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It is my sincere pleasure to announce the appointment of Asikuj Jaman as the Council Youth Commissioner for Saskatchewan Council, effective immediately.
Scouters, Youth and their parents are invited to join the Council Support Team as we share our vision for the next few years. You may drop in just for the parts that interest you.
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…Says Ali has performed abysmally
The Federal Government was Wednesday urged to declare a state of emergency at the nation's ports and border posts over the influx of arms and other prohibited goods into the country.A frontline journalist and Publisher of Shipping World Magazine, Mr. Asu Beks who made the call also urged the relevant authorities to subject all imports to 100 per cent physical examination at our ports and all entry points including airports and land borders.
Beks also expressed concerns that most of the seized items by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) have remained in the Government Warehouses wasting away instead of being auctioned as required by the law.
He also passed a vote of no confidence on the Comptroller General of the NCS, Rtd Col Hammed Ali for performing abysmally.
Beks said it was time for President Muhammadu Buhari to appoint a professional to take over from Ali as Comptroller General OF Customs.
Part of Beks' statement reads:
Part of Beks' statement reads:
"I have invited you today to share some thoughts with you at the alarming state of insecurity at our ports and border posts and how as responsible citizens we could partner with the relevant authorities to secure our great country.
"You may recall that over 12 years ago that when the debate on the pros and cons on the planned concessioning of Ports Terminals was being muted, Labour and the maritime media then called for caution.
"These seeming fears were predicated on the fact that the incoming Terminal Operators may compromise on our national security. Today, those fears have been largely confirmed as arms and ammunition and the influx of illicit drugs into the country have climbed to an unprecedented level. Last year alone, no fewer than 2700 pump action rifles were impounded by customs authorities in Lagos alone.
"Interestingly most of the imports came from Turkey and yet no diplomatic efforts were made to dissuade the Turkish government from engaging in such unwholesome practices. In the last four weeks ,no fewer than 59 containers laden with tramadol and other forms of hard drugs were seized at Apapa, Tin Can and Owerri.
"Even though we commend the officers who made these landmark seizures ,we are nonetheless worried at the quantum of the same imports which may have missed the eagle eyes of Customs officials. We are also worried that the identity of these importers are still shrouded in Secrecy.
"My painstaking investigations have revealed that Customs Officials are working under the most severe and harsh conditions with barely enough tools with little or no motivation from the Customs authorities in Abuja.
"With no scanners at the ports and border posts coupled with obsolete guns, it would seem that smugglers and other forms of economic saboteurs are having a field day.
"Our borders have become even more porous than ever before in our recent history as arms and ammunition and illegal immigrants move freely across borders unchallenged.
"On several occasions, Customs officers at border posts have been gunned down by dare devil smugglers and armed insurgents with little or no resistance. Other security agents have done little or nothing to complement Customs and Immigration officials who are usually at the mercy of cross border criminals.
" The situation we have on ground might compromise our entire national security if something urgent is not done .We hereby call on President Muhammadu Buhari to declare a State of EMERGENCY at our Ports and Border Posts to draw attention of all relevant agencies on need stop this army of invaders .
"Consequently, we hereby urge relevant authorities to subject all imports to 100 per cent physical examination at our ports and all entry points including airports and land borders. This is a very difficult pill we have to swallow as a people but no serious country would sit and watch as armed cross border bandits and enemies of a free world attempt to challenge our sovereignty as a nation.
"Most of the government warehouses in major customs commands are unable to cope with the influx of impounded items .Goods, mostly cars running into billions of naira have been allowed to rot away.
"This is due to Hameed Ali's refusal to comply with extant laws on the disposal of such goods. He had ignored the role of government appointed auctioneers as well as the powers of Customs Area Controllers which vested on them the powers of disposal as prescribed in the Customs and Excise Management Act(CEMA).
"We must accept as a nation that it was wrong in the first place to appoint a politician rather than a career officer to run such a highly technical and professional body as the Nigeria Customs Service. More than three years on, Hameed Ali has performed abysmally.
"He has failed to promote professionalism and discipline in the service leaving most officers to seek self help Officers sent on official assignments or those on transfer are denied their allowances and other entitlements.
"Corruption has reached an unprecedented height as promotion and juicy postings are usually on recommendations from prominent emirs. I want to use this opportunity to call on President Muhammadu Buhari to immediately appoint a serving career officer to head the Nigeria Customs Service as Hameed Ali lacks the cognate professional experience and competence to lead the Service. This will surely restore the lost glory of the service and instil accountability, professionalism and boost morale of officers and men of the Nigerian Customs Service."

subset: commoncrawl


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CZ Tunes - The Seven Gates Of Jambala (Highscore Remix)
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Cute. Could use some mastering, though, but overall smooth and cute.:)
Nice and mellow tune with some great instrument choices. The mastering/balancing is improvable.
Good work.
Nice song, sentimentel
Nice tune.
Such a sweet remix I love it
Nice laid back track, as ziph pointed out it could do with an extra layer of polish.. But its still a really nice tune.
Happy hardcore, soo cheerful. I'm in heaven!
Sounds alright!
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Make your vote and be the first to submit a review!


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11 November 2007
coffeeshop prophet
I went to Seattle yesterday to meet with Fr. C for catechism. Since the friend I was intending to stay with last night was working incredibly late, I decided to get a hotel in south Seattle. It seemed senseless (not to mention ecologically unsound) to make a 200-mile roundtrip twice in one weekend.
I checked out of my hotel this morning with plenty of time to spare, so I stopped in at a Tully's and ordered my double-tall soy latte, opened my laptop, and sipped my hot drink contentedly while checking e-mail and perusing blogs. Just two other people were there.
Opposite from me sat a 40-something man who, it appeared, was doing the same thing I was: enjoying hot coffee on a brisk autumn morning, checking e-mails and sending out some of his own. From his friendly banter with the baristas, I figured him for a regular.
I don't recall precisely how our conversation started, because I am still floored by what happened next. Having never met me and without knowing my name, he spoke with a stunning amount of accuracy about my life: about my faith, spirituality and the journey I'm on, my current challenges and worries, my education, my work, my interests, my writing, my relationships, and very specific and recent heartaches which I've disclosed to very few people. He told me that a friend had mistaken my goodness for weakness.
He had me pegged. Each word he spoke was an arrow that hit the bullseye. "Disconcerting" isn't quite the right word for what this was. If he hadn't been so correct in what he spoke, it would have been creepy. But it really wasn't; it was just true.
Am I that transparent that even a perfect stranger could read me from across a coffeeshop?
I introduced myself before I left. His name is Curtis. He shook my hand and smiled broadly at me before I walked to my car. He told me I'd be blessed, that I'd find what I was searching for.
Anyone else have something like this happen to them? What do you make of encounters such as these?
11 comments:
WOW. That is amazing. Dude.ReplyDelete
I've not had an experience like that, at least not that I can remember (and I can imagine it's not something one would forget!). It really stokes me that this kind of thing can happen still these days. I was just thinking of the gift of prophecy this morning, actually, and about learning sometime in the past two years that it is still alive and well in the church, though maybe not in the way we would think. This particular prophet was sharing with me that prophecy has much to do with seeing a person and speaking encouragement to the road ahead for them, a word about their future but not necessarily in specifics, more on a heart level about who they really are. Is this the kind of thing it was for you?
I'd be curious to know Curtis's own religious orientation.
PS: I didn't realize you were two hours from Seattle! I still refer to you as "Kirsten, my friend who lives in Seattle" in my head. :)
Dude, I know!! Isn't that weird?!ReplyDelete
When I asked, he told me he was raised Episcopalian, but since then had "sampled" a variety of faith practices.
The encounter was encouraging; since I'm still sifting through what he said, I don't want to publish specifics, but yeah ... the last thing he said to me was a hopeful & encouraging word. That I would find my way & I that I would find what I dreamed of.
Yeah, it's a bit of a drive to Seattle! :o) North Seattle (Space Needle, downtown, etc) is a mere 90 minutes, but with traffic and those few extra miles, 2 hours. What fun!! :o) It's easier to just call it all "Seattle" anyway!! ;o)
You also strike me as someone who would thrive in Portland. :)ReplyDelete
And oh, how I do love Portland!ReplyDelete
i HAVE had that happen to me. prophecy wasn't something that was practiced in my baptist upbringing. but i visited a teeny, charismatic church with my sister once, and the pastor singled me out and spoke 'words' ove me that made me cry with their accuracy. they penetrated my heart and i felt like it was GOd himself, speaking to me and comforting me. i will never forget that, either!ReplyDelete
awesome that you had that experience, kirsten!
Wow. Remember that before God we are all transparent...completely and totally.ReplyDelete
He acted in obedience to the call of God to speak what he spoke to you, sounds like a prophet. Remember that there are still those with the gift of prophecy walking the earth. Some will tell you it is dead since we have the new testament...I say hog wash.
I have had the same sort of experience... in a coffee shop no less. Just remember to pray about it and let God show you if the words were his, or someone elses. There are false prophets out there and demonic activity that can sound right, and be totally wrong. In my case it was quite right, and quite personal. I would suspect it is right for you as well.
Remember what he said always, write it in the walls of your heart and treasure it. God will use it as he reveals more to you!
Blue -- yeah, I thought it was pretty trippy. I tend to be skeptical about these sorts of things, but now ... I don't know. It is just amazing to see people so dead-on with their firsthand assessment of you. Weird!!ReplyDelete
Gyrovague -- That was one of my first thoughts ... about how prophecy can come from God or from a minister of Satan (I think of the demon-possessed girl in Scripture who was prophesying too). I definitely need to weigh what he said against Scripture & "test the spirits". So yeah ... if these words are of God, I'm glad I got to be around to hear them.
Thanks again for visiting, I always appreciate hearing your thoughts & encouragement!!
I have been thinking about this post for a few days, and although I love the story and the possibilities over things said, as your friend (albeit blog friend) I feel the need to write to you about this post because it trips a trigger in me that I feel that I know very well. Bear with me if this isn't the case, cool?
I would like to pose a question to you: what if this fellow spoke things that deeply troubled you—would you be so quick to accept him as a prophet of any sorts? Don't get me wrong, my friend, I think God can and does use many ways to get us to listen, but I personally am coming from a place where I have been on the wrong end of things—where spiritual authority was mishandled to the point that people (including me) would listen to those who spoke over them and had a tough time hearing the Holy Spirit because we were training ourselves to hear their voice. When it was blessing, wow, it was amazing. When it was control disguised as care or hard truth, it was damaging.
We are promised "He (the Holy Spirit) will guide us into all the truth." Carefully, carefully, carefully choose and test the people you listen to about heart matters. (Did I say carefully?) Fruit or toot? Some folks are all toot.
My best guess: he was lucky, profiled you correctly (yes, even from 2500 miles away you are an open book) and was looking for a little power, if you will, in being able to speak into your life. I think prophets in the OT had to be 100% correct or they met Mick and the rest of the Stones. Was he 100% on?
On the flip side: I have recieved incredible counsel from people I barely know—except I gave them the pieces to my puzzle and somehow (through experience, supernatural guidance, Magic 8-Ball?) they knew how things could fit together in the bigger picture for me, and felt like they should tell me. One time this drastically changed the coarse of my life. But,like you said, and I agree with, I also measured their words against scripture and made sure they jived with the Spirit.
My two-cents, my sister.
23 Degrees -- I'm totally tracking with you on this one. I'm still not sure what to make of the whole experience & still wonder if he was just incredibly good at reading people, or if he had incredible insight (a gift from God, or ... not a gift from God, you know??).ReplyDelete
I can't think of what he said in particular that would change my life. It's not necessarily from God just because what he spoke was factual. He gave me advice which I will not follow simply because it was something that didn't coincide with my own best judgment.
I was just intrigued & on the fence about the whole matter, having never experienced anything remotely like this before. I wasn't ready to take his word's as God's but I was curious. And terribly aware also, that it's not only prophets and angels from heaven that prophesy.
Thanks. :o)
Kirsten, I admit it's intriguing! I feel the same way you and Christianne did at first blush, "Duuude!"ReplyDelete
Now if you dropped your napkin, went to pick it up and he disappeared...
I remember walking into a house on a recent "house walk"and the young male greeter asked me if I was SWAT or a police officer. I asked him why, and he said he noticed I had on tactical boots. I told him I wasn't but I could tell he thought he was right. I would have burst his bubble if he knew just rode a motorcycle every day for my commute to work.
Back to your story: Who knows who or what he is but what a great story and mystery, and yes, very trippy.
I am very guarded about issues like this, can you tell? Thanks for listening, and thanks for telling the story, Kirsten.
I tend to be guarded & skeptical about these matters too. I know they can happen, but part of the reason I put it out there was because it was so weird & I knew better than to jump to the conclusion that because this individual was right about so many things that he must be of God.ReplyDelete
Honestly, nothing about what he said will change my life or how I go about it. I hope I'm not so gullible as that!! ;o)


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Historical games. Diablo 2: Lord of Destruction
The events of the original Diablo resulted in the complete victory of the forces of Good over the vile Devil. But as it turned out, the long wanderings of a lonely hero and the constant mental pressure of the main villain did not pass without a trace for our character. The exhausted body of the fighter became a repository for the Devil, who came out in the guise of a new hero, Tristram. Soon he will leave the city, and Tristram himself will be destroyed by hordes of demons. The Devil's goal is to search for brothers – Mephisto and Baal, imprisoned by the Horadrim mages in prison. For the hero, with whom something strange is happening, Marius is constantly following, from whose face the narrative in five storylines, I must say, is of excellent quality and direction. The history of the add-on to Diablo 2 begins immediately after its completion. Baal impersonates the archangel and takes away the stone of the soul of Marius. Then he goes to the mountains, where there is another stone, this time, the world. I think we should not explain what happened next and what exactly we have to do with all this.
And we should, as it was done many years ago, choose one of five (with add-on – seven) characters and rush into battle. The assortment of classes is not something that strikes the imagination, but it is quite possible to say that there are no extra classes (like a bard from BG …). The role system has undergone some changes – henceforth, apart from basic attributes, each class has a tree of skills that it will not be possible to master completely in principle. Balance, you know. Thus, in addition to the standard 5 points for basic characteristics, with a new level, we get a skill point for the development of any skill.
Secret level. Cow Town
The classes that are in the game are the necromancer, barbarian, paladin, sorceress, and Amazon. Some of the characters are distinguished by excellent melee skills, while others are engaged in pure water summoning'om or the revival of evil spirits. In add-on, a killer was added to this company, which, for all its … not as frightening as the barbarian, is capable, with the proper development of skills, to pepper the horde of demons, periodically striking with sixfold power. The Druid, the second character of LoD, is a magnificent magician capable of casting attacking spells (which even a sorceress can envy), summoning different creatures and turning himself into some animals. Perhaps Diablo 2 has all the classes that a real fighter with evil can only need.
After getting out of the characters screen, we find ourselves in the first settlement – the camp. Yes, from now on we will not have one or two dungeons for the entire game and the heel of the NPC, which depicts the village. Each chapter will have its own city, its local inhabitants, natural conditions and enemies. This is new, it is interesting and much more diverse than the dimensionless pit under the church of Tristram (which we, by the way, necessarily look at). We do not have to be bored here – forests, swamps, deserts – there's nothing here. On the other hand, in general, the gameplay produces a long-familiar impression "I've already seen it." Of course, the entourage is constantly changing, but, in principle, what's the difference where to run – in the labyrinths of caves or in the desert?
It is to run. From now on, the hero had such a characteristic as endurance. The heavier armor and weapons, the slower our fighter and evil run, and the faster he gets tired. Diablo has never been an empty-headed arcade, so fatigue does seriously affect the combat ability of the character (thankfully, it does not reach the fiasco of a la Jagged Alliance 2).
Inventory of an already experienced hero
Weapons and armor have become monstrously many – more than a hundred items for two. Moreover, the game has unique and rare items, and some things will come to us no more than once in several thousand games. However, this is a rather weak incentive for another game – count on a miracle and a scattering of rare artifacts, dropping out of the first zombie, somehow it is not necessary. But there are so many items. In addition to conventional swords, bows, armor, there were various sets of powerful artifacts. A complete set can greatly increase the firepower of the character. Only to start it must be collected. Numerous (well, just a huge amount) stones and other non-combat artifacts, bring the hero bonuses to the characteristics, resistance (now the list of effects to which you can buy immunity, is 4 items, including cold and poison) or, any object, endow it with special properties. Variation – a huge number.
Approximately the same type of "skins" exists for the image of our savior of the world from evil. Each item, dressed (taken in hand) on the character (character) tries to be displayed in a unique way. However, this display is not particularly helpful – there is nothing exciting in looking at all sorts of knives and vests in the resolution of 640×480. And this is in the middle of 2000. Fortunately, LoD introduced a resolution of 800×600 to Diablo 2, but that's also not good news.
The interfaces fully adhere to the rule "everything for the convenience of the player". All the items that once belonged to our rivals, thanks to one-click, migrate from the corpse of the villain to our pocket. The pocket itself became more organized, and its content instantly spreads over the available space in an optimal way. Add here the ability to highlight all objects on the ground (you no longer run past the quest item lost in a pile of corpses), put spells in a book that takes up much less space and a huge amount of all kinds of hotkeys – yes, it's immediately evident that the developers tried for the player's sake . If only we were comfortable with you. And thanks for that. True gold cannot take much with itself – a frail hero in the world Diablo is also a poor hero: the amount of gold transferred is determined by the level of the hero. But all of our savings (as well as items), we can safely leave for safekeeping in the chest, located in any city. There you can also hire a mercenary, which can be much more useful than it seems at first glance. Eh, indirect control … The plot is absolutely linear. Nobody stops immediately running to the next chapter – just there nobody will talk with you about serious things (just something deeds), so Diablo, as before, does not particularly strive to get rid of the label of one of the most linear role-playing games. Judge for yourself: the plot is absolutely unchanged (from point A to a point I will have to go through all the other points, starting with B), as such no role-playing, no, and running around, in principle, pretty similar dungeons (with hordes of enemies) can get bored. In general, the game is for an amateur …
In the cooperative of your favorite game, friends will always help
On the first day of sales, more than 150,000 copies of Diablo 2 were sold. Battle.net, Mecca, and Medina of the fighters with the Devil, for the first time, could not cope with the influx of those wishing to drive the devils in the cooperative. And I must say that the multiplayer Diablo 2 (and especially the LoD, which stands out very strongly against the background of other chapters – and design, and opponents, and the increased complexity) – is much more interesting entertainment than the single, because there is nothing more fun than To drive on gloomy catacombs in the company of old friends. Pure fan. Each mob of monsters is taken almost on the courage, and the struggle with the bosses consists in exhibiting several portals near his lair with subsequent raids from the city to his corpse (one click and all the items are in the slots where they were at the time of our death) with screams "now I am! My turn to him to smash! ». Fun, fervently, and then everyone diverges and play a boring single there is neither the will nor the strength. However … a large number of modifications, patches, and fans all over the world make skeptics and anti-Semitic Diablo quietly grounded in the underground. Whoever said anything, but not to reckon with this game is impossible – is it bad, is it good, but it is so. And numerous game maker constantly trying to reckon with Diablo 2, but so far none of the numerous clones of Diablo (albeit with better graphics, storyline, interface, and gameplay) and failed to repeat the success of Blizzard.
Earlier there were rumors about Diablo World, which, by the way, did not show itself. Performing MMORPG is not an easy task, and Diablo 2 is already equipped with excellent collaboration. Whether it is necessary to hurry up? Whether these games are announced or not, in any case, the conclusion of the next, the third. Once involved in their projects and stereotypes of thinking, Blizzard is unlikely to be able to write "authors of Warcraft, Diablo, Starcraft."
What ratings can I put on this game? No, well, or, above the maximum)))
Link to the Diablo II: in Blizzard store


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So what we all already subtly felt actually seems to be true: The same behaviour which is – shown by a man – valued, if not expected, is at the same time punished when seen in a woman!
This is somehow almost understandable considering the powerful social paradigms which created even more powerful gender stereotypes over the last hundreds of years. Change will come slowly and only through a lasting equal socialisation of boys and girls over generations. Who knows – maybe we will even find out about certain genetically determined differences which are so strongly being denied so far…
What can women do meanwhile?
This experiment´s result confirms my assumption that women have to learn politics, tactics and diplomacy in order to influence decision-making or even become the decider. This way they will be able to have an active impact on their company´s culture.
Women unfortunately still think that their content expertise, their methodic knowledge and their permanent dedication is sufficient. They find that these "games" mainly played by men around them are ridiculous.
Statistics have clearly proven that this is wrong!
Therefore women should learn:
- to understand the various differences between men´s and women´s communication patterns
- to invest time in gaining access to relevant (side-) information
- to form strong (personal) networks with deciders and powerful influencers (even if they are not very fond of them)
- to become accepted into their inner circles
- to foster stakeholder contacts – give and get information early on
- to use contacts before important decisions are made
- to not rush ahead in supporting others too much because that gives weaker peers or bosses an opportunity to hide the results – or even use them for their own benefit! I know, women do this because the matter counts, but do you really want this person to rise in hierarchy and have more influence instead of you? No? Then try not to help – nobody will accuse you because the issue was not your responsibility in the first place.
- …and in case you do so nonetheless ("the matter counts"): learn to make sure that the benefit will be yours in the end – do good and talk about it!
All this is not at all meant to imply that women have to behave like men.
On the contrary they have to discover their own genuine way of playing the games others put in front of them and therefore need to understand the rules of engagement.
© Dr. Cristina Barth Frazzetta


text: Breadcrumb Home > Thesaurus Cite Synonyms of frederico garcia lorca Find synonyms for: Noun1. Garcia Lorca, Frederico Garcia Lorca, Lorcausage: Spanish poet and dramatist who was shot dead by Franco's soldiers soon after the start of the Spanish Civil War (1898-1936)WordNet 3.0 Copyright © 2006 by Princeton University. All rights reserved. Related Content Daily Word Quiz: panache Analogy of the Day: Today's Analogy Spelling Bee: Today's Spelling Bee Frequently Misspelled Words Frequently Mispronounced Words Easily Confused Words Writing & Language Synonyms Index


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- 250g (9oz) dried mango, finely chopped
- 4tbsp dark rum
- 4 egg yolks
- 100g (4oz) golden caster sugar
- 350ml (12fl oz) double cream
- 100g (4oz) creamed coconut, grated
- 200g (7oz) Greek yoghurt
- mango and passion fruit sauce, to serve
- You will need
- 1.2 litre (2pt) basin
Dried mango is a pain to chop, so I do it in the food processor using the pulse button. Then marinate it in rum for a few hours.
Whisk the egg yolks and sugar together. Bring the cream to the boil, then pour over the yolks, whisking all the time. Return to the pan and cook gently until the mix thickens slightly. Take off the heat, add the coconut and stir well to dissolve.
Cool then add the yogurt. Add the mango and rum and pour into a basin or loaf tin, lined with clingfilm. Freeze for about 6 hours. Serve with mango and passion fruit sauce.


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Depending on your location, this may be the time of year when small businesses can catch their breath and spend some time focusing on the business-building tasks they have been putting off. One of the tasks that should be at the top of your To Do list is a review of your online presence.
Over the years, I have met with many business owners who tell me they are too small to worry about being on the web, but that is simply not true. In fact, businesses in small communities, and especially those looking to attract tourists, need to be easy to find, and in today's world, that means being online.
When I first moved to Lake Lure, I received many referrals to a local shop for some special items I was looking for. Not knowing the area, I never really heard exactly where the shop was, but I was sure I could find it. The morning I decided to go shopping, I looked up the business on Google and came up empty. There was nothing online about this shop – no website, no Facebook page, no phone number, no address – there was absolutely no way for me to find or contact them. Unfortunately, since Google couldn't find the business, neither could I, so I went somewhere else.
With our high-tech society, every business needs to have at least a basic online presence so people can find them. These days, a web page is often the first introduction people have to your business. So, I want to encourage EVERY business in the area to start taking the steps needed so they can be found by locals and tourists.
Here are my Top 5 Tips For Small Businesses:
Whether you are a small gift shop or a local repair shop, there are many cost-effective steps you can take that will build your online presence and help bring in new customers. Take some time to get ready for next season and beyond.


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SF Bay Area/Peninsula OL - April 1, Divino
Announcements and planning of Offline events
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- Posts: 98
- Joined: September 21st, 2018, 10:16 am
Re: SF Bay Area/Peninsula OL - April 1, Divino
Glad he and others enjoyed it! I didn't enjoy the non fruit and trace tca, and will bring another one to offline for comparison.
- Alan Rath
- GCC Member
- Posts: 20337
- Joined: April 24th, 2009, 12:45 am
- Location: Bay Area, CA. Sometimes out to lunch.
Re: SF Bay Area/Peninsula OL - April 1, Divino
Fun evening, nice mix of wines from everyone! I enjoyed pretty much everything (couple I missed tasting, Calera for sure). My faves were the Foillard, Arnoux, Drouhin SV (I also enjoyed the old Pommard), Copain, Taittinger, and Fonseca. Taylor was excellent, needs a few more years. The Rivers Marie was more restrained than I expected based on prior experiences, particularly in the heat spike vintage, very nice. I enjoyed the Ultramarine, thought this one was better than the one we had a year ago with Charlie; it's a lean, mineral wine, but I don't mind that at all. The Lafon Volnay is aging glacially, needs 10-15 more years. 2003 Sauternes are always tasty, but not so classic. The Thomas Pinot was a little bretty for me. That Xavier CR showed the best I've had it, going to be very nice in 8-10 years, definitely higher toned with its viognier.
I'm just one lost soul, swimming in a fish bowl, year after year
- GCC Member
- Posts: 3384
- Joined: July 7th, 2009, 9:33 pm
Re: SF Bay Area/Peninsula OL - April 1, Divino
Thanks Craig. I liked most the Knoll (my WOTN, Gruners and Rieslings have to have a perfect combination of structure and fruit and earth and acid and depth and age for me to love them) , Taittinger because I was relieved it was good, Lafon (second place, quite a surprise, way too young but showing a lot), Giacosa, Argiano because I usually don't like Brunello, Giusto.Craig G wrote: ↑April 2nd, 2019, 8:05 pmHere's what I drank:
2015 Xavier Gerard Cote Rotie
2015 Copain Laureles Grade Chardonnay
2002 Drouhin St. Veran
2011 Knoll Loibner Gruner Smaragd
2009 Roulot Meix Chavaux
1990 Taittinger Collection
2014 Ultramarine BdN
2001 Arnoux Chambolle (mag)
1990 Lafon Volnay Santenots
2017 Rivers Marie Summa PN
1987 Calero Selleck PN (mag)
2015 Foradori Fontanasanta Nosiola
2000 Giacosa Barbaresco Faletto
1990 Drouhin Pommard
1997 Argiano Brunello
2011 Foillard Morgon Côte De Py (mag)
2004 Thomas Pinot Noir
2001 Giusto du Notri Toscana
2005 Scherrer Cab
2009 Duckhorn Cab
2000 Taylor Port
1985 Fonseca Port
2003 Rieussec
I think I liked the Scherrer, I loved its risky style.
A few others were possibly great but too quiet with youth to assess or enjoy.
The Selleck was simple but very fun and gulpable, again relieved.
I drink a lot of Thomas and I'm with Alan. Brett dulled the wine. I think it's bottle to bottle.
Ultramarine is definitely not my style or flavor. Two tries, identical wine, it's just very gassy club soda for my palate.
The Rivers Marie was also definitely not my style.
That room gives one a lot of freedom. I like it. My steak (!) was really outstanding.
- GCC Member
- Posts: 3880
- Joined: January 29th, 2009, 3:54 am
Re: SF Bay Area/Peninsula OL - April 1, Divino
Sounds great! Is it too late to attend this?
ITB - Useless lackey
"I've acquired enough wine to seduce an elephant." - Jennifer Robin
"I've acquired enough wine to seduce an elephant." - Jennifer Robin
Re: SF Bay Area/Peninsula OL - April 1, Divino
My favorites were the Roulot (first time I had this producer), Giacosa Rabaja (excited to have a bottle of this sleeping in the cellar), Lafon (surprisingly young, but delicious), Gerard (seemed too ripe at first, but the briney/gamey flavors came through with air), and the Knoll (biased, I like his style of GV over Hirtzberger and others)...
The Foillard was good, but the magnum I opened over the Holidays was a bit better, can't put my finger on what it was. Also the Thomas was great!
The Foillard was good, but the magnum I opened over the Holidays was a bit better, can't put my finger on what it was. Also the Thomas was great!
Post Reply


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Wednesdays -
10am & 7pm Bible study
Thursdays -
5:30 pm Bible Study
Sunday School - 9:30 am
Sunday Worship - 10:45 am
There are weekly Bible Studies
which are held
at New Life UMC on
Tuesdays at 6:30 pm and
Wednesdays at 10 am & 7 pm.
The Bible Studies
are led by
Rev. Teresa Atkins McClure.
Our worship services include a variety of elements to help you draw closer to God. We sing praise songs, as well as hymns. We use creeds and other liturgy to connect us to our Christian tradition. The altar at New Life is always open when you wish to kneel before God in prayer.
We believe worship is vital to our spiritual health. Our weekly worship service allows us to praise God, connect with our community, and renew our faith.
Youth 6th grade-12th discuss faith, Jesus, and the world using activities and projects to enhance their experience. Our youth program has exciting new activities; check out our Youth page for updated info.
Children from birth to 4 enjoy play and Bible stories in the Nursery. Children ages 4-5th grade have fun learning about their faith in a "One Room School" style.
We have adult classes. Some are lecture based, while others are discussion. Our classes are lead by wonderful, experienced teachers who help you delve deep into the scriptures.
Friends are invited.
For more information about these bible studies, please contact us.
We celebrate Holy Communion on the first Sunday of each month. All people who believe in Jesus Christ and who are in need of God's grace are invited to the communion table.


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(First of all, this post is also to THANK my fellow cat lovers because most of this post is based on your support 😉 of my most viewed and pinned posts.)
And following that I have to say sorry folks this is one of those posts that is more for my fellow blogging readers. I had some really nice photos for the non-blogging readers for today but when I just looked at them they were all blurry. Yikes!
Since most of my readers aren't bloggers, this post will probably bite me in the rear but I felt like I should share it for my friends in the same predicament as myself.
I had already mentioned before my Christmas break that I had to work on some technical blog issues and this post covers one of these fixes.
That's where I have to tell you my little story:
Once upon a time I started this little blog and I felt like no one in the world besides my parents, brother and sister-in-law would want to read about my crazy German design escapades. I was so scared to post most of my projects and never even thought about watermarking my images since I was really convinced people wouldn't be too thrilled with most of the stuff, especially my crazy cat lady tendencies.
Thankfully I was sooooo wrong about that. Especially about the cat related posts. I'm so thrilled to report that there are so many crazy people like myself out there. It's like admitting to the world that you have an addiction problem and noticing you aren't alone 😉 with the difference of actually helping other living creatures!
So what's my point?
Well it turns out that my cat enclosure and other cat related posts have been some of my most viewed posts and pins.
Can you believe that my cat enclosure post has been pinned 148,118 times (and another 132,335 for my blogspot) and that's not counting re-pins? To some that might not be much but to me that is freakin huge!
And all those pins had un-watermarked images on them which ended up being a humongous mistake (lesson: watermark everything). I don't know how a lot of those scraper websites figure out what's popular on Pinterest but they do and they have stolen my images lots of times. Granted they did link back but they pin the crap out of your images and create other sites that link back to their other site and at the end to you in a tiny little mention on the bottom of the page. Those sites (mostly) don't have any way of contacting an administrator or writer. So I reported them! It gets so frustrating but the content was removed.
So this post is to show you how I was able to remove all those un-watermarked images and replace them with watermarked images WITHOUT LOSING all the Pinterest links to those 30 000ish pins on Pinterest. It would be a disaster to lose all those pins and traffic.
At Haven they recommended making those images small and placing them at the end of your post and then place watermarked images in the post.
That made me think about the possibility of making those un-watermarked images invisible. Don't you feel like HTML can do magic sometimes? I so know nothing about it and it is Chinese to me but I was convinced that it could be done. This might be old news to you webbers who know all the secrets of HTML but it was like I had found a magic wand when I discovered that I could embed those photos into my post without anyone else being able to see them and without any links being broken.
So here is what I did and this can also apply to all of you who took project photos that weren't really that great thanks to your iPhone or bad lighting and you would really like to replace them some time later but are afraid to mess up your Pinterest links again.
- Before I did this alteration of the HTML code of the images in my existing post, I made a secret board on Pinterest to pin all the images to it that I wanted to make invisible. This way I could test out if the images would still link back from Pinterest after making them invisible with the little code snippet.
- Make sure the properties and image captions are removed before applying the code. It made it easier!
- I always copy the entire post HTML first and save it in another document in case something goes wrong!
- This is the code you have to use behind the image: style="display: none;" /> and it should look something like this after <img src="https://unwatermarked_imageJPG" style="display: none;" />
And voila they are hidden but still link back from Pinterest. And you can add all your new watermarked images to your post without any damage being done to your Pinterest traffic.
Yay! A magic tiny little code did the trick 😉
This is your chance to hide those bad images and replace them with new and improved images or to get some watermarked images up on your blog without hurting your Pinterest traffic.
I hope this can help someone out there.


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One of the benefits of investing abroad is discovering companies in highly profitable industries that don't exist in Australia. We don't have ad-free satellite radio in Australia due to our small population spread over a huge landmass, but in the US the number of people with a satellite radio subscription has nearly tripled over the past 10 years. Up until the GFC, two companies, Sirius Satellite Radio and XM Satellite Radio, fought bitterly for satellite radio supremacy in the US, spending a combined US$450m per year on content. Neither was making any money, until the two received regulatory approval to merge in 2008. Since 2009 the combined company, Sirius XM, has increased free cashflow from US$185m to US$1.1bn in 2014. In the latest annual result revenue increased 10% and free cashflow swelled by 25%. Read more: (VIEW LINK)
Patrick Poke
congratulation on your new role, I look forward to hearing from you again - I'd been missing your posts from Intelligent Investor.
Nathan Bell
Thanks Patrick, hopefully my future posts are as interesting as the old.


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Hours after Apple released the iOS 12.1 update, security researchers found a new lockscreen bypass. According to the Verge, the exploit provides access to all contact information from a locked iPhone. It involves activating a FaceTime call and accessing the new group FaceTime feature to see contact information without a passcode. Apple has a long history of lockscreen problems going back to iOS 6.1 back in 2013. Does that mean you shouldn't upgrade to iOS 12.1. Absolutely not. There are a lot of security fixes in the latest iOS version, just not one that protects contact access if the phone is locked.
E-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com Phone: 703.359.0700
Digital Forensics/Information Security/Information Technology


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Student Success
Student Focus: Sports Edition
By Suzan Kurdak on August 16th, 2019
All of our Florida Virtual School students are each amazing in their own way, and over the years we have had the honor and privilege to teach many young shining stars. (Several names come to mind!)
FLVS is pleased to announce a new blog series titled "Student Focus" that helps showcase some of our incredible students. Continue reading
Keeping the Student at the Center
By The Virtual Voice on April 10th, 2019
The 2017-18 school year marked the 20th anniversary of Florida Virtual School (FLVS). The 20-year anniversary of FLVS was not only a historic occasion for the first statewide Internet-based school in the United States, but also a significant and positive milestone for virtual education.
When founded in 1997, FLVS consisted of six teachers, four support staff, 77 enrollments, and six courses. The use of online education tools was still new for the high schoolers of 1997. Continue reading
Student Shark Advocate Works with Legislators
By Guest Blogger on February 13th, 2019
This post was written by FLVS student and Model United Nations club member James A. La Fayette Jr.
Sierra Boodhoo is a 16-year-old student on a mission to make a positive impact on society. After experiencing racial profiling and bullying at her previous school, she switched to FLVS Flex in 7th grade where her interest in marine biology began. Her interest was sparked when she watched an episode of Shark Week with shark nets. She kept the flame going and researched sharks despite discouragement from others due to age, gender, and other societal bias.
She was told, "You are just an 11-year-old girl. Quit sharks. Switch to something girly like ballet." Continue reading
Win an iPad in our #FLVSCodes Contest
By Marissa Draeger on December 3rd, 2018
To celebrate our tech-savvy students, FLVS is hosting a contest from Dec. 3, 2018 through Jan. 14, 2019. We want to see how our students are engaging in computer science activities — from coding to construction!
Three lucky winners – one in elementary, one in middle, and one in high school – will be chosen to receive an iPad generously donated by the FLVS Foundation. Winners will be selected based on the quality, creativity, uniqueness, and relevance of their entry. Continue reading
6 Ways to Help Your FLVS Elementary Student
By Allison Voltaire on August 27th, 2018
As the author Thomas Fuller once said, "All things are difficult before they are easy."
Whether your child is new to online learning or you are a returning FLVS elementary family, our team is here to help you navigate our new curriculum and find ways to best meet your son or daughter's educational needs. Your teachers are here for you! Don't hesitate to ask them for help. The Flex Elementary team is also hosting weekly welcome sessions to help families find their way. Have questions or feedback? Our administrative team would love to hear from you!
With this in mind, we wanted to share a few helpful tips for our online elementary parents. Continue reading
Meet Sierra, FLVS Student & Shark Barrier Inventor
By Guest Blogger on July 27th, 2018
My name is Sierra and Florida Virtual School has provided me the opportunity to pursue various ambitions. My first step with FLVS was taken when I was in 7th grade. This year, I will be going into 11th grade with FLVS Flex. When I attended public school, I was harassed to the extent I had no choice but to leave the school. After much discussion, my parents and I agreed that FLVS was my best option. The summer I started virtual school was peaceful. I just had my school work, family, and the freedom to explore. It was the first time that year that I didn't have to worry about being bullied.
With my newfound freedom, I watched my first Shark Week episode that summer. My mom and I spent the rest of that week watching, including an episode featuring Dr. Craig O'Connell's Shark Safe Barrier. The concept of an innovative shark barrier sparked my imagination and was tangled in my thoughts for a while. Continue reading
20 Years of Student Success
By Guest Blogger on February 26th, 2018
This article was originally written and published in the FLVS student newspaper, News in a Click.
It's a fact! This year, FLVS is turning 20. It is crazy to believe that there have been 20 years of discussion based assessments, collaborations and, most importantly, 20 years of outstanding student success.
For many students, virtual school means different things. "I AM FLVS" is a phrase that makes every student think about how they represent their school. Continue reading
Where FLVS Students See Themselves in 20 Years
By Marissa Draeger on December 1st, 2017
FLVS has certainly grown since we first opened our virtual doors in 1997. We've come a long way over the years, and so have our students!
During our recent photo contest, students told us how they have grown thanks to FLVS and where they see themselves in the future. Last month, we shared our three contest winners, but there were so many amazing entries that we had to include a few honorable mentions…
Announcing our 2017 Photo Contest Winners
By Marissa Draeger on November 16th, 2017
For the last several years, FLVS has hosted photo contests allowing students to share their success stories and what it's like to be an online student. This school year, we put a new twist on the contest as FLVS celebrates 20 years of innovative student learning. Continue reading


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This medium strength coffee comes from Paraiso, a town located in the province of Barahona in the Southwest of the Dominican Republic. Barahona is surrounded by lush, green mountains and fresh rivers that run to the Caribbean Sea, and enjoys a tropical climate and average temperatures of 85 degrees F, making it ideal for growing quality coffee. Our Barahona Paraiso is smooth, incredibly aromatic and perfect for strong filter coffees and full bodied espressos.
Want to learn more about Barahona Paraiso Coffee? Read our article - Barahona Paraiso Coffee - Paradise in a Cup.
Available as whole beans or ground to order.
Use our Coffee Finder to track down your ideal variety, or sort our range with our Coffee Sorter.
View our Allergen Advice.
Not sure which size bag you need? See How Many Cups each size provides.
Barahona Paraiso Coffee is suitable for use with the following brewing methods:
Customer reviews of Barahona Paraiso Coffee
Barahona Paraiso Coffee has a rating of 4.5 stars based on 6 reviews.


text:
A church sign in Richmond that read "be gay and horny" last weekend got community members laughing after someone broke in and rearranged the letters.
The sign, at St. Alban Anglican Church near Granville Ave. and No. 3 Road, was broken into sometime on Friday night and the cheeky message was there for all to see on Saturday morning.
"Oh my god, it was so funny," said Dina Morgan, who drove by the sign while dropping her kids off at the SkyTrain station.
"The minute my little one, who is gay, said it, (they) started squealing in the back seat."
Morgan's kids made her stop and take a picture on the way home, and the image made rounds on social media over the weekend.
Randy Murray, communications officer with the Diocese of New Westminster, said the sign casing was locked, but someone was able to break in.
The prankster switched the letters around, and took out the extra ones. The missing letters have not been returned.
"You've got to admire its pithiness," Murray said of the message.
St. Alban's previously had an openly gay female minister, and blesses marriage ceremonies between same-sex couples. It's now changed its sign back to display the regular Holy Week message.


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P.S. Kindly contact me if you would like a trial Physics Tuition lesson or if you have any problem studying or tutoring. I will try my best to reply you ASAP. Also please leave me a comment!!! Thanks....
Open Lecture
P.S. Kindly contact me if you would like a trial Physics Tuition lesson or if you have any problem studying or tutoring. I will try my best to reply you ASAP. Also please leave me a comment!!! Thanks....
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text:
Lauriane Opéra en Quatre Actes et 6 Tableaux. Tiré du Drame de Georges Sand & Paul Meurice "Les beaux Messieurs de Bois-Doré" Poëme de M.Mrs. A. Guiou & Jean-Jacques Magne... Partition Chant et Piano Prix: 20 f. net. [Piano-vocal score]
Paris: Louis Gregh & Cie. [PN L. G. 2740], [1887].
Large octavo. Quarter dark brown calf with marbled boards, decorative compartments and titling gilt to spine. 1f. (recto title within decorative border by L. Denis, verso blank), 1f. (recto dedication to the King of Portugal, verso blank), 1f. (blank), 1f. (recto autograph inscription signed, verso blank), 1f. (recto notes on first performances and named cast list, verso blank), 1f. (recto contents, verso blank), 325, [i] (blank) pp.
Signed and inscribed by author to [?]José Sabino Vianne dated Milano, 18 May 1889.
Named cast list for Marseille includes Monier, Degenne, Hermann Devriès, Florentin, Henri, Baron, Gauzes, Melles. Julia Potel, and Peretti. Named cast list for Lisbon includes Devoyod, Ortisi, Rapp, Piazza, Souvestre, Bertochi, Lorenzana, Melles. Herminia Borghi-Mamo, and Mantelli.
Binding considerably worn and somewhat stained; paper loss to lower board; spine slightly skewed and faded; front free endpaper soiled. Minor foxing; some signatures split or partially split; annotations to contents in blue crayon; first page of music and pp. 7/8 detached.
First performed in Marseille at the Grand-Théâtre on January 9, 1883 and in Lisbon at the Grand-Théâtre de San Carlos (in Italian) on March 1, 1884.
A Portuguese composer, Machado "studied first in Lisbon, and, intending to become a pianist, went in 1867 to Paris, where he was taught by Lavignac and Danhauser. Back in Lisbon he composed his first works; dissatisfied with the predominating Italian influence in his style, however, he returned to Paris in 1873, and while there was in contact with Massenet and Saint-Saëns and was considerably influenced by them. His new French stylistic orientation is most clearly evident in the opera Lauriane (on a French libretto by Guiot, after George Sand); it was successfully produced in 1883 at Marseilles, and later at Lisbon and Rio de Janeiro, and marked the beginning of his international fame." José Carlost Picoto in Grove Music Online.
Item #29362
Price: $160.00 other currencies


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Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Visits CJTF-HOA Airmen
Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force James A. Roy visited Airmen assigned to Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa and other tenant commands here, May 5-6.
The primary purpose of the visit was to speak to the Airmen deployed here and gain insight into their health and well-being. During his stop Roy also visited with CJTF-HOA senior leadership and toured various Air Force units located at Camp Lemonnier.
"As I talked to Airmen, they are excited about being here," said Roy. "They think that this is a worthwhile deploymenttâ?one that continues to help in our national security and (they) are proud of what they do each and every day."
To help make his assessment, Roy had breakfast with a select group of junior enlisted personnel, lunch with a small group of non-commissioned officers and then held an Air Force all-call at Camp Lemonnier's Morale, Welfare and Recreation facility 11 Degrees North.
Roy used each of those opportunities to interact with the Airmen to address their concerns and share information regarding the Air Force directly from the top.
"It was nice to be able to sit down with someone who plays such a big role in the enlisted Air Force and be able to talk one-on-one and ask questions," said Senior Airman Jessica Dunahoo, a CJTF-HOA computer technician.
Roy expressed his own impression of the Airmen serving in today's Air Force, both at home and abroad.
"I can tell you that I couldn't be prouder of our Airmen," he said. "They are in the fight today and they are making a difference in the battle space."


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When vacationing in idyllic luxury resorts in Maldives, one's holiday can be as enchanting and mesmerising, relaxing and rejuvenating and as exciting and exhilarating as they wish. For those seeking relaxation and rejuvenation, sunbathing by the pristine beach and indulging in world class spa treatments at hotels such as the Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa are essential distractions whereas excitement and exhilaration awaits guests willing to try their hand at the multitude of water sports Maldives offers. From kayaking, surfing and snorkelling to night fishing, diving with the Manta Rays and swimming with the sharks, the Maldivian islands have it all!
For those seeking to be enchanted by the natural beauty and charm of Maldives, tourists can choose from a range of options. A day excursion to one of the many uninhabited islands will provide tourists with the excellent opportunity to take in the natural beauty of the country at their own pace. Another interesting option is a night cruise where tourists will find themselves caught between the cosmos: the bright blanket of stars above and the glimmering and glowing plankton in the waters below mimicking the ever glowing heavens.
Similarly exciting experiences await those who opt for a sunset cruise along the Indian Ocean waters. Tourists can choose to take a cruise on a dhoni, a Maldivian boat made for the purposes of fishing and experience the wonderfully colourful and mesmerising sunsets this country has become well known for. During a sunset cruise, the lucky few may be able to observe one of the world's friendliest mammals, the adorable dolphin making its way across the Ocean waters while the departing sun sets the sky on fire in an array of hues and shades. A sunset cruise is an excellent way to witness the natural beauty of Maldives and welcome nightfall in a unique way.
Uditha Dharmawardhane is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Roland Lefevre. He specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe. Google+


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Thursday, April 30, 2009
lots of appointments
He also said the ABR test (the objective test showing what sounds get through to the brain) probably won't be very helpful as it is how much speech Lily hears subjectively that matters. So he said yes to her hearing aid appointment at the hospital on Monday and thinks the aids will cost less than $4,600 and she can try before paying. The reason the hearing aids we were quoted were so expensive is that they have a computer in them which can try to reduce the sound frequencies that Lily finds uncomfortable.
Isaac has two hospital appointments today and not back-to-back either. So we've just returned from the orthoptist who said his squint is worse and he'll probably need his right eye patched soon to force him to use the left one. His glasses are on order though so she wants him to try them for a month or two as they will straighten up his eyes a bit too.
We'll have lunch at home, pick Noah up a bit early from school and then return to see the dietitian. Isaac still has not regained all the weight he lost when he started walking so he's still just under 11kg. It's hard to get much more than 900ml of food a day into him so I'm wondering if he should start on a more concentrated feed.
Luckily (well not for them) my friend's son is on children's ward at the moment so we were able to pop and see them this morning and she has kindly offered to look after Noah during the dietitian's appointment.
Next week I just have hospital appointments of hearing aid appointment for Lily on Monday and ENT clinic for Noah on Weds. After that we have two weeks hospital free!! until Isaac's paediatric appointment.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Monday, April 27, 2009
Isaac's first day at Kindy
He went charging into kindy and didn't look around for me at all while I was in the office sorting out papers. He has a helper for 2 of the 2 1/2 hours and as he settled so beautifully I was free to come home.
I had a cup of coffee out on the patio with the door open wide in case kindy should phone. Except for his time in hospital and our weekend in Auckland and week in San Francisco I've not had time away from Isaac. I kept thinking he was just upstairs asleep.
I picked Noah up from school and walked with just him back to the kindy to Isaac who received us with mild interest. He is sitting watching TV now slightly tired but seeming to say "What's all the fuss about?" My last child leaving his mum - he could at least make a fuss!!!
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Wath I whod lick
Luckily the concrete wasn't poured that day but it was poured yesterday and I had to lock us all into the house to prevent any little footprints!
Whilst contaiend in the house and surfing the net, I managed to find and book some very cheap Qantas tickets to LA for Lily's birthday - she chose to travel on her birthday as she will then be able to celebrate her 21st in NZ and then again in Disneyland. This may not work as perfectly as she thinks as we leave Auckland at 2.30pm and then arrive in LA at 7.30 am which will feel like 2.30am to us!
Hannah has kindly offered to look after Isaac for the week - the thought of travelling with all his tube feeding equipment and doing Disneyland was just too much and TOO expensive. We almost decided the whole trip was too expensive but it is also our 30th wedding anniversary this year so we're taking it as a celebration of that too. (Paul has said "I'm not sure my dream honeymoon is taking two kids with DS to Disneyland" but Lily, Noah and I were able to persuade him otherwise!)
Monday, April 20, 2009
Feel Good day
Also through many of the American blogs I read I was linked to the you tube of Susan Boyle appearing in Britain's Got Talent - a real fairytale clip.
NZ's only real national paper, the Sunday Star Times also had a great interview with Michael Fox - I think I'd like to read his book "Always Looking Up"- I thought this quote of his about having Parkinson's was applicable to having kids with DS too.
"The one choice I don't have is whether or not I have it. But beyond that my choices are infinite. How I approach it is up to me. It has a lot to do with - and this is hard - accepting it. And that doesn't mean being resigned or not looking for a cure. But if you're trying to get away from it or change it, you're going to wear yourself out."
So all in all a day full of thought provoking and feel good experiences - and we didn't even make it to church!
Saturday, April 18, 2009
My new sign
Paul has also put up my new sign. It's a copy of an old war time poster that was found at the bottom of a box of second hand books at Barter books second hand bookshop - they now make quite a lot of their money by selling facsimiles of the poster
It suits our house well don't you think?
Hannah has arrived back from her two days with Beth in Auckland and was here last night (just for long enough for Paul and I to go to the supermarket without any children) this morning she went as a helper to a teenage camp and we have to do a real rush tomorrow to pick her up from the camp after church, drop Isaac off with some friends and then the rest of us will watch the production of The Sound of Music, starring Lily's school drama teacher as Maria and the girl who runs their High School Musical dance group as Liesl.
I have just realised too that we have invited all families who have a child with DS to a house warming party here on Monday. It will also be a party to wish one of the boys well as he goes for his FOURTH and very risky open heart surgery the week after.
Unfortunately the driveway is no where near finished - I wonder if we could end up with wet concrete when everyone comes? That would be very interesting! So we're in for a busy time preparing for that now!
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Noah's sandwich
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
days at home
This means that any quietness here is counteracted by how busy their flat will be in Auckland with seven in it rather than the three they've grown used to.
This morning J's social worker and our social worker both visited and we only had the three youngest here. Still while I was talking with J and her social worker and the other one supervised the boys, Noah managed to unplug all of Lily's PlayStation and TV telling the social worker he wanted to do a dance and bring the equipment into her!
I tried to explain how difficult we are finding J's behaviour at the moment, but I think it just sounds like we're complaining. Somehow chaos and bad behaviour surrounds J but she isn't misbehaving herself.
Since then the man doing the driveway wanted to talk to me and in that short time Noah opened and closed the garage door and climbed out of Lily's bedroom window. - I knew I was tempting fate last week when I told his behaviour therapist that his behaviour was fine and got discharged from their service!
Monday, April 13, 2009
Easter pictures
On Easter Sunday afternoon we invited James and Anika's family round, our first true entertaining in the new house. The kids decided to put on a play and Noah was dressed as a king. At one point in the afternoon we couldn't find Noah, then noticed just a crown peeping out from the digger that has been out of bounds in our garden. When I got there Noah was totally engrossed and wearing his seat belt!
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Miserable morning
This morning proved however that even living in a purpose built child friendly house doesn't stop children's' misbehaviour. J seems to always be in the thick of things with chaos around her but never doing anything herself - she's like a catalyst and she gloats over others getting into trouble.
Anyway day started with me in bed waiting for a cup of coffee while Paul did the Wii fit downstairs. I could hear Lily and J arguing as Lily emptied the dishwasher, then a crashing noise as Isaac tried to help and broke a plate. Then Noah cried in a genuine sort of voice and said J had shut his hand in the toilet door, Paul went to sort this out and J refused to apologise giving her reason for doing it as 'At least I haven't drawn on the sofa' sure enough a blue crayon picture of Wall-e decorated two of our sofa cushions.
Paul called me downstairs to help clean up (he wasn't impressed when I said it was actually a really good picture that Noah had drawn!) then when we went back upstairs we discovered Isaac had been into the adults only lounge and emptied half a cup of coffee over the new carpet and our lovely coffee table book called 'Colonial houses of Palmerston North'
Noah threw his new lap top Wall-e as hard as he could onto the floor and refused to do anything I said from then on. He almost went to school in bare feet as he wouldn't get his shoes on, just spent the time looking for where I'd hidden his Wall-e.
I forgot I was the adult in the situation at this point, screamed at him and dragged him to school with very bad grace, feeling quite ashamed when we passed a friend of mine.
I had calmed down a bit by the time we got to school and poor Noah eventually apologised for drawing on the settee and I managed to apologised for being so cross.
I was pleased I had a long walk into town after dropping him at school, so I could expend some energy. I have to say though it wasn't much fun to realise it's school holidays in only three days time!
Sunday, April 5, 2009
lots of house photos
and our ensuite
and once it's lived in using the aga for cheating at the ironing (you just leave folded clothes on the warm top and the creases drop out)
the living room looking through to the playroom - note our household rules which are in fabric letters on the walls - it is amazing how almost any misdemeanour fits with having a house that is not safe or calm
and the playroom decorated with bricks thrown by Isaac
looking the other way to the kitchen from the living room
Noah's bedroom with a little bed that Isaac will one day sleep in
Hannah's bedroom - I was worried that the yellow walls might be a bit overwhelming, but you can hardly see them now!
two views of our upstairs (adults only) lounge
and the major impact that building has had on our garden - maybe we were a little naive to think we wouldn't need any work there!
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
back on line in new home
The new house is great - still feels a little like living in a very posh hotel rather than our home, but we're getting there fast. Isaac has helped by already christening the carpet, weeing on it once I took his nappy off for a bath.
The phone was connected today and the Internet is working (it took 2 weeks to sort that out last move) the only thing still to do is get a satellite dish so we can watch TV. With it being a new house there isn't even a TV aerial on the roof. No one can come till April 17th, kids are finding this hard, Lily sat by the TV last night saying "House is actually on now and I can't watch it" I felt the same about Boston Legal but didn't complain so loudly!
The aga is now working and pumping out heat. We have so far used it to dry washing, make toast and very bravely tonight make roast chicken.


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It was in July last year that SBI's unceremonious 50 bps cut in the savings deposit rate had rattled depositors and triggered a spate of similar cuts across other banks. The reason? The steep reduction in lending rates then and benefits of surplus inflows ebbing after demonetisation had started to hurt banks' margins.
Beginning this year, the tables have turned. Banks have been raising fixed deposit and lending rates aggressively since January. But interestingly, none of them have raised their savings deposit rate yet. The reduction of the low-value savings deposit rate to 3.5 per cent (from 4 per cent) stays stock still. Why have banks not been as nimble to hike savings rate as they were to slash them?
Interest on the savings account was deregulated in October 2011. But nearly all banks have stuck with offering a 4 per cent rate on the savings deposit, even in rising rate cycles. Since 2011, there have been two rate hike cycles (until last year), neither of which has nudged banks to raise rates on savings deposits.
Large banks, particularly state-owned ones, have sizeable deposit bases. Savings accounts form 25-30 per cent of the total deposits for most of these banks.
Thus, even a 1 per cent increase in rates on savings deposits can shave off 20-30 bps from these banks' margins. That is why most banks have not tinkered with savings deposit rates for a long period.
When rates were deregulated, only a few banks – YES Bank, Kotak Bank, IndusInd Bank and Lakshmi Vilas Bank – chose to offer higher rates (5-7 per cent) to their depositors. In a bid to garner more market share, a low deposit base gave them the leeway to offer higher savings deposit rates. For instance, in 2011-12, savings deposit formed just 5 per cent of YES Bank's total deposits.
Sudden cut
Last year, the dead issue of cartelisation of the savings deposit rate, made an oddly, undesirable headway when SBI reduced the savings deposit rate for deposits of ₹1 crore and below, from 4 per cent to 3.5 per cent. This came in handy as the bank's steep cut in MCLR (marginal cost of funds-based lending rate) had been exerting pressure on its margins.
Other banks were quick to follow, lowering rates on low-value savings deposits (threshold ranging from ₹25-50 lakh). Since then, banks have not tinkered with these rates, even as they have hiked fixed deposit rates by 25-35 basis points on average – a few banks have raised interest rates on specific tenure deposits by 60-75 bps.
Driven by weak credit offtake and rising bad loans, banks appear to be reluctant to raise rates on savings deposits. With savings deposits still forming over a fourth of many banks' total deposits, a 50 bps hike could eat into already thin margins – possibly a 15-20 bps impact.
Depositors, who have been stuck with a meagre 4 per cent rate for over half-a-decade, may be stuck with a lower rate for a further period of time.
A few banks such as IndusInd and YES Bank, which were offering higher rates initially, have also been trimming their rates over the years. For instance, in May 2015, IndusInd cut its savings rate by 0.5 percentage points to 4 per cent for deposits up to ₹1 lakh and offered 5-6 per cent for higher-value deposits. In September last year, it raised the threshold for higher rates – 4 per cent for deposits up to ₹10 lakh and 5-6 per cent for deposits above ₹10 lakh.
Similarly, YES Bank offered 6 per cent on deposits below ₹1 lakh until March 2015. It has since trimmed this deposit rate to 5 per cent.


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In honor of Labor Day, I thought I would take a look at the labors of a great poet. Yes, poets work, too!
The Japanese poet, Matsuo Basho, had a couple of "day jobs." He was born into a family of samurai circa 1644. Obligated to serve, he did so until his feudal master's death. He relocated to Edo (now Tokyo) at 29 and spent several years in a physically demanding job to earn a living. During his first few years in Edo, he wrote and published a volume of poetry in the classical style of the day. But he really developed his unique style after 1680, when one of his wealthier admirers provided him with free living quarters, a cottage in Fukugawa. This allowed him to devote more time to his work as a poet.
His ability to capture a single moment, the crystallization of nature and emotion in time, was brilliant and distinctive. His twin talents of writing and teaching drew people in. At his cottage, he hosted contests and renga gatherings–poetry parties (yes, poetry parties!) held for the purpose of writing collaborative, linked poems.
He took long journeys, walking hundreds of miles on four separate trips over the last ten years of his life, either alone or with a student/apprentice. In one of his travel journals, "The Records of a Travel-Worn Satchel," he wrote that his mind "knows no other art than the art of writing poetry, and therefore, hangs on to it more or less blindly."
As he grew older he grew more frail and reclusive. (I can relate to that.) After his last journey, he wrote:
falling sick on a journey
my dream goes wandering
over a field of dried grass
Basho's life was not long (50 years), but it was filled with both work and wonder. I hope yours is, too. Happy Labor Day!


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Montauk homeowner Cynthia Nixon stars as Nancy Reagan in Killing Reagan, the National Geographic Channel film based on fellow Montauker Bill O'Reilly's 2015 book (with Martin Dugard), on Sunday, October 16 at 8 p.m.
The film, and O'Reilly's book, explores John Hinckley Jr.'s 1981 assassination attempt on then President Ronald Reagan. If the film is anything like the book, Killing Reagan will chronicle Reagan's career and rise to power, along with his relationship with wife Nancy. At the same time, it will look at Hinckley's descent into the madness that drove him to shoot Reagan just two months into his presidency.
The assassination attempt left Reagan wounded with a .22 caliber bullet just inches from his heart, and injured press secretary James Brady, a secret service agent and a police officer. Hinckley did it because of his obsession with actress Jodi Foster and the Martin Scorsese film Taxi Driver in which Robert DeNiro's character, Travis Bickle, attempts to kill the president. Foster played Iris, a 12-year-old prostitute, in Taxi Driver.
Nixon stars alongside Tim Matheson as Reagan, Joe Chrest as secret service agent Jerry Parr, Kyle S. More as Hinckley, Joel Murray as Ed Meese and Michael H. Cole as Brady.
O'Reilly's other books in the "Killing" series include Killing Lincoln, Killing Kennedy, Killing Jesus, and Killing Patton.
Killing Reagan is Nixon's second time playing a first lady. She played Eleanor Roosevelt in the 2005 HBO film Warm Spring.
Watch the trailer for Killing Reagan below. The movie airs on the National Geographic Channel this Sunday, October 16 at 8 p.m.


text: Foundation Stage held their annual Christmas Activity Day. Parents and guardians came into school and joined their children to complete a variety of fun Christmas craft activities. We all thoroughly enjoyed the day as well as developing lots of skills such as counting, fine motor skills, mark making and being creative.


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Eisenia foetida, are widely used as
an accessible bait for many fish. Fishing practice shows, however, that
these worms are not as attractive to fish as it is commonly believed.
scientific term foetida references
the well known fact that these worms use the yelowish stinky secretion
for self-defense. If the worms are handled roughly, they emit an unpleasure
odor designed to drive away predators. This stinky secretion can also be used
to distinguish E. foetida from some close relative worms that
look in the similar ways.
addition, there are problems with the palatability and nutritive value of these
worms as food for fish in aquaculture in
comparison with other
earthworm species (Stafford & Tacon, 1985; Reinecke et al.,
1991; Ortega et al., 1996; Kostecka & Pączka, 2006). The aim of
the foregoing research was to find the strong arguments advocating an idea to
use these worms as an available protein source to fish.
Fishing Practice
In the field
experiments, we compared the attractivities of an odor of squashed live earthworms,
E. foetida, that may be unfamiliar food to fish, and an odor
of natural food. Spined loach, Cobitis taenia, were selected as an model fish due to their abundance
in the research area, small size (usable for minnow traps) and the night type
of feeding activity (Robotman, 1977; Marszał et al., 2003). Squashed live
bloodworms, Chironomus plumosus, were
used in the capacity of food that is closer to the natural diets of spined
loach in the different habitats than terrestrial earthworms.
Spined loach, Cobitis taenia (powered by Lubomir Hlasek)
Experiments were carried out in the upper part of Kaniv's reservoir, below
Kyiv, in the summer season.
Fish were caught in the narrow ducts of
20-40 cm depth with the slightly muddy sandy bottom and few macrophytes like pondweeds. Because spined
loach were small (4-6 cm), that is mean length for this species, simple minnow
traps made of 6 liters transparent plastic bottles were used. When setting at the
bottom, the necks of the traps were located at the distance of 20 cm from each other and submerged by half into the sand. After final trap setting, feeders with 3gr of squashed
earthworms and, correspondingly, 3gr of squashed bloodworms were fell through
the top holes in the pair traps. Traps were
Read more »


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Nothing is more fun than traveling in a group, so feel free to book our MCO group transportation any time.


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These questions came from Linda at All & Sundry, I have enjoyed reading her and others around the Internet answer these for years; reading A'dell and Jennie this week reminded me.
1. What did you do in 2013 that you'd never done before?
Honestly, I don't do a lot of new things. I am the mother of a 9 year old, a 7 year old and a 3 year old. For the first time, I find myself as the mother of kids and not babies, with no plans for any more. Our family has moved into a new phase, one (hopefully) without diapers and with a lot more sleep.
2. Did you keep your new year's resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
Gosh, I don't think I set any last year. I probably wanted to lose weight and have a clean house. Next year I want to lose weight and have a clean house.
But actually, there is one thing I want for 2014:
I plan to run a half marathon in May. Along with running training, I want to be strong. I want to have a regular yoga practice, at home, primarily, but also to get back to regular classes at the studio. I will turn 35 this year and would really like to feel healthy and strong.
I want to eat healthier; the latter half of 2013 has been nutritionally lax. I have had a lot of fun and eaten a lot of delicious things, but I could use more beans and greens in my life.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Not super close, but a few of my friends did and a couple are expecting soon.
4. Did anyone close to you die?
5. What countries did you visit?
None other than my own! I visited a different state though: Florida twice, once to Disney World and once to Miami. I probably went to Virginia and Pennsylvania at some point, probably Delaware too.
6. What would you like to have in 2014 that you didn't have in 2013?
A clean house. Paint on my walls. Pictures hanging.
7. What dates from 2013 will be etched upon your memory, and why?
Now that I think about it, I must not be a big date person because none really come to mind. The ones that stick out, though, are: in August, we had a great wedding weekend; August 25, Augustoberfest, a local Oktoberfest that is my personal German Christmas which we got to spend with my cousin and his wife from Missouri and lots of our friends; December 11, the day my husband and I left for Miami for a 6 day trip to go to a wedding.
8. What was your biggest achievement of this year?
Gosh, idk. I took care of 4 other humans and they seem to be doing well.
9. What was your biggest failure?
My lack of patience with my kids. Seriously, they can be super annoying, but I really should have been more patient and given them more space to be annoying.
I didn't push on this thing at school for my one kid and I should have.
My house is still basically mess.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
None serious, thank goodness.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
Well, this is going to sound really shallow, but the question was about things bought: a 50mm 1.4 camera lens, an iPhone 5S, an iPad mini for James so I got the iPad 2 as my very own, a Mac Book Pro for Christmas.
Yoga pants, new shoes. New bras that actually fit. Some great makeup purchases that are fun and feel pretty. Another white T-shirt from Target.
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
This is a hard question. And one that I left blank for a while. I still don't have a good answer. (This doesn't bode well for the people around me, does it?)
I'd have to say my son. He is 9 1/2 and has actually become a cool person to be with. He is funny and kind and he is growing up to be a nice guy.
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
Lots of people on Facebook who took current events and celebrity gun/racist/homophobic rants as an opportunity to take an obnoxious, hateful stand. I expect this kind of thing from strangers on the Internet, but it's disheartening when it's coming from people you know in real life.
14. Where did most of your money go?
Our house payment I'm sure. Lots of food. Target.
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Spending time with people we love. Trips we took, which included people we love. Weddings, Walt Disney World. A 5-night getaway with my husband, my cousin's visit.
16. What song will always remind you of 2013?
Probably Wake Me Up. Anything Mumford and Sons. The Avett Brothers. Anything else played on the Mumford and Sons Pandora channel.
17. Compared to this time last year, are you: a) happier or sadder? b) thinner or fatter? c) richer or poorer?
Happier. Every year I just seem to be happier and happier. I am more myself each year and that is a lovely happy feeling.
Uh, actually a little fatter. I've been running more, but eating a ton more. And drinking a lot because we have had a lot of celebrations this year. Well, and parenting. That seems to increase my drinking.
Richer in the best ways.
18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
Spent good one on one time with each of my kids.
19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
Fret. Feel like I'm not doing the *right* thing. Wash the damn dishes because I think I washed a heck of a lot of dishes.
20. How did you spend Christmas?
With our family. And kids at home Christmas morning to open Santa presents.
21. What was your favorite TV program?
I am behind the times and watch shows once they are on Netflix. I don't know about favorite, but I really enjoyed: Arrested Development, Parks and Rec, Downton Abbey, Sherlock, How I Met Your Mother
22. What were your favorite books of the year?
I re-read Anne of Green Gables and truly it was more delightful than when I had read it as a kid. It was sweet and lovely and I smiled all the way through it. I didn't read much else because I started reading Les Miserables in January and have yet to finish because dear god it is slow in some parts. And I'm stubborn and feel like I *have* to finish it. I don't know if I will.
23. What was your favorite music from this year?
Oh just about anything played on the Mumford and Sons Pandora channel. I love Mumford, the Avett Brothers. I love Phillip Phillips "Gone" and "Home," Griffin House "The Guy That Says Goodbye to You is Out of His Mind," Avicii "Wake Me Up."
24. What was your favorite film from this year?
Well, I loved Les Miserables (I think I saw that in January). I know not everyone liked it and especially those I know who are fans of the stage show were divided. I loved it because it felt like a really good cover song. Like, it will never replace the original, but it brought a new perspective to an old favorite.
Not new, but new to me: Crazy Stupid Love. I just love love a movie that shows life to be hard and that parts of it suck but that ultimately life is sweet and worth putting effort into. It also didn't hurt to have Ryan Goslings abs. And Steve Carrel's humor. And Emma Stone- I love her. Throw in a little Kevin Bacon and Josh Groban and you're all set.
I did NOT like Anchorman 2. I feel like it's worth mentioning so you don't waste your time. It was an abomination and sullies the good name of Ron Burgundy.
25. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I don't remember what exactly we did, but I'm sure it was lovely. I turned 34.
26. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
It's a cop-out to say a windfall from an enormous inheritance or lucky lottery winning, right? Other than that, just knowing that I'm doing alright for my kids. Knowing that I'm not *really* screwing them up would help me to relax a little bit.
27. How would you describe your personal fashion concept of 2013?
Does it come from Target and cost less than $15?
28. What kept you sane?
James. He is perpetually my voice of reason, my sounding board, the person who scoops me up when I'm about to crack. Coffee. Beer. Bourbon. Running.
29. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2013.
For me, 2013 was about people. People I love and people I just met. We got to celebrate a couple of friends' weddings where we felt like family. I got to spend time with my cousin and his wife from Missouri. Getting to know them has been one of the most significant things to Internet has brought me. I made so many friends this year. I became closer to some people who I didn't realize were right under my nose. I have spent this year being around people and enjoying getting to know them and learning about them, relating to them, loving them.
Life is short. Love people. Humans are complex and seriously dysfunctional. Love them and be nice to them.


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Dracula Castles Tour: Poienari and Bran
Tour Theme: Dracula Themed Tours
Countries: Romania
Duration: 2 Days / 1 Night
Visit the castles connected with the life and legend of Vlad the Impaler the famous Romanian ruler also called Vlad Dracula. Bran Castle is the fictional castle of Dracula with a fairytale like setting, and Poienari Castle is the true castle of Vlad. These 2 castle contradict the truth and the myth of Dracula. Also included is the medieval city of Brasov, Peles Castle and Curtea de Arges Princely Court and Monastery are the other important sights included in this tour.
Day by Day Itinerary:
Day 1:
- Your private English speaking driver/guide will pick you up from Bucharest airport or hotel
- Leaving from Bucharest in the morning. First stop at Sinaia and visit the Peles Castle, former summer residence of the kings of Romania, the Peles Castle is 44 kilometers far from Brasov, in Sinaia, a well-known mountain resort as well. Nowadays the Castle is one of the most important museums in Transylvania where one can admire furniture and ornamental objects, carpets, tapestry, sculptures, paintings, collections of weapons from the 15th up to the19th centuries.
- Continue to Bran and visit the famous Bran Castle. Also called Dracula's Castle, it is situated not far from Brasov (25 kilometers) at the entrance in the Bran - Rucar passage. The castle got its fame from Dracula's legend written in 1897 by Bram Stoker and later on made into a film by Francis Ford Coppola.. The first documents about the Bran Castle appeared in 1377. Along the history, the Castle had a strategic mission being the border between Transylvania and Wallachia. First it was under the rule of the King of Hungary Sigismund of Luxemburg, of the Romanian voievodes Mircea cel Batran and Vlad Tepes and later on it came under the jurisdiction of the City of Brasov. In the XX century the castle was donated to the royal family and became a royal residence. The museum preserve the furniture and objects from that period.
- End the day in Brasov. short tour of the magic medieval center of Brasov (2 hours). The city of Brasov is one of the oldest in Europe, dating from 1235. During the Middle Ages, Brasov was known as a powerful fortress surrounded by high stone walls and defended by bulwarks, towers and other small fortresses. The buildings and the streets in the historical centre still preserve a medieval note. Council Square, Black Church, White and Black Towers, Weaver's Bastion and Ecaterina's Gate are the tour highlights.
- Overnight in Brasov
ACCOMMODATION: Casa Wagner*** or similar.
Day 2:
- After breakfast we go on the route to Poienari – the true castle of Vlad the Impaler.
- The route will cross the Carpathians Mountains offering amazing views over the mountains.
- Poienari Castle is standing on a cliff but know in ruins this is known as the real castle of Vlad the Impaler. To get to the top you must climb up its 1400 steps (takes approx. 1 hour). Once you arrive to the top of the Citadel you will find that the citadel is surprisingly small, one third has collapsed down the mountainside in 1888. Entering through a narrow wooden bridge, you come across the crumbling remains of two towers within; the prism shaped one was Vlad's ( Dracula's) residential quarters, from here, according to the legend , The Impaler's wife flung herself out from the window, declaring that better this way than be captured by the Turks, who were besieging the castle. Legend has it that Vlad himself escaped over the mountains on horseback.
- Next stop will be at Curtea de Arges, the former second capital of Wallachia. The strongholds rebuilt in the 14th century. See its Princely Church and its frescoed interior which is one of the first examples of Romanian paintings. The Episcopal Church (the monastery) which is a recreation of the original built in 1512 -1517 by prince Neagoe Basarab (rebuilt in 1875 – 1885).
- In the evening arriving at Bucharest and drop off.
End of tour services
This tour is customizable and the itinerary can be adjusted if required. Inquire for more details...
Dracula's Castle Tour; Vlad's Real Castle Poienari and Fictional Castle Bran!!!


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Marble Base Description
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Key Features:
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WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Formaldehyde, and Styrene, which are known to the State of California to cause cancer, and Chromium and Toluene, which are known to the State of California to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov