: Los Angeles" drawing more viewers than all the programming on the rival networks except for Wednesday's "American Idol" episode.
CBS averaged 8.62 million viewers for its prime-time programming March 11-17 for its ninth first-place finish in the past 10 weeks, according to live-plus-same-day figures released by Nielsen Tuesday.
Fox was second, averaging 5.97 million viewers, followed by ABC, which averaged 5.82 million, and NBC, which averaged 3.78 million.
The CBS comedy "The Big Bang Theory" was the week's most-watched program, averaging 15.9 million viewers, the only program to average more than 15 million viewers.
The CBS crime drama "Person of Interest" was second, averaging 14.34 million, the only other program to top more than 14 million.
The Wednesday edition of Fox's "American Idol," was third, averaging 13.44 million and a rerun of "NCIS" fourth, averaging 13.18 million. A rerun of "NCIS: Los Angeles" was sixth, averaging 11.95 million.
The season finale of ABC's "The Bachelor" was 11th for the week, averaging 10.42 million, 12.89 percent more than the 9.23 million average for last season's finale, which ran opposite the NBC singing competition "The Voice."
"The Bachelor: After the Final Rose" which followed was 12th, averaging 10.81 million, a 9.52 percent increase from last season's 9.87 million average.
For the third consecutive week, Fox was first among viewers ages 18-49, the group it, ABC and NBC target and advertisers covet because it watches less television and is harder to reach.
"The Big Bang Theory," the Wednesday "American Idol" episode, "The Bachelor: After the Final Rose" and "The Bachelor" were the week's most-watched broadcast programs among the group.
Fox also led among viewers ages 12-17 and 18-34, while CBS was first among viewers ages 25-54 and 50 and older, the latter being a group it has long dominated.
ABC, CBS and NBC all aired 22 hours of prime-time programming last week and Fox 15 hours.
The third episode of the History miniseries "The Bible," was the week's most-watched cable program, averaging 10.87 million viewers, ninth among all broadcast and cable programs, followed by AMC's "The Walking Dead," which averaged 10.84 million, 10th overall.
History was the week's most-watched cable network in prime time for the third consecutive week, averaging 3.17 million viewers.
The week's most-watched Spanish-language program was Tuesday episode of the Univision telenovela, "Amores Verdaderos," ("True Love"), which averaged 4.34 million viewers, finishing 72nd among all prime-time broadcast and cable programs.
As usual, Univision was the most-watched Spanish-language network, averaging 3.34 million viewers for its prime-time programming.
Telemundo was second, averaging 1.26 million viewers, followed by UniMas, which averaged 480,000, Estrella TV, which averaged 190,000, Azteca America, which averaged 90,000 and MundoFox, which averaged 60,000.
The "NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams" was the most-watched network nightly newscast for the 183rd consecutive week and 230th time in the past 231 weeks, averaging 8.07 million viewers.
ABC's "World News with Diane Sawyer" was second, averaging 7.19 million.
The "CBS Evening News" averaged 6.40 million viewers, finishing third for the 338th consecutive week and 93rd since Scott Pelley became anchor.
Prime-time television viewership numbers compiled by Nielsen for March 11-17. Listings include the week's ranking and viewership for the week.
1. "The Big Bang Theory," CBS, 15.90 million viewers
2. "Person of Interest," CBS, 14.34 million viewers
3. "American Idol" (Wednesday), Fox, 13.44 million viewers
4. "NCIS," CBS, 13.18 million viewers
5. "Two and a Half Men," CBS, 12.18 million viewers
6. "NCIS: Los Angeles," CBS, 11.95 million viewers
7. "American Idol" (Thursday), Fox, 11.93 million viewers
8. "Elementary," CBS, 11.33 million viewers
9. "The Bible," History, 10.87 million viewers
10. "The Walking Dead," AMC, 10.84 million viewers
11. "The Bachelor: After the Final Rose," ABC, 10.81 million viewers
12. "The Bachelor," ABC, 10.42 million viewers
13. "Blue Bloods," CBS, 10.41 million viewers
14. "60 Minutes," CBS, 10.22 million viewers
15. "The Mentalist," CBS, 9.98 million viewers
16. "Survivor: Caramoan," CBS, 9.89 million viewers
17. "The Good Wife," CBS, 9.08 million viewers
18. "The Amazing Race," CBS, 8.91 million viewers
19. "Golden Boy," CBS, 8.53 million viewers
20. "Duck Dynasty" (Wednesday, 10:30 p.m.), A&E, 8.29 million viewers
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The Luxury Visionaries 2016
How many holidays do you take a year?
Quite a few, because we love surfing and skiing with our three children – and we try to fit in a romantic break every now and then.
Your favourite spot to relax?
Palm Beach, an hour north of Sydney, which is close enough to go to restaurants or the theatre in the city, but has the most beautiful beaches – it's where they shoot Home and Away. It also has some great local restaurants, organic food shops and delis. It's like Sydney's version of The Hamptons: where the glam and beautiful go.
Where next on holiday?
We're hoping to go to Naples, Bari and the Amalfi coast by train and car. Pizza in Naples has to be tried. Recently we went to Puglia and ate very well, but it's Italy's industrial food heartland, so it lacks the romance of Tuscany.
Do you travel light?
Very. Normally Australians travel as if they are going for life – and take everything. In our family, everyone takes their own case, and it has to be carry-on size. It has made life much less stressful.
Which make of luggage do you prefer?
We're thinking of changing to Rimowa, although I'm worried about them not having pockets. The last expensive case I bought fell apart. And I'm not a Vuitton guy; they're a bit fancy. I want things to work, and to be efficient – a bit like a car.
Favourite city for a weekend away?
Paris. You can wrap yourself in it very quickly in two days and it's so accessible. We love eating at Le Dauphin, run by a young, talented guy [Inaki Aizpitarte]. He does tapas-style food and good organic wines and has passionate young staff. New chefs like him are knocking the stuffing out of the old ones in Paris, which is very exciting.
Where do you stay?
At Hôtel Recamier, where a delicious breakfast is delivered to your room, overlooking the square. It's plush, beautiful, but not too expensive – €260 [about £207] – so it's doable for a romantic treat.
Holiday spot you love returning to?
The Swiss Alps, near Wengen, to Hotel Jungfrau Wengernalp, where the owners treat us like family. It's not flash; it feels like home, which we like. We also go to a little house near Nice, which we found through Alistair Sawday; we use him a lot.
Where do you eat out when travelling?
I am not the sort of guy who does the 50 best restaurants in the world. Give me street food: a porchetta roll in Italy, onigiri [rice balls] in Japan, seafood from hawker stands in Singapore. Also, with children, who wants to eat in restaurants?
What's your idea of a perfect holiday?
Time to relax and read, as well as do something physical, such as skiing or swimming. Byron Bay is pretty perfect: it has surf beaches, funky bars and restaurants, and you don't have to dress up.
The most romantic hotel you've stayed at?
Hotel Julien in Antwerp, an old hotel with an elegant, stripped-back feel and lots of personality. We loved Antwerp; we walked using a city guide given to us by the incredibly friendly staff at the Dries Van Noten shop, who clearly love their city.
Good hotel for a winter city-break?
The Dylan Amsterdam, particularly if you get a room under the eaves, with beams. It's cosy and pretty, and they put a Christmas tree in the atrium.
Top luxury hotels?
The Park Hyatt in Tokyo has incredible views, but makes you feel separated from the city, which you sometimes need. Before I moved to London, I stayed at Firmdale hotels; I love the plush rooms.
Simple escape?
Feather Down Farms. It's camping but it's easy and comfortable. Or, the Kingham Plough, near Chipping Norton, a classic English pub owned by a great couple, with wonderful food and walks.
The most glamorous room you've slept in?
The Aman in Bali, where we went about 15 years ago. Or sleeping under the stars on a beach in the north of Australia. The older I get, the more I appreciate the beauty of quiet, of no light and no noise: the glamour of nothingness.
Things that rankle in hotels?
Being charged for Wi-Fi and water. And I hate cheap chocolate in minibars. If I want chocolate, I want decent chocolate. But I'm generally easily pleased; I still get a thrill out of fresh clean sheets.
Top spot to stay in Britain?
Cornwall, which has some of the most beautiful walks around Polzeath. It's beautiful and the more we go, the more it charms us. The air is clean, the living simple, and the ice cream good. The surf isn't bad, either – if you're in a wetsuit.
The most remote trip you've done?
Staying with the Yolngu people at Bawaka camp on the east coast of Arnhem Land in Australia. To be given the opportunity to understand the land from an Aboriginal perspective was incredible. I like trying to understand places as a local. To me, that's the joy of travelling: getting excited about someone else's view of life. Your own problems and world seem so far away. It also makes you a more tolerant and kind person.
Do you like adventure holidays?
Now that the girls are older – they are eight, 10 and 12 – we are doing more kayaking, surfing, skiing and camping. We recently went to Mexico, which was an adventure: Tulum for beaches and Merida for exploring. It was challenging with kids.
What would you consider a real luxury?
No Wi-Fi or telephones.
Favourite restaurants in Australia?
In Sydney, the Longrain, a big, funky bar which serves Australian Thai; or for Italian, Fratelli Paradiso in Potts Point; or for lunch with a view, Icebergs, at Bondi.
Favourite places to go wine-tasting?
In Australia, the Yarra Valley, which you can do in a day or two just outside Melbourne, and Margaret River, which is spectacularly beautiful.
Are you a big shopper when abroad?
I'm particularly known for carrying breakables: vases and platters and plates, usually in thin paper bags. This year it was pottery from Puglia.
Favourite airlines?
Qantas, because it's always innovating – so the food and lounges are good – and BA for its staff.
'Easy' by Bill Granger is available now (Collins, £20)


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The latest news from academia, regulators
research labs and other things of interest
Posted: February 5, 2007 | |
Conceptual connection between deafness and the organization of liquid crystals |
(Nanowerk News) Scientists exploring the physics of hearing have found an underlying molecular cause for one form of deafness, and a conceptual connection between deafness and the organization of liquid crystals, which are used in flat-panel displays. | |
Within the cochlea of the inner ear, sound waves cause the basilar membrane to vibrate. These vibrations stimulate hair cells, which then trigger nerve impulses that are transmitted to the brain. | |
Researchers have now learned that mutations in a protein called espin can cause floppiness in tiny bundles of protein filaments within the hair cells, impairing the passage of vibrations and resulting in deafness. | |
Filamentous actin (F-actin) is a rod-like protein that provides structural framework in living cells. F-actin is organized into bundles by espin, a linker protein found in sensory cells, including cochlear hair cells. Genetic mutations in espins F-actin binding sites are linked to deafness in mice and humans. | |
We found the structure of the bundles changes dramatically when normal espin is replaced with espin mutants that cause deafness, said Gerard Wong, a professor of materials science and engineering, of physics, and of bioengineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. | |
The interior structure of the bundles changes from a rigid, hexagonal array of uniformly twisted filaments, to a liquid crystalline arrangement of filaments, Wong said. Because the new organization causes the bundles to be more than a thousand times floppier, they cannot respond to sound in the same way. The rigidity of these bundles is essential for hearing. | |
Wong and his co-authors Illinois postdoctoral research associate Kirstin Purdy and Northwestern University professor of cell and molecular biology James R. Bartles report their findings in a paper accepted for publication in the journal Physical Review Letters, and posted on its Web site. | |
High-resolution X-ray diffraction experiments, performed by Purdy at the Advanced Photon Source and at the Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory, allowed the researchers to solve the structure of various espin-actin bundles. | |
As the ability of espin to cross-link F-actin is decreased by using genetically modified deafness mutants with progressively more damaged actin binding sites, the structure changes from a well-ordered crystalline array of filaments to a nematic, liquid crystal-like state, said Wong, who also is a researcher at the Frederick Seitz Materials Research Laboratory on campus and at the universitys Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology. | |
In the liquid crystalline state, the bundles maintain their orientation order that is, they point roughly along the same direction but lose their positional order. These nematic liquid crystals are commonly used in watch displays and laptop displays. | |
Wong and his colleagues also found that a mixture of mutant espin and normal espin would prevent the structural transition from occurring. If gene expression could turn on the production of just a fraction of normal espin linkers, a kind of rescue attempt at restoring hearing could, in principle, be made. | |
We have identified the underlying molecular cause for one form of deafness, and we have identified a mechanism to potentially rescue this particular kind of pathology, Wong said. Even so, this is really the first step. This work has relevance to not just human hearing, but also to artificial sensors. |
Source: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign |
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Want to enjoy the added flexibility of using your Creative device, such as the Sound BlasterAxx, without connecting it to a PC or Mac? You can now do so by connecting your device directly to mains power with the USB Power Adapter. It can also be used with other compatible USB powered devices.
1-year Limited Hardware Warranty


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Founded in 1989, Hergüner is a full service law firm in Turkey with major international clientele and working premises in Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir. We draw upon the individual domestic and international experience of our professional staff, practicing in three main practice groups: (1) Finance & Projects, (2) Corporate, and (3) Dispute Resolution. Our large Corporate group brings together attorneys skilled and experienced in both transactional and non-transactional work covering the full spectrum of industrial sectors.
The Dispute Resolution group includes experienced civil and criminal litigators with backgrounds in a wide range of areas, including white collar crime, intellectual property and administrative law, as well as international arbitration.
Our members have diverse professional backgrounds comprised of lawyers with international practice experience and former experts of regulatory authorities such as the, Capital Markets Board and Competition Board.
We are engaged in transactions involving different languages as well as different laws and cultures. As opposed to a conventional law practice in Turkey, we render our services in line with contemporaneous global law firm practices. Our client base includes local companies doing business in and outside of Turkey, multinational companies and financial institutions doing business in Turkey, and Turkish affiliates of multinational companies, as well as multilateral financial institutions.
Our practice covers all areas of law that are of interest to local and foreign businesses in Turkey, including, in particular, Mergers & Acquisitions, Banking, Financial Institutions, Capital Markets, Energy, Infrastructure, Real Estate, Privatization, Litigation, Arbitration, Competition Law, Intellectual Property, Environmental Law, Healthcare & Life Sciences, White Collar Crime, FCPA & RICO Investigations, Tax, and Technology, Media & Telecommunications. Companies active in the telecommunications, finance, pharmaceutical, transportation, retail, energy, textiles, cement, construction, food and banking sectors, among others, rely on our legal advice and assistance.
Awards, Rankings & Quotations
- IFLR 1000 (2005 to 2011 editions) has ranked us in the top tier of law firms for all four practice areas of Mergers & Acquisitions, Banking, Capital Markets, and Project Finance for seven years in a row.
- Top-tier law firm in the 2008 edition of the Legal 500 for the practice areas Banking, Finance and Capital Markets, Corporate and M&A, Dispute Resolution, IT and Telecoms
- International Legal Alliance & Summit Awards, Paris – The Best Law Firm of Turkey Gold Award 2011, 2009 and 2008
- Top-tier law firm in Chambers Global 2006-2011 editions
- Band 1 firm in the categories of Banking & Finance and Corporate/M&A since 2006 and the only Turkish firm in Band 1 for Corporate/M&A in Chambers Global 2011
- First Turkish law firm to be ranked by the FT Law 50 (2008; 2009) in the top tier (#43; #47) among 600 participating law firms in Europe; (2011)
- Ranked 6th in Continental European Firms category and ranked 23rd in Dispute Resolution Firms category in the FT 50 Innovative Law Firm Awards 2011.
- Euromoney Real Estate Awards 2011 – Turkey, Advisors & Consultancy, Best Legal Service.
Key Clients: Tesco, 3M, HP, BTC, Vastned, Creditbank Europe, Roche, LG, Telia Sonera, Vinci, Johnson Controls, International Finance Corporation, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, AES, Abraaj Capital, European Investment Bank, Trelleborg, AB. Fagor, AXA SA, Securitas AB, Standard Chartered Bank
Offices: Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir


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The occupant of a car that crashed and burst into flames early Thursday morning was a man in his early 40s or 50s whose identity remains unknown, authorities said.
When first responders arrived at the crash at Carlton and Upper Swiftwater roads in Paradise Township around 3:12 a.m. they found the car so engulfed it could not be determined if the vehicle was occupied.
The fire was so severe that officials were unsure of even the gender of the vehicle's occupant until an autopsy was conducted, Monroe County Coroner Bob Allen said.
The car had been traveling south on Carlton Road when it failed to stop at a posted stop sign and proceeded through the intersection with Upper Swiftwater Road, state police said.
Once through the intersection, the vehicle struck a utility pole head-on, causing a power outage.
The car then struck a large tree and caught fire, police said.
There were no visible skid marks, police said.
The victim was found between the front and back seats of the vehicle, Allen said.
Carlton and Upper Swiftwater roads were closed until about 12:30 p.m. Thursday while power was restored and police investigated the crash.
Police ask if anyone witnessed the crash to call them at 570-839-7701.
Paradise Twp. fatal car fire victim was a man but ID yet to be determined
Apr 17, 2014 at 6:22 AM
Apr 17, 2014 at 2:46 PM


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Roll-on, stick or spray — which deodorant keeps off stink and sweat best?
February 18, 2010
Deodorants eliminate odour-causing bacteria that thrive in hot and moist spots such as the underarm. Antiperspirants are powerful astringents that reduce the release of perspiration. These two products have different functions, and are commonly mistaken as the same.
Choose the product you prefer. A roll-on or spray contains alcohol and scented oils that may leave a sticky or wet feeling. The stick is easiest to use, and some even consider it more environmentally friendly because it comes without aerosols. To avoid staining your clothes, go for formulations that are not coloured. For the results you want, select a product that indicates deodorising and antiperspirant effects.


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China central bank says it will improve policy framework for cross-border yuan use
BEIJING China's central bank said on Monday that it will improve the policy framework and infrastructure for cross-border use of the yuan currency.
SEOUL Trade giants China and South Korea have agreed to utilise their currency swap valued at $59 billion to boost the use of yuan and won in bilateral trade, Seoul's finance ministry and central bank said on Tuesday.
Central banks of the world's largest and seventh largest exporters will begin lending trading firms yuan and won through banks from later this month for use in settling trade bills, the Ministry of Strategy and Finance and the Bank of Korea said in a joint statement.
"Using local currencies for trade settlement has been a global trend since the end of the 2008-2009 global financial crisis," Eun Ho-sung, deputy director general of the Bank of Korea's international department, told reporters. "We plan to arrange similar agreements with other countries after this."
Another central bank official said the agreement was the result of two years of talks with China and had nothing to do with South Korea efforts to curb the won's volatility.
The swap arrangement for 64 trillion won ($59.09 billion) or 360 billion yuan was established late last year to help boost the pool of currencies the two countries can tap into at times of stress in addition to official foreign reserves.
The Bank of Korea plans to hold discussions with companies in Seoul to explain the terms of new facility to provide loans with maturities of three or six months.
China buys about one-quarter of South Korea exports, and is its largest market, but payment made in yuan or won accounts for only about 3 percent as the bulk is settled in U.S. dollars.
Though China is the world's second largest economy, the "redback", as the yuan is known, is not fully convertible. China keeps a tight control over its currency's value, allowing the exchange rate against the dollar to move a maximum one percent either side of a midpoint set each day by the central bank.
In October, the yuan was the 16th most used currency in the world currency payments table, according to SWIFT, a global transaction services organisation.
China is, however, committed to developing the offshore yuan market as part of its grand plan to make the currency fully convertible.
As part of its efforts to internationalise the yuan, Beijing first launched a yuan trade settlement scheme in July 2009 in a few cities and expanded it to other parts of the country last year.
The yuan, also known as the renminbi, is increasingly being used by overseas companies to settle trade transactions with Chinese counterparts.
Yuan trade settlement amounted to 2,050 billion yuan ($329.16 billion) in the first nine months of 2012, accounting for 11.4 percent of total trade and the ratio hit 13 percent in September alone, data from the People's Bank of China showed.
Meanwhile, China has been steadily opening up its domestic bond and stock markets to overseas yuan holders, including selected foreign central banks and investors.
(Reporting by Christine Kim; Additional reporting by Se Young Lee in SEOUL, Kevin Yao in BEIJING; Editing by Choonsik Yoo and Simon Cameron-Moore)


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UPG needs to package seeds for Haiti so 50,000 people can feed themselves!
Hurricane Matthew wiped out crops in SW Haiti. Famine is imminent.
Leaders are needed on 2/21. We have 300 Corporate Volunteers to Manage.
Seeds for Haiti: Click Here for Info!
Developers have proposed a 2 phase plan that could change the face of Legion Park and the quaint, historic, family-oriented neighborhood around the park. Learn more about how you can get involved
Thank you Miami for standing up for clean energy and voting NO on Amendment 1!
Read about the efforts by UPG to ban fracking in Florida
QUICK-SIGNUP (new for 2016)
Short & sweet way to get started as a Volunteer & get our Newsletter! Click Here.
What kind of world do you want to live in?
We want to live in URBAN PARADISE. There's been a lot of damage done, so it will take work and creativity.
Click on the activity you like for more info, and then make your Reservation! You will change the world.
QUICK-SIGNUP (new)
Short & sweet way to get started as a Volunteer & get our Newsletter! Click Here.
Read what's happening in Urban Paradise! To Subscribe & get it delivered fresh, click NEWSLETTER! You can provide us with input on what you care most about too.
The Mission of the Urban Paradise Guild
Our mission is to re-create native habitats in the Urban areas of Miami-Dade County, and to promote sustainable models for healthy living that safeguard, enhance and integrate the human and natural worlds for the benefit of both. Urban gardening and fruit trees are examples of the plant habitats that sustain humans. We do this too, because how can a place be Urban Paradise without great fruits & vegetables?
5 Locations & 3 Chapters
3 Nurseries
6 Weekly Volunteer Opportunities
0 Excuses
UPG now has many project Locations to serve YOU!
* Oleta River State Park (Projects + Nursery)
* Arch Creek East Preserve (Projects)
* Amelia Earhart County Park (Projects + Nursery)
* Vizcaya Museum & Gardens (Projects + Nursery)
* Matheson Hammock County Park
Project depend on season and Location needs, but they include Urban Gardening, Forestry, Nursery… you might plant Native Habitats, Butterfly Habitats, or a Food Forest!
When you invest just 3 hours per month at one of these Locations, you become part of the solution.
UPG also needs Interns, Team Leaders, Managers and Specialists! Go to the Calendar, select a Volunteer Opportunity, and get started THIS WEEKEND! Families are welcome at most UPG Locations. See the Volunteering menu above.
We believe that if Mother Nature is given a little help
the Urban areas we live in can become Paradise again. She will repay us with a bounty of human health, and in recreational and economic opportunity. The habitat we create is an investment in the places we where we live – and much more. It also addresses global problems such as Sea-Level Rise, Fisheries Collapse, and Global Warming at the same time. The benefits of Urban-grown food go far beyond taste and nutrition for the consumer. It fights Climate Change directly in two critical ways: Minimal Transportation, and most importantly (when grown organically), it stops the pollution caused by chemical farming.
South Florida is more at risk to the combined effects of Hurricanes and Sea-Level Rise than any metropolitan area on the Earth. Failure is not an option for Miami-Dade. Let's invite an environment like the Keys and the Bahamas back into our Bay, and butterflies into our yards and balconies at work and at home. It isn't all work – we play a lot too. There are a thousand ways to enjoy the environments of South Florida – and a thousand reasons to take care of it.
Restoration Workouts
They're good for Mother Nature and all her children. Come out, get a workout, and help the environment too. Our work maintains our personal health while it and heals environmental damage. Activities include planting of mangroves, upland trees and butterfly gardens, nursery work, education, stewardship, and especially recreation.
Become a volunteer
and help make your world a better place. Welcome, friends, to
Urban Paradise Guild
Sam Van Leer, President & Founder
"Creating a Sustainable Paradise in South Florida, one Habitat at a time!"
An enormous amount of gratitude to our 40 donors on Give Miami Day who funded a combined $4000 to UPG. Give Miami Day may be over, but we still hope you will consider supporting the hard-working leaders of UPG


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How to Cook Asian Food?
Asia is the largest continent in the world and it has such an amazing diversity of cuisines that it just would not be possible to learn all of it in one lifetime. However, we can always make an effort and learn as much as we can: even if we have to do one dish at a time.
In this post on How to Cook Asian Food, we introduce you to the main cooking styles famous in Asia as well as certain basic ingredients, utensils, etc that you need to keep handy in your kitchen if you want to learn how to cook Asian food:
1) Chinese/Indian/Japanese/Thai Cooking Styles: Wok is a special kind of pot common to both Chinese and Japanese cooking styles. So you might consider buying one for your kitchen before we teach you how to cook Asian food. Common spices used in the Chinese cooking are soy sauce, vinegar, garlic and salt. White pepper is often used to garnish the dishes.
The main quality of the Chinese food is that it is supposed to be simple to cook and the ingredients are not overly cooked, which might be possible in case of Indian cooking, where most of the vegetables, meats, etc are first fried, sautéed etc before bringing in the spices or gravy. Japanese cooking results in slightly cooked vegetables and salads are a common feature of a Japanese meal.
Thai cooking is all about balancing the five flavors in the food. These five flavors are sweet, sour, bitter, salty and hot. The thai dishes also vary in colour with each other depending upon the use of spices as well as coconut milk.
2) Asian ingredients to keep in your Kitchen: Always keep short-grain rice, dry egg noodles handy because you will need lots of it in your Asian cooking. Also keep a range of sauces like the oyster, chili-garlic, black bean, tamari and soy sauces as well as rice vinegar or even plain will do. Stock your pantry with red or green curry pastes, coconut milk, cornstarch and fish sauce.
3) Tofu is a must: Donât forget to keep a block of firm and fresh tofu in your pantry all the time. Besides being a good source of protein, tofu is also low on calories, making it an ideal substitute for cheese.
4) Keep wonton skins and egg roll wrappers: These are easily available in supermarkets and come in handy while cooking momos, spring rolls or wontons.
5) Different Oils: Asian cooking is versatile and it makes use of a variety of oils like mustard, coconut, sesame or even olive. So make sure you donât run out of a particular kind of oil while making your favorite Asian dish.
6) Garlic is also a must: No Asian cooking can be complete without garlic. You need a whole lot of garlic cloves to go with anything remotely Asian. Therefore keep a good stock of garlic with you along with some ginger root, preferably fresh.
7) Not without tea: Asian meals, especially the Chinese and Japanese meals are incomplete without a cup of tea. Therefore, for a complete Asian culinary experience, keep different Asian teas like green, black and oolong in your pantry.
8) Wok and more: Apart from a wok (as mentioned earlier), other Asian utensils that are an integral part of Asian cooking are bamboo streamer, rice cooker and cleaver. (Photos: Googleimages.com


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Anthony Kosar
Dr. Anthony Kosar is Professor and former Chair of the Music Composition, History, and Theory Department at Westminster Choir College of Rider University, where he has been on the faculty since 1984. He received his Bachelor of Music degree in Music Theory and Composition from West Liberty State College (1977), his Master of Music degree in Music Theory and Composition from Southern Illinois University (1978), and his Ph.D. in Music Theory from The Ohio State University (1984). His articles on music theory pedagogy have been published in the College Music Society Symposium, the Journal of Music Theory Pedagogy, and the Journal of the Georgia Association of Music Theorists. Dr. Kosar has presented papers on theory pedagogy and Debussy at the South Central Society for Music Theory Conference, the Texas Society for Music Theory Conference, the National Society for Music Theory Conference, and the International Symposium on Music in France (1830-1940) in Melbourne, Australia. His most recent research deals with narrative time in American country music, and he has presented papers on this topic at the Hawaii International Conference on Arts and Humanities (2011; 2013), the Time Theories and Music Conference in Corfu, Greece (2012), "Changing the Tune": Popular Music & Politics in the 21st Century From the Fall of Communism to the Arab Spring, an International Conference in Strasbourg, France (2013), Real Country? Geographic, Cultural and Stylistic Challenges to the Country Music Genre, an International Conference in Strasbourg, France (2013), The Languages of Popular Music: Communicating Regional Musics in a Globalized World, an International Conference in Osnabrück, Germany (2014), the International Country Music Conference in Nashville, TN (2015), and Back to the Future: Popular Music and Time, the 19th Biennial International Association for the Study of Popular Music in São Paulo, Brazil (2015).
Dr. Kosar served as Interim Associate Dean for Westminster College of the Arts from January 1, 2015, to June 30, 2015.


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Full profile →'">
The author is a Forbes contributor. The opinions expressed are those of the writer.
The air cargo business is not flourishing, but that isn't stopping Lufthansa Cargo from upgrading its cargo fleet in the Trans-Atlantic, where it will bring in new 777 freighters starting in November.
The carrier will begin operating the 777F in November on trans-Atlantic routes from Frankfurt to Atlanta, Chicago and Newark. It will take delivery of two aircraft this year, two in 2014 and one in 2015. List price is $270 million; major airlines pay generally pay about half of list price, analysts say.
"The B777F is the most modern and most efficient freighter in the world," said Lara Kittler, spokesperson for Lufthansa Cargo in Frankfurt. "Additionally it is less noisy, but can carry more freight, than the MD-11F. So we can profit from a lot of advantages."
Lufthansa's first two 777 freighters will replace its oldest MD-11 freighters. Kittler said concentrating flights on the trans-Atlantic routes will allow for more efficient use of the crews initially trained to fly the aircraft.
Boeing has taken 127 of the 777 freighters, delivering 81 of them to customers including U.S. airlines and Southern Air Transport. Aviation consultant Scott Hamilton said the aircraft "has done reasonably well for a new freighter. It's more economical than the 747 freighter, although it doesn't have the payload range." Lufthansa said the 777F with a load of 103 tons can fly 5,592 miles in ten and a half hours.
"Thanks to its outstanding technical performance and reliability, the freighter is entering new
dimensions," said Karl-Rudolf Rupprecht, a board member at Lufthansa Cargo, in a prepared statement. "It also marks a milestone on our ambitious path to lowering specific emissions by 25%."
While Lufthansa Cargo is taking its first 777 freighters, its partner AeroLogic operates eight of them. AeroLogic is a joint venture between the Lufthansa Cargo and DHL . Lufthansa Cargo uses the capacity primarily on weekends.
Lufthansa noted that in 1972, it was the first airline to use a 747 freighter. It put a 747-200F to use in the Trans-Atlantic, with the first flight routed from Frankfurt to New York.
"With 73 tons of cargo and 1.8 tons of mail on board, the four-engine Boeing 747-200F took off on its first scheduled flight from Frankfurt to New York," Lufthansa said, in a press release. "Four decades later, the new member of Lufthansa Cargo's fleet only needs two engines to connect Europe with the USA or Asia."
The International Air Traffic Association said Monday that cargo markets "remain in the doldrums."
For 2013, IATA projects growth of 0.9%, down from the previously projected rate of 1.5%. "The ability of airlines to match cargo capacity to demand is limited by the natural growth in belly capacity that occurs as airlines respond to passenger demand," IATA said. "As a result of this mismatch, cargo yields are expected to fall by 4.9% this year (deeper than the 2.0% decline previously projected)."
Cargo revenues are expected to total $59 billion, down $8 billion from their 2011 peak, while passenger revenues are expected to reach $565 billion, up $68 billion during the same period.


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what are you guys up north wearing?? Just took off the hood down here (OCNJ) and wondering if its the same deal for up north..
Results 1 to 10 of 21
Thread: hood up in monmouth county???
Apr 28, 2011, 10:16 PM #1Senior Member
- Join Date
- Mar 2010
- Location
- Ocean City
- Posts
- 328
hood up in monmouth county???
Apr 28, 2011, 11:00 PM #2Member
- Join Date
- Feb 2011
- Posts
- 34
last sunday I shed my 6/5/4 for my 3/2mm with 7mm booties, 3mm gloves, 2mm hoodie
and didn't feel jack SHlT. maybe because I was already over heated from my earlier session and the beaming sun and 70+ degrees
nah, you don't need the hood. Last Sunday i wore a 4/3, 5mm boots, 3mm gloves, no hood. Got the brain freeze if I was duck diving or getting held under, but you can definitely brave it out since the air temps are much warmer now.
Apr 28, 2011, 11:42 PM #4Senior Member
- Join Date
- Apr 2009
- Location
- Monmouth County, NJ
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- 543
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- 2
i'm sticking with my hood for now!
Apr 28, 2011, 11:55 PM #5
no hood or gloves and delaware..and perfectly fine!
Yeah man me too. When youre just paddling around and waiting for sets I was a little hot in the hood last week and would have been good without it, but if you get caught inside and have to dive under a 3 or 4 wave set youll be wishing you still had it on. Im gonna stick with mine for at least one more week I think. Once the water hits 52 Im gonna ditch the hood and drop the boots down to 3 mils, I love shedding the rubber!
Apr 29, 2011, 02:05 AM #7
Same here.. The hood stays on. I tried paddling out and duck diving through a few sets and Came up with brain freeze.
ya, the duck dives sting... but its bareable for medium sized waves.
Apr 29, 2011, 03:17 AM #9Member
- Join Date
- Jun 2010
- Location
- lb
- Posts
- 73
im not trying to win any beauty contests. hood stays on lol
For me, the worst part about winter is the hood and the gloves...


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Would-Be Mayor Tony Avella: Threatening Midtown Pub Won't Stop My Horse Carriage Ban
Councilmember Tony Avella was out in front of O'Flaherty's Ale House on West 46th St. around noon today. No, he hadn't been drinking his lunch (though he did look a little flushed). The 2009 mayoral candidate was there to denounce recent threats of violence against the bar, thought to have come from supporters of the horse-drawn carriage trade.
Avella, who has proposed a bill to shut down these carriages in New York, said that after the Coalition to Ban Horse-Drawn Carriages scheduled a fundraiser at O'Flaherty's, unidentified members of the carriage trade called to tell the manager they'd bust his place up if he didn't cancel.
O'Flaherty's backed down, but the Bayside Democrat will not. He defiantly proclaimed that "this industry is going to be put out to pasture" if he has anything to say about it.
To put an end to the "inhumane treatment and risk of serious injury or death" to both horses and people, Avella's pending bill would "repeal all provisions within the administrative code that authorize the operation of horse-drawn carriages within New York City," according to his website.
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Avella has been much covered for his campaign to spare the horses -- one recent story had PETA celebrity Pamela Anderson sending him flowers, which carriage supporters criticized as a "violation of ethic rules" -- and he is probably the most visibly anti-animal-cruelty candidate in city history.
Elizabeth Forel, a spokesman for the Coalition who appeared with Avella, expressed displeasure with O'Flaherty's for caving in (the Coalition's website still lists O'Flaherty's as the site of their October 14 event), but Avella declined to blame the bar: the responsibility, he said, "falls on the carriage industry."
Citing other reports of violent and intimidating behavior by members of the industry, Avella hypothetically asked Mayor Bloomberg and Speaker Christine Quinn -- both defenders of the carriage trade -- "These are the people you supported? You're supporting these bullies?"
As to the Mayor's claim that removing horse-drawn carriages would hurt tourism, Avella said, "You gotta be kidding me. Someone from the midwest or a foreign country isn't going to New York because he can't get a ride in a carriage?"
We asked Avella about the recent carriage accident in Brooklyn, in which a driver was thrown onto a Town Car. "That proves the point," he said, "that carriage horses are no longer appropriate for city traffic. Here they were in a less-trafficked area of Brooklyn." When drivers are trained, said Avella, they're "made aware of the conditions that can cause a horse to balk, including loud noises, like a car horn, -- things that happen every day on every block."
Avella asked, "The driver, seriously injured, refused medical attention or to speak to the media -- why is that? Obviously there's a reason," he said.
Asked where the Council bill is now, Avella said "I'm lobbying the councilmembers about it." A turnaround by the Mayor would help, as "the Speaker goes along with the Mayor on every occasion." To that end, Avella looks to increase public awareness and pressure. The Coalition, he claimed, "has a table in Central Park every weekend," and so far has 30,000 petition signatures against the carriages.
The few hundred carriage drivers of New York presumably feel differently about all this, but the Horse & Carriage Association of New York hasn't returned our (admittedly late on Friday) call.
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