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WATCH OUT: Roseanne Dowell
SC: I want to welcome you all to another edition of Watch Out. This week I'm pleased to bring you author Roseanne Dowell. Welcome to Watch Out, Roseanne; it is so great to have you here.
It's great to be here and thank you for having me.
SC: For the readers out there who might not know about you or your work, can you please tell them a little about yourself.
First and foremost, I'm a wife, mother of six, grandmother of fourteen and great grandmother of one. I write a variety of sweet romances – paranormal (ghosts – ESP) and mystery.
SC: Can you tell us a little about your current release?
When Rebecca Brennan has visions and dreams of happenings to another person, her friend suggests she see a parapsychologist. When the dreams become dangerous, she's bound and determined to find out who her mind is connected to. Her determination to discover her mind connection leads her to a small town in Ohio and puts her life in danger too.
SC: Which do you prefer eBooks or paperback?
I love books, always have. I have boxes and boxes of them. I love bookstores and libraries. I love the feel of a book in my hand. That being said, I'm not adverse to reading an eBook.
SC: What influences the topics, and genre's that you pick to write a story in?
Hmm great question. I enjoy reading romance and mysteries. The combination of the two is my favourite, so that's what I tend to write. I also love ghost stories so most of my paranormal are about ghosts.
SC: What is the biggest misconception you think people have about erotic authors?
Wow, since I don't write erotic romance, I'm not sure how to answer that. I like to leave something to the imagination. Some of my books are a little steamy, but I always close the bedroom door.
SC: Your favourite part about being an author?
That would have to be the writing. I love writing. Although I also love to talk about writing.
SC: What are you currently reading?
Right at the moment I'm not reading anything. I have a stack of eBooks to read, but I've just not had the time.
SC: As an author what is that one big dream you would like to come true?
LOL to be a Best-selling author.
SC: What do you like to do in your spare time to relax and recharge?
Besides reading, I enjoy embroidery and quilting, especially the combination of the two. I've made embroidered quilts for each of my grandchildren (for when they have children).
SC: You've published both books and articles. Do you like writing one more than the other and why?
Funny thing about the articles, when I first started writing seriously, I took a correspondence course. They required one non fiction article. I didn't think I could write non-fiction. After all I didn't have an expertise on anything. A friend in a writing group convinced me I knew more than I realized and with the internet, what I didn't know was easy to research. So, I started writing non fiction, and before you knew it I writing articles about writing. As I said previously, I love talking about writing and the articles were easy. But my first love is fiction.
SC: Describe your books in 3 words.
Sweet mysterious romance
SC: If you could step into the shoes of another author who would you pick? Why?
Okay, I'm going to pick three – I know you said one, but I have three. Nora Roberts – who doesn't love her? I love her style. Mary Higgins Clark and Lisa Scottoline – both mystery writers. I've had the pleasure of meeting Nora Roberts and Lisa Scottoline.
SC: What do you think sets your stories apart from other authors?
I hope my voice sets me apart from other authors.
SC: Is there anything you're currently working on that you can give us a taste of?
Sure, my work in progress – working title Return to Littleton – is about a woman who returns to her hometown after ten years because her aunt passed away and left her the family home. She gets a job as school secretary and her boss, the principal and divorced, is the guy she had a crush on ten years previous. Of course there's a murder and the body is left in her living room. To complicate things further the ex wife of her boss comes back to town. Of course there's more to it, but since it's not finished, I can't reveal much more at this point.
SC: What is the best advice you ever got with regards to writing?
The best advice I got was not to take rejections to heart and keep putting your work out there.
SC: Any advice for new writers out there?
The same advice I got. If you love writing, don't quit. Keep submitting. If you're fortunate enough to have an editor point out what they like or don't like, take their advice.
SC: Where can readers find out more about you and your work?
My website – www.roseannedowell.com
My blog – http://roseannedowellauthor.blogspot.com
My work – http://bit.ly/roseannebooks
Excerpt for the book Connection of Minds
"No!" Rebecca sprang up in bed. Hot searing pain bore into her shoulder. What was happening to her? A warm sticky substance flowed from her shoulder. Oh God, there was going to be blood. From the feel of it, lots of blood. Half afraid to look, her hand trembled as she slowly brought it in front of her face and looked at it. Dry, no blood. What was going on? These kinds of things happened way too often lately. Okay, they were dreams but still. They were so damn real.
Rebecca eased off the bed. Her feet felt like lead weights as she walked to the kitchen and poured a glass of water. After a big gulp, she hurried back to bed. Shivers racked her body even with the blanket pulled up to her chin. A minute ago sweat soaked her skin. Now she couldn't get warm. Someone's life had invaded her mind. She didn't know who or where they lived. And she sure as heck didn't like it. These were more than dreams. Most of her visions happened while she slept, but they were real. Besides, too many occurred during the day.
The pain eased, but fear and danger lingered. Curling up, she pulled the blanket tighter, closed her eyes, and willed herself to sleep. Strange visions played in her mind. Red, white, and blue flashing lights, fire engines, and ambulances, and police rushed around calling instructions, trying to control panic and hysteria at the scene.
Rebecca rubbed her eyes, trying to erase the visions.
"If only I knew how to find this person. Maybe then I'd find out what these dreams and visions mean." Her voice startled her in the quiet room. Snuggling deeper in bed, pushing the thoughts away, she tried to sleep.
But sleep wouldn't come. Her mind wouldn't be still. The visions persisted. Was she going crazy? Maybe Allison was right to force her to see a parapsychologist.
"I think you're experiencing a psychic phenomenon." Allison had suggested. "Like ESP or something."
The next morning Rebecca, once again, sat in Bernard Clark's office. Something about the heavy-set, middle-aged man with salt and pepper hair and scruffy beard reminded her of her grandfather. As usual, he listened to her story with a serious expression.
Was this really helping? How many hours had she spent sitting across from the mammoth mahogany desk, staring at the book-lined shelves behind him? And so far, she didn't know anything more than before. Once more, that's it. If nothing changed today, she'd quit coming. Maybe he was a quack, like her brother said. Rebecca took a breath and relaxed in the comfortable atmosphere, inhaled the smell of new leather that clung to the chair, and leaned back. Okay, maybe she did have a deep extra sensory perception connection with someone like Bernard said. The question was with whom.
"I think you need to find this person," Dr. Clark suggested. "It's possible the physic mind is reaching out to you for help."
"How?" That's why she was here. If he didn't help her figure it out, that was it. No more visits. Besides, it cost money, and who could afford it? If Allison hadn't agreed to pay half, well that was another story. Dr. Bernard's voice brought her back.
"Start with the dreams," he suggested. "Tell me about them again."
"I see scenes with emergency vehicles. Last night someone got shot," she told him for what seemed like the hundredth time. "I wonder if he has something to do with law enforcement or other emergency operations. I'd recognize the town if I ever saw it in person. It's so vivid in my mind."
"Would you consider hypnotism?" Bernard fingered his beard. Intense blue eyes stared into hers. "Maybe your sub conscious mind will reveal the place, or person, or something to help you find it."
Leary about being hypnotized, but desperate to find who shared her mind, Rebecca agreed.
Under her hypnotic trance, she revealed the name of a shoe factory. A place called Booth's Boots, and she repeated the name, Morris, over and over.
"It's not much to go on," Rebecca told Allison later," but it's more than I knew before. Maybe Morris is my mind connection."
Encouraged by the information, she spent the better part of the day doing research. Using the Internet, Rebecca keyed in Booth's Boots. Instantly, several websites popped up.
"Okay, let's check out Boothsboots.com."
A website, showing various types of boots from hunting to work boots, popped up.
"This is great. Let's see what this says." She clicked on News and Events. "No help there. Okay, let's try Outlet Stores." She almost jumped out of her chair. "There it is!" A factory, located in Morrisville, Ohio.
"Morrisville, could that explain the name Morris?" A prickly sensation went up her spine. She was getting close; she could feel it.
"Okay, let's try this." Rebecca didn't care she was talking to herself. Besides, it wasn't the first time. Keying Morrisville into the search engine, she held her breath, more determined than ever to find the town. If it took all day, then so be it. A site popped up with several suggestions. "Okay, let's see what this one is about." Morrisville.net homepage popped up, and further down the page, it showed–Pictures taken around Morrisville.
She held her breath and clicked on one. The first picture that came up was a log cabin. No help there. "Okay, how about this one? The Square. " It looked familiar. Shivers ran up her spine. "Okay, how about Hotel Darby. Yes! I've seen this place." One more. She drew in her breath and clicked on Victorian.
"Oh my God, that's it! That's the house." She almost jumped out of her seat. The Queen Anne house in her dreams showed on the screen big as life. Where is this place? Clicking back to the homepage, she found it on the map. "Not far from Wattsburg; only a three hour drive from here. I have to go there."


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This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Figleaves.
Most women are wearing the wrong size bra and don't even know it. Today, with the help of Figleaves, I'm going to give you tips on buying a bra that fits.
Gentlemen, all three of you who read, this is your time to click away from this post. Hand the computer over to your wife and come back tomorrow for regularly scheduled programming.
Ladies, this is important business, so you might want to take notes. I'm excited to introduce you to Figleaves and help you support your girls.
How to Buy a Bra That Fits
- Support is in the band, not the straps.
Knowing this will change the way you shop for bras. I always thought, probably like many of you, that if I want to lift, lock, and load the girls, I need to tighten my straps. I mean, it kind of makes sense. Pull the straps up and everything rises, but it's wrong.
The key is in the band that goes all the way around your body. If that fits snugly and securely, you will have all the support you need. The straps only provide 20% of all your support.
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Figleaves.com says their best-selling size is 32F.
If that's shocking, you're probably wearing too big of a band. I did for years. I think there's a bit of psychological apprehension when we start getting into a cup size D and above, and really, that's crazy.
Numbers and letters mean so little. We just want a bra that fits perfectly, so we're comfortable and supported.
It's likely you need a smaller band size and bigger cup size. Nearly all of us do.
Figleaves has provided us with a video that will make bra fitting crystal clear. If you've ever had a question about how a proper bra should fit, you need to watch this video.
Go to Figleaves.com and hover your cursor over the word "lingerie" in the category bar at the top of the page. A drop-down menu will appear. Click on "Fitting Room" and then watch the video.
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Like a building, if the foundation isn't strong, everything else crumbles. It's amazing how clothes look and fit differently when my undergarments fit well.
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If you're shaking your head yes while hoisting up your girls one strap at a time, get thyself over to Figleaves. Trust me on this one.
* Linking to Jo-Lynne Shane's Fashion Friday.

subset: commoncrawl


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Sitting near the chapel at Regina Senior Living in Hastings, Minnesota, Fathers Martin and Leonard Siebenaler — brothers in life and in the priesthood — have many stories about growing up on a dairy farm during the Great Depression and their years serving as parish priests. The brothers, who are both celebrating 60 years of priesthood in the St. Paul-Minneapolis archdiocese this year, are retired — sort of.
Together through school, seminary, priestly life and now retirement, the brothers talked about their current joint venture: sharing chaplain duties at the care facility where many friends and family live, including their younger sister and brother.
"We kind of play off each other when we're with people," Father Martin said. "I remember something, he remembers something, and we just keep going back and forth. People enjoy hearing our priestly experiences."
Although Father John Siebenaler, their younger brother, was unable to join the conversation due to poor health, the other two members of the priestly threesome described their path to priesthood, ministry and their close, faith-filled family, now partly reunited in retirement.
Early life
The three priests are the oldest of nine children who grew up on a small farm near New Trier, Minnesota, about 30 miles south of St. Paul. Along with cows, the family raised poultry, hogs and crops. Though a year apart in age (86 and 85), Father Martin and Leonard's parents started them in school together at St. Mary's school in New Trier (now closed). Father John, the youngest of the three, joined them two years later. The Siebenaler children walked to school barefoot, carrying their shoes so they would last longer.
The brothers served Mass at St. Mary's Church under the direction of a stern but devout German priest, who told them stories and grew their interest in the priesthood. Because the brothers served at Mass so often, their parents bought a bicycle for them to share to make the trip to the church.
The call
The boys not only received vocational inspiration from their pastor, but they also got encouragement from their parents and the Sisters of Notre Dame, who taught them in school. Two of the Siebenaler sisters pursued religious life, and one, Therese, was a religious sister for 10 years. Three of their great-aunts were religious sisters, and a great-uncle was a diocesan priest. "Mostly, it was the example of my parents that helped us grow in our faith," said Therese, who also lives at Regina Senior Living.
Martin and Leonard entered the preparatory seminary in St. Paul after eighth grade, with John following two years later. Pre-Vatican II seminary training in the St. Paul-Minneapolis archdiocese consisted of six years at a preparatory seminary followed by six years at a theological seminary.
"We were young but we said, 'Let's give it a try,' and we were encouraged by the pastor," Father Martin said. "We were good altar boys, and reliable, and he thought we'd be good priest material." Before the two oldest boys left for seminary, their father took them aside and gave them a blessing, dedicating them to the Sacred Heart.
Three sons leaving for seminary meant the family lost three farmhands, but the young seminarians came home to help on the farm and work jobs in the area each summer, Father Leonard said.
The family enjoyed their vacations, Father Martin said. "We had all the news of what we learned, and we'd share, and the family enjoyed that."
Fathers Martin and Leonard were ordained for the St. Paul-Minneapolis archdiocese along with 15 others in February 1959 — three months before finishing their seminary studies — because of a priest shortage, Father Martin said. Hours of hearing many young baby boomer's confessions prepared them for parish assignments, Father Leonard said. Those assignments took them to different corners of the archdiocese, where they managed staffs, administered the sacraments, taught and planned building projects.
The brothers had adventures, too, such as when the Sunday-collection counters were robbed at gunpoint at one of Father Martin's parishes, or when a chalice thief was foiled by an alarm that Father Leonard had wired up to a tree to his bedroom. Father Leonard also counseled a teen in jail after she'd shot her home economics teacher in the neck over a bad grade. And Father John made the city newspaper after anointing a dying nurse who had been stabbed outside a nearby hospital.
Parish life was busy, but the brothers arranged to have the same day off so they could golf together or visit the family, they said. One of their aunts who was a religious sister prayed for good weather for their weekly golf game. "That was for Monday, and then we switched to Tuesday and we forgot to tell her," Father Martin said.
Still active in their 80s
In 2002, Fathers Martin and Leonard retired near Hastings, Minnesota, not far from where they grew up, and served at local parishes for a number of years. Father John's health declined, and he moved into memory care at Regina Senior Living.
Father Leonard became ill and moved into the center in 2017. As Father Leonard recovered, he and Father Martin took on chaplain responsibilities when the facility's chaplain left.
Fathers Martin and Leonard each offer a weekday Mass and alternate presiding at Sunday Mass at the care center, where roughly 75% of the 200 residents are Catholic. The brothers also administer other sacraments and preside at funerals. They hope a full-time chaplain will take over soon.
Service is a way to give back to family and friends, Father Martin said. "They supported us all these years as young men in grade school, seminary … now we're retired with them, and we can still appreciate each other and even serve each other now."
Rose Mary Lorentz, a relative by marriage who lives at Regina, said residents appreciate having priests who are on their level. "They're just like us, and yet they're holy, and you can talk to them about anything," she said. "That's what makes them very special to us."
Father Leonard said he's proud of the men pursuing priesthood today. "My thought is hopefully the Church will rebound and go back to where people are really proud of it."
The two brothers are happy to be celebrating 60 years of priesthood. "It's rather unique, I think, in the archdiocese, that brother priests have reached 60 years of consecrated priestly life," Father Martin said. "I'm kind of surprised that we lived this long. We feel pretty good about that."
Perseverance in their vocations has been one of the brothers' great blessings, Therese said. "I'm grateful that they had the health and perseverance to serve for that long of a time. They want to work until they drop. They keep going."
Susan Klemond writes from Minnesota.


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Become Part of our Team and Push Digital Sovereignty
- Teamleader IT / Project Manager (m/f/x)
- IT Consultant (m/f/x)
- Outbound Sales Represantative (m/f/x)
- a.m.m.
When administrators think about user management (IdM), they often only keep an eye on traditional IT systems. But even in the cloud, where you can buy new services with just a few clicks, it's extremely important for companies to keep control over their users if they do not want to lose control over who has rights and access in the organization. Otherwise, a dissatisfied or dismissed employee can quickly become a real threat to the entire corporate IT. Or the failure of subsystems can mean that the entire IT can no longer be accessed and all processes in the company are stopped.
With a centralized user management it is possible to effectively enforce password policies and prevent a single external service from simultaneously compromising a large number of passwords without allowing the administrator to take remedial action. But also for the users a central user management offers a noticeable advantage, because single sign-on allows them to securely log on to different services with a central password.
Therefore, let us first explore the benefits of running your own central user management before stepping into the technologies used to connect some of the favorite cloud services.
Today many identity management systems are offered to big and small companies. Some are based on open source software while others are based on proprietary software. However, many of them have in common that you cannot easily migrate your identities to a different service, for example, if you are not anymore happy with it.
Only if you have access to the backend, as you have with UCS or other Open Source Solutions, in addition to the shiny interface, can you truly choose where you want to store your identities. Having access to the backend and platform and being able to determine where your IdM runs, gives you distinct advantages over a closed management system that only provides you with a frontend and some connectors.
These advantages are:
After looking at the reasons why you would like an open Linux-based identity management system, let us focus on the technology used to create a central user identity management system.
Traditional authentication and authorization protocols, such as LDAP and Kerberos, have been designed to work over both unreliable and untrusted connections. Thus, they can be used for authentication in the cloud, too. And often you find them when connecting your services, sometimes under the name AD services. LDAP connections can offer both authentication and authorization protocols. Or it can only provide the authorization and user management part, leaving the user authentication to Kerberos.
The reason to use the combination of LDAP and Kerberos is the following:
An LDAP connection, on the one hand, is established only between the authentication source and the service. The user enters his credentials with the service and the service is then using the LDAP connection to authenticate the user. This process thus allows any service to phish the credentials of your users.
Using Kerberos, on the other hand, offers you the possibility that passwords never leave the own terminal, i.e. they are neither sent over the network to the service nor to the user management system. Kerberos thus offers a secure and trusted way to verify the password. It has, however, the disadvantage that the user needs to be able to reach the KDC on a protocol and ports that public networks most often block.
This is why both protocols are more commonly used together in on-premises scenarios where the IT department is in control of both the systems and the network. Of course, both offer an excellent choice as a backend for the more purpose-built protocols, a scenario which can also be found in UCS.
Alternatives to the traditional protocols are purpose-built languages that utilize many of the design ideas behind Kerberos but are working with HTTP connections and cookies for the communication between user, authentication source, and service. The three most popular ones are the Security Assertion Markup Language, commonly known as SAML, the Central Authentication Service, in short CAS, and OpenID.
OpenID has its origin in a more web-like approach. Many independent notes trust each other to authenticate their users and provide parts of their user identities without releasing their passwords. What differentiates OpenID from the other two protocols is that there is no needed trust between the identity provider and the service provider. The basic idea was that you provide a unique URL from your identity provider to authenticate yourself and any service provider will accept your identity.
SAML and CAS, in contrast, rely on a controlled federation of service providers and identity sources. Usually, the administrator of the identity provider has to establish a trust relationship to a particular service before the user can authenticate with his account at that specific service.
The authentication itself is similar in most cases. The user goes to the website of the service and enters his ID, in most cases an email address. Afterwards, the service redirects the user to the particular identity provider that was identified to belong to the address or domain. The user enters his credentials at the identity provider website and gets a token that authenticates him at the services. This description is only a general overview. There are numerous minor differences and possible enhancements that set the different languages apart from each other, but all identify the user and authorize him to use a particular service, often by using only one password per single sign-on.
Identifying users is an essential but only small part of managing your users. However, it is the better defined and standardized part. The more significant challenge often is to provision the users in a particular service and to provide well-known attributes associated with an account such as the name of the user or his email address.
Just think about the following scenario:
The company uses the first letter of your first name, the first letter of your last name and a random identifier, e.g., firstname.lastname@example.com as the identifier for authenticating the users. G-Suite will at least need your email and name to create a professionally looking sender in every email. Dropbox, on the other hand, might need your group memberships to add you to a specified folder but might also want your email to be able to notify you when one of your folders changes.
Unfortunately, most services provide their custom API, making connectors, such as our G-Suite connector, necessary for provisioning users within the respective applications. Of course, most services offer their toolkits for the integration. However, there is still little standardization between these APIs, thus the need to use many different connectors remains.
For some time it seemed that OAuth appeared to gain traction in overcoming this particular issue. OAuth thereby represents a standardized set of APIs that allow a user to share its identity and attributes without sharing the actual login. It is still common today, whenever you hit a button "Log in to Google" or "Log in to LinkedIn", there is an OAuth data transfer happening in the background. However, this convenience does not extend beyond the handful of providers in the customer space.
Providing centralized identities in the cloud to your users, enables you to manage your users in one convenient location and provision them to different cloud services. The same applies for changing or deleting a user. This not only saves you a great deal of time, but prevent you from gradually losing control of the users in your IT environment, thus opening dangerous gates for conscious or unconscious damage to the system itself, the processes and data.
Most importantly, however, it increases the comfort of your users who only need a single username and password without needing to worry that one hacked service would compromise all other logins.
Accordingly, a central identity management system, such as UCS on Amazon, which encompasses your cloud services, should be a fundamental part of any IT department.
Kevin Dominik Korte studied computer sciences at the Jacobs University in Bremen. He graduated as a Master of Science in 2011. Afterwards, he worked in the Professional Services Team at Univention for two years. Since 2013 he is President of Univention North America Inc. and responsible for the business development in the USA.


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Wondering what to do in Granada, Spain? This post will take you through the 10 BEST things to do in Granada from ancient palaces, quaint neighborhoods, and picturesque viewpoints!
Southern Spain is one of my favorite areas of Europe. The warm and sunny weather, incredible tapas, lush gardens, and busy squares make this a must visit on any Spain trip. A few things that really draw me to Granada again and again are not only the sights, food, and culture, but that this city feels very safe, is walkable, incredibly clean and well preserved, and the perfect place to stay busy or just sit back and relax.
The mix or Moorish and Spanish culture and the long history of this city brings a long list of potential things to do in Granada, Spain. One of the most overwhelming parts of planning a trip is what to see and what to make a priority. If you need help deciding what to do in Granada, Spain I've got you covered. I've researched and visited the top sights so you can take the guess work out of how to prioritize your Granada sightseeing.You could easily fit these top 10 things to do in Granada Spain on a quick 2 day trip or a more leisurely 3 day itinerary. I personally recommend spending a minimum of 3 days in Granada so you can really take in the culture and visit as many tapas spots as possible.
1. Walking Tour
I often book a walking tour my first day in a new city to not only learn the history but also get comfortable with the lay of the land and get my bearings. If there is a city where a walking tour is an absolute must, I would say Granada is one. There is just so much history that goes into this city and a good walking tour can really help you appreciate that in a fun setting. I also love asking for recommendations from the tour guides since they are typically locals and have great suggestions on where to eat, see flamenco, shop, etc.
The walkability of Granada makes this a perfect city for a walking tour. You'll get to see the majority of Granada sights during a 2-3 hour tour. I did a 2 hour walking tour with Cicerone. It was bit on the expensive end at 25 euros per person. We thought it was worth it as this particular tour only allows a maximum of 12 people and it really hit all the important sights.
Note: most walking tours will take you through the Alcaicería market. If yours does not, be sure to stop by. It's right by the Cathedral and was originally a Moorish silk market. It now feels like a touristy souk but is still worth a quick stop.
SEE MY OTHER Southern SPAIN POSTS:
TOP 5 Coffee Shops in Granada, Spain
5 BEST rooftop bars in Seville
Best tapas restaurants in Seville
A day trip to Cordoba from Seville - detailed guide
2. Visit Alhambra and Generalife Gardens
The infamous Alhambra, the last and most beautiful Moorish palace, should be at the top of your list when planning what to do in Granada, Spain. If you have an interest in palaces, Spain, or history in general, I'm sure you've heard of this sight. It's one of my favorite palaces and is one I will visit multiple times. The grounds are vast and the gardens are lush. The palace has been well preserved and offers a glimpse into the magnificence of Moorish architecture and design. Seeing entire walls and ceilings covered in the intricate Moorish carvings and tilework is worth a visit alone!
Purchase your tickets as far in advance as possible to visit Alhambra as they do sell out. Currently you are able to buy tickets up to three months in advance. When you purchase your Alhambra tickets you will have to pick an entrance time. Be aware that they are very strict on the entrance time as only a certain number of people are allowed in the Nasrid Palaces and main palaces, at a time. Whatever you do, make sure you are in line for the Nasrid Palaces by the time marked on your ticket. The palace employees have no sympathy for late arrivals and will not hesitate to deny you entrance.
If this does happen, you will still be able to access the rest of the palace grounds and the Generalife. It's just the Nasrid Palaces that have the strict entry time rule.
My advice is to pick the first time slot at 8:30am and arrive by 8:15am. Tour groups will start to crowd the palace around 10:00am. Last time I toured the palace I bought an 8:30am ticket and arrived at 8:00am. I was one of the first people to arrive and the third person in line. It was quiet, I didn't feel rushed, and often found myself completely alone while wondering the palace grounds. When I left at 11:00am it was absolutely packed and filled with busloads of tour groups...a completely different vibe than when I arrived.
There are several different types of tickets to purchase. Make sure to buy the Alhambra General ticket. This includes all the main sights of the Alhambra including the Nasrid Palaces, grounds, and Generalife for 14 euros. Guided tours and audio guides are also available if you really want to dive into the history. I followed Rick Steve's self-guided tour and enjoyed going at my own pace.
Plan to spend at least 3 to 4 hours if this is your first time to visit Alhambra.
3. Churros con Chocolate
We all know how popular churros con chocolate are in Spain. No matter which city I'm in while visiting España, I seek out the best spots to enjoy this regional treat. Make sure to go in the morning or early afternoon as locals typically enjoy churros con chocolate for breakfast.
The best churros in Granada, and I'm talking the traditional thick ones, not the thin sugar coated sticks we know in the US, are Café Futbol, Churreria Alhambra, and Gran Café at Bib Rambla. Churreria Alhambra and Gran Café at Bib Rambla are both located at Plaza Bib Rambla. This pretty square is a nice spot to explore and walk around but can also get a bit touristy.
Café Futbol, known for its authentic churros con chocolate since 1903, is located off a pretty square called Plaza de Mariana Pineda, just 6 minutes walking distance from Plaza Bib Rambla. Try one or all three and let me know which you think has the best churros in Granada!
Headed to Barcelona or Madrid?
A day trip to Girona from Barcelona - detailed guide
Madrid 2 day itinerary + must see sights
Best coffee shops in Madrid
4. Albaicin – the Moorish Quarter
The Albaicin, or Albayzín, area is located to the Northeast of the city center and one of the things that makes Granada unique. This medieval Moorish quarter is known by its narrow winding lanes and white stucco buildings with ceramic tile rooftops. Getting lost and wandering this picturesque neighborhood should be on everyone's list when planning what to do in Granada, Spain.
5. Tapas and Flamenco at the Caves of Sacramonte
The Sacromonte district is compact and steep with most houses built right into the walls of a cliff. This is where Granada's gypsy community resides. The main street, Camino del Sacromonte, is where you will find many cave restaurants that have unfortunately become quite touristy with high prices. Explore the streets above and below for a more authentic feel.
Visit the Sacromonte neighborhood in the evening if you are looking for a night of Flamenco dancing and tapas. Some of the best flamenco Granada has to offer will be found in the caves, even if it does feel a bit touristy. The most popular flamenco Sacromonte shows are at Cueva de la Rocio, Maria la Canastera, and Venta El Gallo.
Cueva de la Rocio specializes in Zambra. A specific form of Flamenco created by the Sacromonte gypsies. It's easy to book online and choose what you want included: Flamenco, drinks, dinner, and/or transportation.
Maria la Canastera also showcases the Zambra form of Flamenco. You can choose to include dinner and/or transportation with your ticket. Use the online booking request for a reservation or have your hotel book a spot.
Venta El Gallo is the best spot if you want traditional Flamenco. You can book online and choose if you want dinner and/or transportation included.
6. MIRADOR DE SAN NICOLAS - View Point
In all the things to do in Granada, Spain, taking in the views at Mirador de San Nicolas, aka Plaza de San Nicolas, is one of my most unforgettable moments. It's the best view point in Granada to stare in awe at the Alhambra. Located in the picturesque Albaicin neighborhood, the walk to this view point is as charming as the view is spectacular.
Most sites will recommend visiting Mirador de San Nicolas at night. I have found the late afternoon, sunset, and evening to be incredibly crowded. I prefer to go at sunrise or first thing in the morning. Seeing the Alhambra lit in the morning sun and enjoying the view in a peaceful calm is a memory to last a lifetime.
If you have time, I do recommend visiting at night too as the atmosphere is completely different. There is a spirited and busy feel in the square as locals play guitar and sing, tourists capture the moment on camera, while others take in the views with a drink in hand.
It is a climb to get to Mirador de San Nicolas viewpoint as it's filled with many steps and uneven pebbled streets. If you don't feel up to the exercise, grab a cab. Otherwise, wear comfortable shoes and enjoy the walk.
Looking for Spain itinerary ideas?
7. Tapas Crawl
You can't plan what to do in Granada, Spain without researching the best bares de tapas en granada, or tapas bars in Granada. Do as the locals do and start late, around 9:00pm. Pick a lively square or street that peeked your interest while exploring earlier and hop from bar to bar enjoying a sangria and tapas or two at each spot. Some of my favorite places to do a tapas crawl are the Realejo neighborhood, Carrera del Darro, Paseo de los Tristes, Plaza Nueva, and Elvira and Navas streets.
Some of the best tapas restaurants in Granada that are casual and well-priced are La Botilleria, Bodegas Castaneda, Bodegas Espadafor, and Los Diamantes.
* Make a point to walk down Carrera del Darro during the day too. This street winds alongside the river and offers great views of the Alhambra from below.
Here are some Granada Tapas tour options if you want to save yourself time researching options:
8. Cathedral and Capilla Real
The Granada Cathedral is considered a Renaissance church but has elements of Gothic and Baroque styles as well. The church was built over a destroyed mosque and is located right in the city center. It almost comes as a dramatic surprise as you round the corner and see the entrance as it's almost hidden by all the surrounding buildings. The beauty and history of the Cathedral make this a must on list of what to do in Granada, Spain.
Tickets are 5 euros and include a free audio guide. If you're here on Sunday, visit between 3:00-5:45pm for free entry.
The Royal Chapel, Capilla Real, holds the remains of Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand. The treasury holds historic items like Isabella's prayer book and crown, a box that is rumored to have been given to Columbus filled with jewels to fund his journey, among other items. The grand hall houses a collection of Queen Isabella's paintings.
9. Monasterio de la Cartuja - Granada Carthusian monastery
Visit Monasterio de la Cartuja if you're looking for a sight that isn't on every other tourist's list of things to do in Granada Spain. Because Monasterio de la Cartuja is just outside city center, many tourists miss this monastery. It's actually very quick and easy to get to. Take a nice 30 minute walk to get there or hop on a public bus or taxi.
This monastery not only offers stunning views of Granada from its hilltop location, but is famous for the dazzling Baroque interiors. Entrance is 5 euros and includes a free audioguide. The history of the Monasterio de la Cartuja gives an interesting look into the lifestyle of the Carthusian Monks.
10. Hammam
When researching what to do in Granada, Spain I bet visiting an Arab bath house was not on your list. Hammams played a large part in the Moorish lifestyle. What better way to get a feel for this ancient culture than to take part in one of their rituals? Hamman Al Andalus is the most luxury and well known hamman in Granada. Go on a water journey through the different temperate water rooms, take a leisurely steam, and end with a blissful massage. This would be the perfect way to end your time in Granada.
Here are some additional Hammam options with tours:


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A metal detectorist scanning a field near Revninge in eastern Denmark discovered a rare gilded figurine of a woman. Experts from the Østfyns Museums confirmed that the figurine is of Viking manufacture and dates to around 800 A.D. She is a petite 4.6 centimeters (1.8 inches) high and made of solid silver under a top layer of gold. Her hair is pulled back in a tight bun around a three-dimensional head. The body, on the other hand, is two dimensional. This is a very rare combination, as most figures from this period are flattened 2D in their entirety.
It's the clothing and jewelry on the body that is of particular interest to archaeologists. She wears an ankle-length gown with long sleeves and elaborate decoration. Each part of the dress has a different pattern illustrating different textile-making approaches: nesting V-shapes at the neck, radiating lines or furrows on the torso, horizontal cuts on the sleeves, lines of raised squares on the left and right of the skirt, stamped circles in between them. Around her neck hangs a necklace made out of circles that could represent pearls or a gold chain. Two long strands that may be pearl ribbons fall down the skirt from a three-lobed jewel in the center of the waist.
Trefoil shaped brooches have been found before in Viking burials and settlements (see this example from a slightly later period unearthed in Zealand), but they're usually placed on the chest. The figurine testifies to the fact that these artifacts were worn at the waist during life, or at least worn there on occasion. She holds her hands on her abdomen, thumbs out on either side of the trefoil.
There's a hole between the ear and the bun which indicates the figurine was worn as a pendant. Her facial features and the piercing underneath her bun are strongly reminiscent of the gilded silver 3D valkyrie found in central Denmark last year. Both figurines date to the same period and feature prominent women, but unlike the valkyrie, Revninge Woman is not carrying any weapons or a shield. It's possible she's a representation of Freya, the fertility goddess. The position of her hands at her abdomen and the lobed brooch/buckle may be references to pregnancy or fertility.
Revninge Woman went on display at the Viking Museum of Ladby on May 28th. She will remain on display at least through the end of the summer.


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OUIGO is SNCF's low-cost and high-speed rail operator that exclusively offers second-class seating. OUIGO was launched to complete the range of various commercial train propositions offered in France by SNCF (TGV, iDTGV, Intercités, etc.).
As of November 2017, OUIGO is powered by S3 Passenger (S3P). This offers OUIGO more flexibility, a better time to market, and improved system availability.
iDTGV has selected Sqills' S3P as it meets all the requirements for the OUIGO offer, positive experiences by other system users, proven out of the box functionality, time to market, financial license model and the Sqills team's extreme pro-activity to deliver new functionalities!
OUIGO offers a range of differentiated low prices for travel in double-decker carriages that are sold via various distribution channels, all powered by S3 Passenger:
- OUIGO website
- OUIGO mobile app
- SNCF stations
- OUIGO call center
- and travel agents
OUIGO only offers a single class of service, and the pricing is simple. OUIGO does not have any hidden costs. To get the best prices, it is important for the customer to plan ahead: the earlier the customer books, the lower their fare will be. Prices vary with demand.
The S3P software suite was implemented in collaboration with iDTGV (SNCF subsidiary) and went into production in November 2017. OUIGO is the third operator within the SNCF Group to use the S3P platform.
This is how we do it
The cooperation between OUIGO, iDTGV and Sqills after the Go-Live moment is handled by the respective service managers. These service managers have a bi-weekly conference call and quarterly strategic service management meetings to discuss and manage day-to-day operational performance and functional improvements over time at regular intervals.
As a SaaS customer, OUIGO receives four updates per year. After Go-Live, S3 Passenger has already introduced more than 100 new features, improvements and fixes over the course of a year.
The continuous S3P functional enhancements support and enable OUIGO to increase sales, cut costs, increase customer satisfaction and compete more effectively with competitors.
Are you interested in getting your systems up-to-date to modern S3P standards? Learn more about the successful OUIGO-Sqills partnership? Contact us!


text:
(Sunday 27th March 2016) Flybe, Europe's largest independent regional airline, has today celebrated the launch of their new year round services from Ireland West Airport to both Birmingham and Edinburgh. Both new services will provide a welcome boost of 70,000 new seats to and from the West of Ireland in 2016.
Flybe will operate six weekly flights to both Birmingham and Edinburgh from Ireland West Airport and are currently on sale for both the summer and winter seasons on www.flybe.com. This expansion of Flybe services is great news for the West and North West of Ireland as represents the biggest seat capacity announcement for the West and North West in 2016, which will come as welcome news for leisure, business and tourism interests in the region.
Edinburgh and Birmingham have long been popular destinations for passengers in this region and are expected to generate strong inbound tourism numbers given the airports location as the central gateway for the Wild Atlantic Way.
In a further boost the airline is also increasing flights to and from its Manchester hub, adding an additional 8,000 seats this summer, with a choice of up to six weekly flights from which airport passengers can connect seamlessly to further Flybe destinations or to the many others offered through Manchester with its interline partners.
Vincent Hodder, Flybe's Chief Revenue Officer said: "Flybe is absolutely delighted to be operating flights to Ireland West Airport from both Birmingham and Edinburgh from the start of our 2016 Summer programme. We are committed to offering customers in the West of Ireland 'the fastest way from A to Flybe' and we just love the fact that we are improving travel options for customers travelling to and from the West and North West of Ireland. We look forward to welcoming many new passengers on board."
Welcoming today's launch of the new Flybe services, Niall Gibbons, CEO of Tourism Ireland, said: "The launch of the new Flybe flights from Edinburgh and Birmingham, and the expansion of services from Manchester, is more good news for tourism to the West & North West of Ireland in 2016 – expanding travel options for British holidaymakers wishing to visit this part of Ireland. We look forward to working closely with Flybe and Ireland West Airport to maximise the promotion of the new services. As an island destination, the importance of convenient, direct, non-stop flights cannot be overstated – they are absolutely critical to achieving growth in inbound tourism."
Managing Director of Ireland West Airport Joe Gilmore said, "We are delighted to welcome the launch of these two new services to key UK markets in Birmingham and Edinburgh with Flybe. This further cements the airports position as the premier UK gateway for the West of Ireland as we now service nine different access points, the biggest selection of UK services from the West and North West of Ireland. Todays launch highlights Flybe's commitment to serving the people of the West & North West of Ireland, providing vital connectivity to key markets all year round".
Flights from Ireland West Airport to Birmingham and Edinburgh will operate on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays. For further airport information log onto www.irelandwestairport.com.
22 Mar 2017 12:50pm
06 Dec 2017 10:29am
06 Dec 2017 13:59pm
06 Dec 2017 14:02pm


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* Straight from tomorrow morning's column (*UNEDITED VERSION), with a quick topper…
I can't stop annoying Saints fans, I'm sorry about that. But as I thought about a bigger-picture column from tonight's Super Bowl, it struck me how well Green Bay is positioned for a multi-title run after winning it all Sunday.
And how that compares to New Orleans' victory last season, which was well-earned but pretty clearly not the start of a dynasty or anything close. (Sorry, Saints folks.)
It's not just New Orleans–two years before NO's title, the NY Giants were obviously an incredible one-hit wonder when they topped the Patriots.
Didn't really get into it in the column that follows, but thought I'd expand on why in particular I think the Packers have staying power and the 2009 Saints and 2007 Giants did not.
-Saints: Spectacular run, but a less-than-elite defense (unlike Green Bay this year), and a QB, in Drew Brees, who was in the middle of his career (at 30), not the beginning (like Aaron Rodgers, who is 27).
-NY Giants: Amazing run, but an aging defense (Strahan) and some questions about the year-to-year consistency of QB Eli Manning and the team's ability to rally around coach Tom Coughlin.
Quickly, as stated in the column, the two dynastic-looking teams of recent vintage were the 2001 New England Patriots (very young QB, coach in it for the long haul) and the 2008 Steelers (young QB, coach in it for the long haul, great defense).
Before them, it was the Cowboys of the mid-1990s (tons of talent, semi-screwed up due to a Jimmy Johnson-Jerry Jones problem) and, of course, the 49ers of the '80s and '90s, wholly unique because they had 2 Hall of Fame QBs back-to-back.
Well, maybe the 49ers aren't WHOLLY unique, because Green Bay could do the Hall-to-Hall QB scenario with Favre-to-Rodgers.
And wouldn't it be interesting if Favre is the Steve Young comparable (one title) and Rodgers is the Joe Montana comparable (multi-titles, if Rodgers can get at least one more)?
—-the column/
The Green Bay Packers won Super Bowl XVL on Sunday and might keep winning titles for a little while, maybe for a long while.
Maybe two in a row by next February, if there is labor peace and a season.
Maybe three-for-three by Super Bowl XVLII. Maybe four out of five.
Yes, I think the Packers are more solidly set up for a dynastic display than any team since the New England Patriots of the early-2000s.
And I think the Packers might be able to extend their success longer than New England's run of three championships in four seasons.
First, let's get to their interesting 31-25 victory over Pittsburgh in Arlington, Texas, on Sunday.
The Packers surely weren't dominant—they bolted to a 21-3 lead, then almost let Pittsburgh come all the way back–but Green Bay was good enough.
The Packers made errors, but they forced a tough Steelers team into many more of their own.
Green Bay lost cornerback Charles Woodson and receiver Donald Driver to injury during the game, but held it together at the end.
Green Bay could have succumbed to a Pittsburgh team that has its own claim to a mini-dynasty, and Green Bay prevailed.
Those are all signs. Those things tell us that Green Bay is not likely to be a one-hit wonder. They are indicators that the Packers probably won't peak for another year or two.
The Packers won this game because they were more talented than Pittsburgh, because they had the deeper roster, because the time was right, and because of one gigantic factor:
Green Bay has quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who threw three touchdown passes, zero interceptions, won the MVP and burnished his case as the league's most important, and possibly best, player.
Pittsburgh's Ben Roethlisberger was the QB who came into this game with two previous Super Bowl victories, but he ended up throwing two interceptions and some very wild throws at the desperate end.
Rodgers was better Sunday. He will be better than Roethlisberger—again, one of the NFL's biggest winners—for the rest of their careers.
Oh, and Rodgers is 27 and just completed only his third full season in the NFL, after sitting for three seasons behind Brett Favre.
So the Packers are set at QB for the long-term. Check.
The Packers have a defense packed with young talent, as evidenced by linebacker Clay Matthews Jr.'s pivotal hit on Rashard Mendendall in the fourth quarter that forced a fumble. Double-check.
The Packers have a tough, imaginative young coach, Mike McCarthy, who seems well-built for the long haul. Triple-check.
And the Packers have a management team, keyed by general manager Ted Thompson, that has proven it can find gems in the draft and via free agency. Check.
In fact, Green Bay won the title this season with some emergency fill-ins in big roles, after injuries blew out their running game and parts of their receiving corps.
And they won this Super Bowl on a day when their talented receivers all started dropping passes.
What will this team be like when Thompson finds two or three powerful running backs? And adds a few more offensive linemen and receivers?
This Packers team could be at least as good as the Packers of the late-1990s, when Brett Favre, Reggie White and Mike Holmgren led them to one title and to the brink of another.
But I think Green Bay can do better this time—White was at the end of his career and Holmgren was wearying of his time in Green Bay.
The current Packers are already the best team in the league. And like the 2001 Patriots, they won the title at the beginning of an upswing, not at the very peak of their powers.
New Orleans won it all as a peaking team last season. Then fell back a bit this season.
Same thing happened with the New York Giants in Super Bowl XLII and the Indianapolis Colts the year before that.
The Packers are set up for a run. In fact, I think the only other team as well positioned for continued success is Pittsburgh—young QB, young coach, a lot of key young talent.
I wouldn't be shocked at all if these two teams meet again in a Super Bowl or two over the next few Roman Numerals.
Still, Green Bay just beat Pittsburgh, head to head, with the superior QB and the chance to get so much better.
If Green Bay doesn't win three titles in the next five or six seasons, I think it will have under-achieved.


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drey's Giveaway Policy
FTC Disclosure: I am an affiliate at IndieBound, The Book Depository, and Amazon, and any purchases made by clicking on covers or links here may result in monetary compensation.
Review: 62. Hard Bitten by Chloe Neill...
Author: Chloe Neill
Publisher: Penguin Group, 2011
Purchase at IndieBound, Amazon, The Book Depository
Source: Purchased
drey's thoughts:
I'll start by saying that if you haven't read Hard Bitten yet, please do yourself the favor of chomping at the bit for a few(!) more months. Drink Deep comes out later this year, and you will definitely want to--no, NEED to--read that as soon as you're done with this. Don't say you haven't been warned...
We start out with Cadogan House repairing the physical damage inflicted in Twice Bitten, but the psychological damage isn't quite so easy to take care of. The humans of Chicago are not so happy with their vampire neighbors--what with the violence of the attack, and now reports are surfacing of the raves where humans are disappearing--and have started staging protests. And when the humans aren't happy, the mayor's not happy either (elections and all that), and he's issued an ultimatum to Ethan: fix the problem or go to jail.
So Merit goes investigating, and does not like what she finds. The raves are big, loud, and violent. The Ombudsman's office is not receiving information from the Mayor's office. And somebody is using one of Celine's nom de guerres.
To make things just a wee bit more difficult for Merit and Ethan, the head of the Greenwich Presidium shows up, and delivers his own threat: cease investigating Celine or he'll place Cadogan House under receivership. Will the fun never cease?
This installment has a lot of Merit in it, which is awesome because I love Merit. Yes, even if she dog-ears her books. I like that her sassiness hasn't abated, even with all she's experienced. I like that she and Mallory are talking again. I like that she has at least one other romantic possibility in the wings--even if she's not interested (yet?). And I like that even though she still wants Ethan, she wants him on her terms, and isn't going to settle for less. I like Ethan here, too. He's much nicer when he's flirting and flattering. *grin*
Unfortunately, the fun and games don't last. As Merit goes deeper in her investigation, she uncovers a web of deceit so tangled that you won't believe who's involved. Chloe Neill paces things really nicely, adding in new characters (who'll show up in future installments, I'm sure) and throwing in plot twists that remain plausible even as they make your jaw drop. But she's an evil evil author for the last few chapters. Evil.
drey's rating: Excellent! Except for the ending, that is. But don't let that stop you from reading this series if you haven't yet. Start with Some Girls Bite...
Have you read Hard Bitten? What did you think?
11 comments:
- wheels209 said...
Hey drey,
I am in a book pickle over the last two books of this series. Any extra advise you may have for me would be gladly received. The thing is I don't like where the series may be going. I spend a lot of time with the characters in a book. I have enjoyed the series for the most part except for Twice Bitten. I could not get in to that one. However, I find myself wanting to read both books to find what happens and why. Here is the hang up I don't really want to spend ten bucks if I am going to be sorely disappointed by the new book. Take care my friend have a great week.
- 16 May, 2011 11:33
- drey said...
Oh, bummer, Steve! Hmm... I guess I'd ask why you couldn't get into Twice Bitten, but to be perfectly honest, if you didn't then I would say wait till Drink Deep comes out before deciding whether you're taking the plunge on Hard Bitten. Does that make sense?
- 16 May, 2011 12:35
- wheels209 said...
Hey drey,
Thanks for your thoughts my friend. I have decided to reread Twice Bitten. I don't think I was in the mood for it the first time around. I have had an easier time today rereading the book. I don't think I will have a problem finishing it now. Take care
- 16 May, 2011 18:47
- wheels209 said...
Hey drey,
Woot,Woot I finished Twice Bitten and I enjoyed it very much. It is my favorite book of the series so far. Merit is growing into the vamp that she wants to become. It is so much fun to follow here through the series. I have decided to download Hard Bitten while I still have the storyline in my head. I may not be happy with Hard Bitten in the end or Chloe for that matter but I will finish the book. Have a happy and enjoyable weekend my friend. I hope it warms up a bit.
- 27 May, 2011 10:34
- drey said...
:) You bring a smile with every comment, Steve! :) Glad you liked Twice Bitten. Now, don't say I didn't warn you about Hard Bitten. Then again, I wouldn't mind some company while waiting (anxiously) for the next one!!!
Have a great Memorial Day weekend!
- 27 May, 2011 18:53
- wheels209 said...
Hey drey,
consider your warning freely given and excepted. I would love to be in your company to wait for the next book. We will be in the same boat very soon. You bring the chips and Kleenex I will bring the Pepsi and chocolate cake. That is my kind of party. Something to ease the pain of Hard Bitten I read today that the second book of the Black Dust Mambo series comes out in June. Woot,Woot!! Can't wait for that one.
Take care my friend,
- 27 May, 2011 21:32
- drey said...
lol! That sounds like a party alright! :)
Yes, Black Heart Loa is coming out at the end of June (pub. date is 6/28 on b&n). I've had the cover on my fb album for June releases ever since I found out... :)
- 28 May, 2011 09:23
- wheels209 said...
Hey drey,
I finished Hard Bitten. What a great book it was right up until the end. Yes, I hated the ending. I think it seriously undermines the flow of the story and the future of the series. Please e-mail me if you want to know why I think the way I do. I don't want to give anything away on your blog. Please help me here my friend, I don't think there was a cliffhanger at the end of the book. What do you think?? Other bloggers seem to think so I just don't see it. Sure there are unanswered questions about the series that fans like us will want resolved. I think Ms. Neill did a wonderful job in wrapping up most of those threads. She writes a really enjoyable story for the most part.
I did a blog search today for other reviews of Hard Bitten. One lady blogger is so angry at the end of the book that I am not sure she will pick-up the next book. However, if I were a betting man I would say that she would pick up the next book because she is in the middle of the series now.
I read another blog today about a quote from Ms. Neill on FB She wants her readers to "trust her."
I will be enjoying my Pepsi,chips and cookies until we speak again. I really enjoyed your comment about me hissing for awhile after I read this book. I had a good roll on the floor for some time. Thanks for that my friend.
- 08 June, 2011 17:10
- drey said...
Feel free to email away, Steve!! Sorry I'm just getting caught up on comments, but I think I want there to be something that changes how this ending worked... Gah!! And yes, Chloe did say (multiple times!!) on fb to trust her. I guess I'm willing to give her a chance to prove this ending isn't the one that makes the series completely suck. Which I don't want it to--I <3 Merit!
- 14 June, 2011 08:36
- wheels209 said...
Hey drey,
I just saw the cover for Drink Deep. Not bad all in all but my favorite cover is Friday Night Bites. That is how my minds eye sees Merit. Have a bang-up 4th(Grin). Take care my friend.
- 01 July, 2011 23:15
- drey said...
I loved the cover for Twice Bitten, that's my favorite. :)
- 05 July, 2011 09:54
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Remember David Akeman, David who? Well, if you are not familiar with David Akeman then your heart might remember Stringbean.
On the hit television show Hee Haw, Stringbean became known to millions of people. If you were a regular on the show, you were pretty much guaranteed a laugh with whatever song he wished to play. He was a world-class banjo picker with a splendid sense of good, clean country humor.
Editor's Note: After this article, check out Two Young Cowboys Amuse Guests with Stunning Dance Number.
The early beginnings of Akeman's music career were when he entered a talent contest. Judged by singer-guitarist-musical saw player Asa Martin, he won the contest. Eventually, he landed a spot and became a member of Martin's band. During an early appearance, Martin forgot Akeman's name and introduced him as "String Bean" because of his tall, thin built. From then on, Akeman used the moniker.
Stringbean's Career
In the beginning, Stringbean was simply a musician. But one night, when a comedy musician failed to show up, they asked him to do the part. That kicked off Akeman's career in comedy and music.
Apart from that, Stringbean was also a regular in Porter Wagoner Show. In the entirety of the said show, he kept Porter laughing. Porter even adopted his signature hand gesture. As two were good friends, Porter would tell about their great adventures together—in travels and it shows. In those travels, Porter had to do the driving because Stringbean did not have a driver's license and never drove. Even when at home, his wife Estelle, did all his driving for him.
An entertainer as he is, Stringbean adopted a stage costume that complemented his height. He wore a shirt with an exceptionally long waist and tail, tucked into a pair of short blue jeans belted around his knees. This costume made him look like a very tall man with very short legs.
Here's one of Stringbean's act, performing on the Wilburn Brothers Show.
In addition to his appearances on TV, Stringbean played with the legendary Bill Monroe band at some point in his career. He was a regular at the Grand Ole Opry for years. At the Opry, he often shared the stage with his friend and Hee Haw cast mate Grandpa Jones.
On November 10, 1973, instead of making people laugh, he made them cry. His life ended tragically when burglars murdered him and his wife.
Davis Akeman, fishin' song, porter wagoner, porter wagoner show, Stringbean


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Sunday, May 27, 2018
Pentecost in Sydney
On the feast of Pentecost in Sydney, at the parish of Sts. Cosmas and Damian, father Nebojsa Mirkovic (ROCA) conducted the services in three languages: English, Greek and Slavonic. The church was well attended on this great feast, and many received Holy Communion. By the time the Slava cake was cut at the end of the long service, many had unfortunately left!


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Home › Shop › Planters › Wood › Oak Barrels › Aged Oak Whisky Half Barrels
Our aged oak barrells are from a traditional Scottish whisky distillery. These barrels have a capacity of 100 litres, (just under 22 imperial gallons)!
Please Note: Finishes/colours may vary slightly as these are produced from natural materials. They feature a variety of finishing touches, all are based around a core design that include standard, hand curved staves and metal bands, but finishing specifications do differ and some may be daubed with paint around the bilge.
Please Note: The barrels may not come with bungs as shown.
Take a look at more of our barrels here!
Product code:
Dimensions: *
64Ø x 44cm
* Dimensions are generally displayed as W x D x H
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Teresa King Kinney is the Chief Executive Officer of the 27,000 member Miami Association of Realtors' (MIAMI), the largest local Realtor Association in the U. S. and second largest in the entire world. Kinney came to Miami twenty years ago from St. Joseph, Missouri, where she had been CEO for the Realtor association for many years. During her time in Missouri, she was chairman/president of many groups including a city commission, civic organizations, chamber of commerce committees, the Missouri Center for Education and Private Enterprise, and numerous state and national committees.
Kinney is a noted speaker and consultant on leadership, association management, ethics, marketing, professional growth and development, and international real estate. She has presented numerous leadership and professional development seminars at state, national and international association meetings across the U. S., Brazil and Latin America, Central America, France, Spain and Russia, and has written a number of articles on association management and leadership.
Kinney was 2008 Chairman of the Board of the Florida Society of Association Executives, 2012 Chairman of the National Association of Realtors (NAR) Global Business and Alliances Committee, and past chair of Global Networks Advisory, International Local Councils and numerous other committees at all levels including Chairman of the National Association Executives in 2000. She has twice served as liaison for the NAR President to Global and Resort and on the Executive Committee and Enlarged Leadership Team. Kinney is currently the chairman of the New Services Council for the international organization FIABCI and has served as speaker and consultant to numerous international organizations.
When Kinney took the helm of the Miami Association in 1993, they had 5,000 members and in 1997 merged with the Miami Beach Association and their EVP Maureen Levine. The Miami Beach Association had long been active in the community and with the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce. The new merged association continued those traditions and expanded their presence and involvement and grew to over 14,000 members.
In August 2010, the association merged again in the largest, fastest and most successful merger in the history of the National Association of Realtors which created the largest local association in the nation. Since that time, the association has grown another 4,000 members and now serves 27,000 professionals in 3,000 companies mainly in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties. The rich traditions and partnerships in the Miami Beach communities remain a top priority for the association, its leaders and members. The association is now celebrating 93 years of service to the industry, the public and the communities in South Florida.
Larger than 42 state Realtor associations, the Miami Association now has six full service offices and conference centers with their headquarters near the airport, along with offices in Coral Gables, North Miami, Northwestern Dade, and DCOTA and Sawgrass in Broward. Each facility is fully staffed and five have executive board rooms, conference centers for up to 140 each as well as computer labs for 25. The association hosts over 1,800 seminars each year and provides nearly 100 premium marketing tools and services for its members.
International is a huge focus for Kinney and she has negotiated agreements with more than 100 international organizations throughout the world on behalf of the association and its members. The Association launched its award-winning International Real Estate Council and Annual International Real Estate Congress in 1996, creating the largest and most successful local council and events in the United States. Shortly thereafter, they published the highly regarded Foreign Investors Guide which is updated annually and features articles in 6 languages. She leads the association's international operations, promotion and outreach which include inbound trade missions and events, partnering at events and exhibitions internationally, and extensive marketing, education, tools and resources to promote Miami, Miami Beach and South Florida.
Miami and Miami Beach are brands promoted worldwide as the Miami Association promotes "A Lifestyle Like No Other…" Real estate and market information is provided in several languages for our local and international markets and since 2000, all properties listed in the association's MLS have been promoted in what is currently 19 languages. The association's international marketing and partnerships are credited with leading the market resurgence from one of the worst markets in the nation in 2008 to two record-breaking years in 2011 and 2012 for highest number of sales in the 93-year history of the association.


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Where They Came From
The mottoes Easy Does It, One Day at a Time, First Things First, Live and Let Live and Think, Think, Think adorn the walls of 12 Step recovery meeting rooms and clubs around the globe. Few realize however these concepts entered AA's collective consciousness most likely from Emmet Fox. The early members of what would become Alcoholics Anonymous* residing in New York attended Dr. Fox's gatherings in the 1930's in the ballroom of the Waldorf Astoria, Steinway Hall even The Hippodrome as attendance grew. This continued up to the start of World War II when large gatherings were suspended out of security concerns. The early AA members** who did not live in New York studied Dr Fox's teaching through his best sellers The Sermon on the Mount, Power Through Constructive Thinking and Sparks of Truth which is a collection of teachings originally published as a series of inexpensive pamphlets. It is in these pamphlets that the mottoes later adopted by AA are found. Additionally, in early pamphlets published by the first recognized AA group, King's School in Akron, Sermon on the Mount is suggested reading, listed right after the Holy Bible.
*Though AA dates its birth from 6/10/35 the first AA meeting (the group broke from the Oxford Group (Moral Rearmament) and stood in singleness of purpose in helping those suffering from alcoholism) did not take place until 5/11/39 in Cleveland Ohio, the secretary Clarence Snyder, a few months after the Big Book (Alcoholics Anonymous) was published. Source: Bill and Lois Wilson's personal correspondence in archives.
**Bill Wilson sponsored (helped sober up) Emmet Fox's secretary's son, Al Steckman. Al would go on to be the first editor of the AA Grapevine and has been credited with coining the phrase "I am responsible" at the first AA International Convention. Source: Igor Sikorsky Jr. AA's Godparents 1990. https://miraclesofrecovery.com/
© Vincent Lee Jones All Rights Reserved Miracles Of Recovery, Overdose Death, Alcoholism, Wayne Dyer, Drug Addiction, Zen, Emmet Fox, Opioids, Heroin, Einstein, AA, Healing Path Recovery, Drug Rehab, #Drug Addiction, #Drug Rehab, #Healing Path Recovery, #Heroin, #Opioids