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Southern Zululand, a premier forest birding route, is home to a great diversity of bird species. Starting on the warm coast of Zululand between Mtunzini, "place of shade," and Richards Bay, the route moves inland through estuarine swamp forest up to coastal scarp forest in the foothills of Eshowe.
Surrounding Eshowe are a number of forested regions where the endemic Green Barbet of Ngoye Forest is just one of many forest specials which inhabit this region. Further inland are the towns of Melmoth and Nkandla, which, although are in the mistbelt, drop sharply down to dry thornveld habitat providing a range of cliff faces where Lanner Falcons, Rock Kestrels and Bald Ibis breed annually. This area is also rich in Zulu history and culture. Along with the birding routes are self-guided hiking trails and many historical monuments. For the wildlife enthusiast, this region doesn't host the big five, but on foot, encounters with the diminutive Blue Duiker on the forest floor, and in the canopy, Samango and Vervet Monkeys sharing their meal with Delegorgue's Pigeons and Trumpeter Hornbills, are not uncommon.
This region, which includes swamp forest, dune forest, coastal scarp forest, and the mistbelt forests of Nkandla (at 1200m), are joined by a network of river valleys and rolling grasslands which make for some breathtaking scenery. Whether you're a birding enthusiast or simply enjoy the outdoors, the Southern Zululand birding route is a gold mine of diversity. There are deserted gold mines too, so whatever your quest, prospect here and you're bound to be rewarded! by Gareth Chittenden
We have divided the North-West Zululand Birding Route into five different birding areas. Each birding area has its own unique character and set of special bird species. Within each area there is also a variety of accommodation options and birding sites to visit.
Eshowe is centrally positioned in an area surrounded by scarp forest and linked to other neighbouring forests by pockets of indigenous bush and grassland, which make it an excellent base for birding the Zululand forests.
Dlinza Forest, which is in the heart of Eshowe, hosts birds like the elusive Spotted Ground- Thrush which can be seen scratching for earthworms in the forest leaf litter, while above in the forest canopy Delegorgue's Pigeons can be heard throughout the summer months making their loud ascending then descending call. To the west of Eshowe at a higher elevation, is the Entumeni Nature Reserve, which has a forest superficially similar to Dlinza forest but hosting different birds like Yellow-streaked Bulbuls and African Broadbill which do not occur in Dlinza. A trail established by local cane growers meanders through farms and links the two reserves. This is the Prince Dabulamanzi Trail, named after one of the Zulu King Cetshwayo's great generals.
About 15 km north of Eshowe is Lake Phobane, nestled in a valley, which was once the heart of King Shaka's Kingdom. This is a unique birding area and because of the wide range of different habitats in close proximity, a great variety of bird species are to be found here.
Visit the forest and let the Aerial Boardwalk reveal for you the magical bird life, indigenous trees, busy insects and precious flowers. Take notice of the things like textures of bark, twisted vines, roots of strangler figs, Epiphytic Orchids and the odd bird's nest. The 20m high viewing platform, which emerges above the canopy of the trees offers a panoramic view toward the Indian Ocean, over the tops of magnificent Flat Crown, Giant Umzimbeet and Forest Iron plum, yet still smell sweet blossoms and watch butterflies sip nectar at close range.
The best time to visit is early morning when the bird calls echo across the valley. There are currently two marked trails in the forest, starting at the visitor centre, with a deviation to Bishop's Seat. Trees are labelled on both trails.
The IMPUNZI TRAIL in an easy 20 minute round trip from the Visitors Center and takes you past majestic Fluted Milkwood, Giant Umzimbeet and Wild Plum.
The UNKONKA TRAIL reaches deeper into to forest and is an easy 30 minute walk, joining the Impunzi Trail near its end. Along the way you will cross the headwaters of the Mpushini River, where you may see spoor of the Blue Duiker, or the green-banded swallowtail sipping from the pool. Weave under great gnarled stems of vines, while listening carefully for the Green Coucal or Chorister Robins as they search for food amongst the abundant fruits, flowers and insects of the forest.
The Dlinza Forest is home to more than 65 species of bird including the endangered Spotted Ground-Thrush , the rare Delegorgue's Pigeon, magnificent Purple-crested Lourie and Narina Trogon, to name but a few. African Crowned Eagles are frequently seen from the viewing platform as they soar high above the forest. Dlinza Forest is a popular birdwatching destination and is part of the Zululand Birding Route. In addition to the birds, there are over 80 species of butterfly and many more moths, the rare tiny Clifden's Centipede Snail (found only in here), millipedes, frogs and chameleons- in fact, a host of interesting animal life.
From Durban travel north on the N2 until the Dokodweni offramp, signposted Gingindlovu, Eshowe and Ulundi. The road number is R66. Pay your toll fee at Dokodweni and head up the R66 to Eshowe which is about 24 km from the toll gate. Ignore the first turning into Eshowe, and turn left into the second turning into Eshowe (this will be at the only set of traffic lights on the R66). If you are coming from the north from either Melmoth or Empangeni take the second right into Eshowe (yes, there are 3 entrances into Eshowe from the R66, excluding farms and small holdings).
The road you are now travelling on in a westerly direction is Kangella Road. After about 2 km you will pass the Eshowe High School (look out for Bald Ibis on the sports fields) on your left and just a little further on you will see the Dlinza Forest sign posts clearly showing you were to turn off.
Additional Information
The Boardwalk is open daily with the exception of Christmas Day and Easter Sunday. Visiting hours are:
Should potential visitors / birders wish to visit at times different from the above, please contact the Boardwalk Manager on +27 (0) 35 474 4029 or firstname.lastname@example.com and make the necessary arrangements.
Local farmers belonging to the Eshowe-Entumeni Conservancy have formed a partnership with KwaZulu-Natal Wildlife to manage the two reserves. This has now realized a long held dream of joining the two forests with a hiking trail, called "Prince Dabulamanzi Trail" named after one of the Zulu Princes who lived in the area during and before the Anglo-Zulu war of 1879. The trail starts in Dlinza, winds its way through beautiful forests and streams on the farms, into Entumeni Forest and ends up on Dreadnought Farm. In time, the trail will be extended to Mbongolwane Wetland, situated within the tribal lands of the Ntuli Clan, which are to the west of Eshowe.
Dreadnought Farm and Walking Trail
From Eshowe, take the Entumeni/Nkandla road and after 13.2 km turn left at the Entumeni Nature Reserve signpost. Travel a further 8.4 km and turn right onto the D397 road. Proceed for 4.4 km and you will pass Farm Watch sign 9.6 and the signboard "Mr L Gunter". Continue down a steep decline, cross the first stream and just after the second stream, turn right.
Park in the parking area. Listen for the African Crowned Eagle. On the walk, look for African Crested Flycatcher, Mountain Wagtail, African Black Duck, Grey Waxbill, Purple-crested Turaco, Black-bellied Starling, Dusky and Ashy Flycatchers. Scaly-throated Honeyguides are not uncommon. After you have walked past a clump of orange Clivia minitia (early spring flowering), keep a watch for African Finfoot, Half-collared Kingfisher, Green Malkoha, woodpeckers and bulbuls. The walk ends at a picturesque waterfall.
There is a variety of rustic accommodation and spectacular scenery on Dreadnought Farm.
Entumeni Forest Reserve
No permit is required. Situated west of Eshowe, drive through Eshowe along Kangella Street in the Nkandla direction. After 13.2 km turn left and continue for 3.5 km where you will find the entrance and picnic site on the right.
Established in 1970, this 750 ha reserve consists largely of a gorge covered by forest. A visit to this reserve is advised only for the fit as the two trails are both situated on steep terrain. There are no facilities other than a clearing in the forest with two picnic tables. The two trails begin at this clearing.
The uPiti Trail is a circular route and takes approximately 2 hours to complete. The Ukhozi Trail takes approximately 4 hours. The Ukhozi Trail covers some beautiful but strenuous terrain. The half-way is at a spectacular waterfall on the Ngoje stream. At this point the rare Mountain Wagtails are often observed along the stream.
Birds similar to those seen in Dlinza Forest may be found, but you might also see African Broadbill, African Olive Pigeon, Brown Scrub-robin, Yellow-streaked Greenbul, Yellow-throated Woodland Warbler and Black Cuckoo. On the forest edge, look for Drakensberg Prinia, Lazy and Croaking Cisticolas and Southern Tchagra. Listen for Shelley's Francolin. Two pairs of African Crowned Eagles are regularly seen and heard flying over the forest.
As with the Dlinza Forest, both blue duiker and bushbuck occur in the forest. The grasslands in the reserve are home to a herd of zebra. This forest has a particularly high and impressive canopy provided by trees such as the Giant Umzimbeet, Wild Plum and Flatcrowns. Those in turn provide shade for the numerous colonies of plants such as Cycads and Clivias on the forest floor. A rare moth, the Miller's Tiger, which was thought to be extinct, was recently discovered in the grasslands of the Entumeni Forest.
The first area worth mentioning is the access road and parking area. Keep an eye open around the very dry looking areas along the road especially around the areas with a lot of Dichrostachys-type thickets for Long-Tailed Paradise Whydah in the summer together with its host the Green-winged Pytilia, which can be seen all year round. When crossing the dam wall look along the grass bank on the right, Rufous-naped Larks, Zitting Cisticolas, Rock Martins, White-rumped and Little Swifts are often seen. In the summer months Blue-cheeked Bee-Eaters also frequent the dam wall. At the parking area keep an eye open for Gorgeous and Grey-headed Bush-Shrikes as well as Southern Boubou, Common Scimitarbill, Brown-crowned Tchagra and White-browed Scrub-Robin, all of which can be found easily virtually anywhere along the dam. The areas of mixed woodland and acacia veld along the dam edges often produce birds such as Yellow-breasted Apalis, Red-fronted Tinkerbird, Cardinal Woodpecker, Red-billed Firefinch, White-bellied Sunbird, White-crested Helmet-Shrikes and Kurrichane Thrush. Keep a special eye open for White-throated Robin-Chat and in the summer months Striped Cuckoo are recorded regularly. Also seen flitting from the thickets on the shores to drink in the early morning are Grey Waxbills.
The riverine forests here have a lot of weeping Boer-Bean Trees (Schotia brachypetla). When these are in flower in the early spring the bright red flowers literally drip with nectar (hence the name) and it is certainly worthwhile just sitting and waiting for the birds which seem unable to resist the flowers and insects that have also been attracted to the tree. Overhanging trees where the rivers feed the dam normally have a variety of weavers breeding in the summer. Village and Lesser Masked Weavers are the most common while Spectacled and Masked Weavers pop up fairly regularly. Also seen around weaver colonies waiting to take advantage of unguarded nests are Klaas's Cuckoo, Diderik Cuckoo and African Harrier-Hawk. Other raptors to look out for are Black Sparrowhawk and African Goshawk. Martial Eagle and African Hawk Eagle have also been recorded.
The cliff faces that drop into the dam are home to Southern Bald Ibis which breed here in the late winter months. Lanner Falcons (breeding), Peregrine Falcon and White-necked Raven also frequent the cliffs. The cliffs and any other rocky areas along the shore are great for Mocking Cliff-Chat and Striped Pipit. Look in the gaps and overhangs on the cliffs for roosting, and if you are lucky, breeding Barn Owls.
The dam itself must be one of the best places around to see White-backed Night-Herons, (there are currently five known breeding pairs of this elusive bird on the dam). Goliath Herons and Green-backed Herons are common and both species also breed here. Seven species of kingfisher can be seen here. Of the aquatic kingfishers, Giant, Pied and Malachite Kingfishers are all common and the spectacular but elusive Half-collared Kingfishers are best found in the rocky areas where streams flow into the dam. These areas are also good for African Black Duck. African Fish Eagles are easily found and Osprey are recorded at least a few times during the late summer months. Wire-tailed and White-throated Swallows can be seen anywhere along the dam.
From Eshowe head towards Melmoth/Ulundi on the R66. About 10km out of Eshowe is a dirt road to your left (signposted Goedertrouw Dam and Shakaland). Follow this road (suitable for a sedan car) for 7km and cross the dam wall to find the secure parking area on the northern shore.
At the gateway to the Zulu highlands lies the picturesque town of Melmoth. Founded in 1888 as a "gold rush" town on a portion of the farm Golden Reef owned by Reinhold Ortlepp, it was named after Sir Melmoth Osborn, the resident commissioner of Zululand at that time. The town is situated 800m above sea level with an unsurpassed climate. The area offers good forest, riverine, thornveld and grassland birding with a species count of 295.
Proceed along the R66 in the Eshowe direction for approximately six kilometres and turn left onto the D256 road. Continue along this gravel road for nine kilometres, then turn left into Weni Farm.
Additional Information
Please note that Permission is required from Bertus or Caroline De Waal before visiting Weni farm Tel: + 27 (35) 450 2314
The Mooiplaas offices are in block A which is next to the tar road running from Melmoth to Babanango. From Melmoth, take the Babanango turn-off, approximately 4 km past Melmoth. On the Babanango road continue for 20 km and the offices will be found on the left hand side.
Additional Information
Sites of conservation significance at Mooiplaas are: Stan Hope Gold Mine, Verreaux's Eagle's nest, Nomisila Wetland, Mhlatuze Waterfall and Hillside. There is also a Natural Heritage site on Mooiplaas, 1100 ha in extent.
Martin Buchler
Tel/Fax: +27 (0)35 450 2782
E-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com
From Melmoth travel north on the R66 towards Vryheid for 20 kms and turn left at the "Ntonjaneni Lodge" sign. Continue for two kms and turn right onto a gravel road marked "Kataza". Proceed for six kms, turn right at the "Wintershoek Farm" sign, follow the farm road for about 2 km to the main house at farm number 22.
Additional Information
There is a B&B on the farm with various other B&Bs in the area and the Lodge at Ntonjaneni.
Other points of interest
The farm is within easy access of the Battlefields Route, Itala, Ophathe and Umfolozi Game Reserves, Ulundi, Eshowe and other attractions.
Gavon and Sandi Calverley
Tel/Fax: +27 (0)35 450 7042
Throughout Zulu history the Nkandla forest has been a place of mystery, the home of supernatural beings, and a formidable stronghold and place of retreat. The Chube are the ironworkers associated with the Nkandla area and Shaka never conquered them. It has always been the last retreat of the Zulu from Shaka's time to that of Bhambatha. Apart from being an area of great, often pristine, natural beauty, the Nkandla Forest represents a rare relict type of high wet rain forest, of which very few examples survive. They are relics of times in the distant past when the climate was wetter, and even colder. The forest has exceptionally high species diversity with many species that are associated with scarp forest occurring. This indicates that Nkandla may be positioned in a transitional zone between mist and scarp forest. The many rare plants, and the rarity of the habitat type as a whole, are in themselves sufficient reasons for conserving this rare forest type.
The Nkandla forest area is home to some 147 species. Species more typical of cooler forests include Knysna Turaco, Orange Ground Thrush, White-starred Robin, Bush Blackcap, Yellow-throated Woodland Warbler, Grey Cuckoo-Shrike and Forest Canary. These birds are present throughout the forest, although the thrush is best seen along "Thrush Alley" Birds more typical of warmer forests include Eastern Bronze-naped Pigeon (often seen along the main road), Purple-crested Turaco, Red-capped Robin-Chat and Grey Sunbird.
Other forest specials that can be seen include Olive Bush Shrike, Collared and Olive Sunbirds, Swee Waxbill, Emerald and Black Cuckoos, African Crowned Eagle, Black Sparrowhawk, Buff-spotted Flufftail, Chorister Robin-Chat, Trumpeter Hornbill and Dark-backed Weaver. The open grassland patches above the forest are not as productive as those above Qudeni or Ngome Forests, but Buff-streaked Chat, Wing-snapping and Wailing Cisticolas, Common Quail and Broad-tailed Warbler can be seen.
Directions from Melmoth or Vryheid:
At the Melmoth Total garage on the R66/R34 through town, zero your trip meter. Proceed north on the R66/R34 to Vryheid/Ulundi. At 4.5km turn left onto the R68 signposted Babanango and Nkandla.
Some features to note along the way:
At 17km you will see on the left a gravel road to KwaMagwaza Mission Hospital at 26.5km a gravel road to your right going to Mtonjaneni the Babanango turn off is at 28.3km on your right at 32km you will pass a signpost for Fort Prospect the bridge over the Umhlathuze is at 40km.
After 50km you will reach the Nkandla/Vryheid T-junction. Turn left and proceed into the village of Nkandla.
Look out for the "No-entry" sign on your right at about 69km. Proceed down to the grassland and park there.
Directions from Empangeni, Gingindlovu or Eshowe:
From the R66 traveling up from Gingindlovu or Empangeni, turn west at the traffic lights into Kangela Street (which takes you into the town of Eshowe). The traffic lights on the R66 are about 70km from Empangeni or 26km north of Gingindlovu.
Proceed down Kangella Street and at the Dlinza Forest turn-off on your left, zero your trip meter. Continue west towards Entumeni (still Kangela Street).
Additional Information
Shy forest mammals present include Bushbuck, Samango Monkey, Bushpig, Blue Duiker and Leopard.
Mtunzini, "place of shade," is a coastal town with a wealth of treasures for the birding or wildlife enthusiast. The town, situated on a hill overlooking the coastline, has pristine dune forest and an estuary lined with mangrove swamp forest.
Avenues of indigenous trees lining the streets of the village create corridors for wildlife movement and provide an excellent food source for birds. A striking feature of this area is the stands of Raphia palm (Raphia australis). Their fruits form an essential part of the diet of the Palmnut Vulture of which 3 to 5 pairs breed in Mtunzini. The best spot to see this species is at the Raphia palm monument, along the beach, or in the strips of forest along the drainage lines around the town.
A walk along the edge of the estuary, which also includes the mangrove forest, is good for African Finfoot, which may be flushed out into open water. During the winter months this is the best place to try and track down the elusive Mangrove Kingfisher. Walks in the coastal dune forest can be very productive and it is here that the Spotted Thrush can be located during the winter months. Mtunzini's warm climate and "holiday style" appearance make it an excellent place for some productive self-guided birding.
The main birding areas in and around the town are:
From Durban take the N2 Toll Road North. Mtunzini is approximately 132 km from Durban. At the Mtunzini Toll Plaza take the left-hand Toll Gate. Having exited the Toll Gate, glide off left onto the Mtunzini off-ramp. At the top of the off-ramp turn right and another 700 meters further will bring you to the entrance to the town of Mtunzini.
From Empangeni & Richards Bay take the N2 Toll Road South towards Durban. After joining the N2, travel for approximately 30 km and then turn left at the Mtunzini off-ramp. N.B. This is prior to the Mtunzini Main Toll Plaza (Do not pass through the Main Toll Plaza). Pass through the Toll Gate and then at the top of the off-ramp turn left. 500 meters further on will bring you to the entrance to the Town of Mtunzini.
From Eshowe take the R66 towards Gingindlovu, after approximately 22km, turn left on the R102 towards Mtunzini, continue for approximately another 18.5 km until you see the BP Road Island Service Station. At this point turn right and continue for another 1.6 km to the entrance to the town of Mtunzini (This road crosses over the top of the N2 Toll Road).
The following are the approximate Distances from Mtunzini:
Close proximity to many other destinations makes Mtunzini an ideal base for your Birding Holiday as well as visits to the various game reserves in Zululand.
The name Mtunzini is derived from the Zulu word Emthunzini meaning "at the umthunzi (milkwood) tree" or "in the shade of the umthunzi tree". The form mthunzini means "in the shade" of any tree. In the case of the town of Mtunzini it refers specifically to John Dunn's Indaba Tree, a large milkwood (Mimusops caffra, Tree no. 583).
John Dunn, regarded as the founder of Mtunzini, was born in 1834, the third son among six children. He lived a nomadic life as a hunting guide and transport rider until 1854, when he became assistant to the British Border Agent at Nonoti, Lower Tugela. After the civil war between two Zulu factions in 1856, Dunn got to know Cetshwayo, one of the sons of the Zulu King Mpande, and resigned his post to become Cetshwayo's diplomatic adviser. In return he received 10 oxen and an extensive stretch of land over which he was a headman.
Dunn's land was roughly the present magisterial district of Mtunzini. He established his authority over it by dividing it into areas, each under the control of a favourite induna or headman. He had married Catherine Pierce, but also married a further 49 Zulu women, as was the custom of his adoptive people. This was a way of ensuring strong political and economic bonds between clans. After the Anglo-Zulu war of 1879 the British appointed Dunn as one of 13 chiefs to rule the defeated Zulu Kingdom. As Chief he was responsible, with advice from his izinduna, for settling disputes and imposing sentences on transgressors. Dunn died on 5 August 1895 after a short illness, and as there was no successor, a power vacuum existed in the area. On 1 October 1895 a temporary magistrate's post was created at Mtunzini. This date represents the "official" birth of the town and it therefore celebrated its centenary in 1995.
At present the town of Mtunzini is home to approximately 600 families who enjoy the natural beauty of this popular coastal town. The climate is sub-tropical with an average annual rainfall of over 1000mm, with most rain falling in the summer months. Summers are hot (17 - 40 C) and can be rather humid. Winters are cool with the temperature seldom falling below 17 C.
Mtunzini's firm policy of focusing on the natural beauty of the area and promoting conservation is what makes it so special. The town was declared a Conservancy in November 1995 and in 1999 received a Conservation Award from the KwaZulu-Natal Nature Conservation Services in recognition of its outstanding commitment and contribution to preserving the natural environment of KwaZulu-Natal. It was also awarded a Green Trust award, in the Corporate division during the same year. The Mtunzini Conservation Committee, formerly known as the Arboretum Committee has since 1996 undertaken and conducted an extensive and highly successful, Exotic Alien Invasive Weed eradication programme. It was recognised that birds would be deprived of an extensive food source during this programme and therefore a rehabilitation programme was undertaken. To date thousands of trees have been replanted. A striking feature within this programme was the development of a Fig Forest. The first trees were planted on Arbor Day 1997. To date some 120 Fig trees have been planted. These comprise 20 of the 23 Fig species found in South Africa. No other forest dedicated entirely to Figs is known of and it promises to grow into a unique and special attraction.
A network of trails has been established through the natural bush to offer residents and visitors the opportunity to experience the natural attractions of the area. One may be fortunate enough to encounter some wild animals on these trails. Bushbuck, bushpig, red, blue and grey duiker, otters and water mongoose - all are resident in Mtunzini's natural bush and in the Umlalazi Reserve. The area, with its diverse vegetation, is a birders' paradise. Swamp and coastal dune forest, estuarine mud flats, mangroves and open grassland provide the different habitats for over 300 recorded species, the best known being the Palmnut Vulture, now almost synonymous with Mtunzini. It is South Africa's rarest breeding bird of prey, found only here and at Kosi Bay.
The Twinstreams Indigenous Nursery & WESSA Educational Centre is located on what was the farm "Twinstreams", currently owned by Mondi Forests. The farm was previously owned by, and home to Dr Ian Garland, a world renowned conservationist, who developed these projects and was responsible for inspiring many of us on the path of conservation and tree planting. He was responsible for the rehabilitation of many wetland areas and the establishment of natural bush on sections of his original farm. A very good example is that around the homestead, around "MicksPark" and many of the valleys in and around the farm and more recently, the wetland areas of Mondi Forests. Part of the original farm is now under the control of KZN Wildlife.
Umlalazi Nature Reserve, controlled by KZN Wildlife, covers 1028 hectares on the seaward side of town and is open to the public between 05h00 and 22h00. The long stretch of unspoilt beach is ideal for swimming, surfing and angling but, being a dolphin-friendly area, no shark nets are in place. All water sports can be enjoyed at the lagoon and there are ample picnic facilities along the river banks. You will probably see the resident herd of zebra that graze here.
The Umlalazi Reserve and the Amatikulu Reserve (also under the control of KZN Wildlife) together form the Siyayi Coastal Park, which stretches from the Umlalazi River in the north, in a narrow band along the coast southwards almost to the Thukela (Tugela) River.
Other recreational activities catered for in Mtunzini include golf, tennis and squash at the Country Club, bowling at the Bowling Club and riding at the Pony Club. All clubs, including the Ski Boat Club, offer special short-term membership for visitors.
by Mike Butler
Rocky granite outcrops, with lichen-covered rock domes in the grassland often have bush clumps including Canthium inerme, Ficus glumosa and Ficus ingens with some valleys holding open Syzygium cordatum woodland. Streambank woodland develops into hygrophilous forest in which Croton sylvaticus and Macaranga capensis dominate. The forest margin is dominated by trees like Burchellia bubalina, Cussonia spicata, Rapanea melanophloes, Trema orientalis, and many liana species which make the forest edge almost impenetrable. The climax forest is characterised by its continuous canopy, large trees (25 - 30 m in height) and poorly developed shrub layers. Dominant trees include Chrysophyllum viridifolium, Milletia sutherlandii and Margaritaria discoidea. Epiphytic ferns and orchids are common. The area receives an average of 1 391 mm of rainfall p.a. Ongoye is one of the few forests that has its own endemic mammal, the Ngoye Red Squirrel. Samango monkeys, baboon, mongooses, thick-tailed bushbaby and the secretive blue duiker can be seen. The Zululand dwarf chameleon, a localised KwaZulu Natal endemic, is abundant at Ongoye and the forest green butterfly Euryphene achlys is unique to this forest
Good birding can be enjoyed by walking along the track. There is a lot of activity in the first 2km. Apart from the Woodwards' (Green) Barbet, the other "green" specials include Green Twinspot, Green Malkoha, Olive Woodpecker, Olive Bush-Shrike and Emerald Cuckoo. Keep a look out for Lemon Dove, Narina Trogon, Grey Cuckooshrike, Grey Sunbird, Yellow-streaked Greenbul, the globally threatened Spotted Ground-Thrush, Brown Scrub-Robin, Blue-mantled Crested-Flycatcher, Forest Canary, Natal Francolin, Chorister Robin-chat, and Mountain Wagtail, (there is a small weir on a stream about 2km into the forest, so watch out for those secretive birds found in drainage lines).
At various lookout points (at the top of open hillsides) look for Eastern Bronze-naped Pigeons in the forest canopy and soaring raptors - African Crowned Eagle, Black-breasted Snake-Eagle, Yellow-billed Kites, Jackal, Steppe and Forest Buzzards, African Goshawk and Black Sparrowhawk. On the many rocky outcrops at the entrance, look for Striped Pipit and Plain-backed Pipit. In the grasslands, Orange-throated and Yellow-throated Longclaws, Black-rumped Buttonquail, Secretarybird, Southern Ground-Hornbill and Fan-tailed Cisticola can be seen, while in the road cuttings Pygmy Kingfisher nest holes are found.
At Mtunzini, turn off the N2 freeway and head inland (west). At a T-junction turn right (north) and take the old road north to Empangeni (R102). About 4km north of the Forest Inn, turn left onto a dirt road, just before what was an old Shell Service station. Follow this road for 4.5km and turn right onto D1554. Continue on this road to just past the Manzamnyama School on your left (after 5Km's)turn right onto a small track The gate into the forest is 3Km's further on with the camp on your left
The road is well signposted but badly potholed in some areas. Although the camp is accessible by sedan, a high clearance vehicle is advised.
Additional Information
The Ongoye Forest Birders Camp is the joint project between a wide group of stakeholders including The Mzimela Tribal Authority, Uthungulu District Municipality, BirdLife South Africa, The SAPPI WWF Tree Routes Partnership, The Mtunzini Conservancy and Umalazi Municipality. The area is undoubtedly one of the provinces most precious bio diversity areas – this project is intended to make a positive difference to the long term conservation of this asset and directly involve the forests neighbouring communities, the Mzimela Tribal Authority in the area's management.
Ongoye Forest Reserve is an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA)(SA065). For more information see: http://birdlife.org.za/conservation/important-bird-areas/iba-directory/item/206-sa065-ongoye-forest-reserve
In the shorter damp sugarcane fields around the dam - Redwinged Pratincoles along with of Grey and Kittlitz's Plovers can be seen in summer as well as Woolly-necked Storks, Common Quail, Black-backed Cisticolas and Fan-tailed Widowbirds. At the far end of the dam there is a breeding colony of White-breasted Cormorants. Near the spillway, Water Thick-knee, African Fish Eagle, Waders and Crowned Crane may be seen. Some 85 species have been recorded here so far.
From Mtunzini take the N2 South towards Durban for 18 km. After bridge No 8, turn left, following the Gingindlovu, Eshowe, Ulundi signs. At the bottom of the glide off, turn right and continue for 4.7 km along the R 66. Pass under the Eskom powerlines over the main road and turn right at the "Highrain Farm, Craig Theunissen" signboard.
The alternative route from Mtunzini is to head out of town, crossing over the N2 and continuing down the road until you meet the R102 at the BP Road Island Service station (which is on the right hand side). Turn left and continue for 18.5 km at which point you meet the R 66. Turn left (turning right here will take you to Eshowe) and continue for 2.2 km, passing the Fairbreeze / Gingindlovu intersection. This time the "Highrain Farm, Craig Theunissen" sign will be on the left.
From Durban take the N2 North. After crossing the Tugela River the bridges will be numbered. After bridge No 9 and 23.5 km from the Tugela River, turn left following the Gingindlovu, Eshowe, Ulundi signs. At the bottom of the glide off, turn left and continue along this road, being the R 66 and follow the same directions as are mentioned for those from Mtunzini, via the N2.
Having turned into the entrance over the cattle grid, continue along the farm road for another 500 meters. At this point there will be a small dam on the left hand side. Look for African Yellow and Thick-billed Weavers, Red Bishop and Dabchick. Directly after this dam turn left between the dam and the sugar cane. This will bring you to the main dam after some 500 meters.
Additional Information
Permission to visit this dam should be obtained from Craig Theunissen prior to your visit.
Craig Theunissen
Tel: +27 (0)35 337 1504
Mobile: +27 (0)83 452 3299
The most productive section of Amatikulu is the 4x4 trail. The first portion of the trail can be covered in a normal car with average ground clearance. This stretch is pretty good for grassland birds such as various widows, Croaking Cisticola, Rufous-naped Lark and Plain-backed Pipits, the latter occurring when the grass has been burnt or is short. Cuckoo Finch has been seen in the lower marshy areas and Black Coucal has been heard there in summer. Natal Nightjar can be heard calling from this area at night and may even be flushed during the day from grassland surrounding the marsh if one is very lucky. Listen up for Lesser Honeyguide, Red-throated Wryneck and other woodland birds in the wooded clumps scattered about the grassland.
After 1,7km, the road follows the fence closely just before disappearing down a rather steep and sandy slope, which is best left to four-wheel drive vehicles. This spot might yield European Roller during summer and White-fronted Bee-eaters, which are also common throughout the reserve. If one is not in a 4x4, I would suggest leaving one's car here and walking the rest of the track. The walk is long (3km one way) and mostly unshaded and can get very hot and humid, but the consolation is that one will probably pick up far more birds than if one were in a vehicle. The trail first wanders through the edge of some coastal forest before becoming lala palm bushveld. Gorgeous Bush-shrikes can be heard calling constantly from the forest-edge and thickets, and, with a little luck, may show themselves. Olive and Orange-breasted Bush-shrikes are also common, the former in winter. Listen out for the high-pitched call of Green Twinspots, which may make a brief overhead appearance, and the drawn-out trill of the Scaly-throated Honeyguide. This is also a good area for Green Malkoha.
White-browed Robin, Emerald-spotted Wood Dove, Yellow-throated Longclaw and Rattling Cisticola all become quite conspicuous as the forest opens into the bushveld. This area can provide some good birding, with a few forest species mingling with more open-habitat birds in early morning bird-parties. The lala palm bushveld is a very open, grassy habitat, which contains many of the species found in the bushveld areas. Black-bellied Korhaan has been recorded in winter and Red-billed Oxpeckers have been seen on the giraffe and zebra. The occasional thickets attract a few different birds like Scarlet-chested, Amethyst and Purple-banded Sunbirds, Long-billed Crombecs and African Firefinches. White-browed Robin-Chat has been seen in such a thicket - one of the southern-most records of this bird. The damp grassland areas can be very exciting, having produced Black Coucal (drier parts) and Dwarf Bittern (very wet areas), both far south of their usual ranges, as well as Marsh Owl (damp spots).
The pan is one of the highlights of the reserve, always yielding something interesting, depending on the water level. The pan is sometimes dry during winter. If the water level is high and inundates the edges of reeds, sedges and grass, it is good for rallids such as Black Crake, African (Purple) Swamphen and Common Moorhen. Low water levels expose the shoreline, making it more preferable for waders like Wood Sandpiper and African Jacana. Little Grebe, African Spoonbill and various ducks, geese, herons, cormorants and kingfishers can be found at any time, although not in large numbers. Painted Snipe, Lesser Jacana, Baillon's Crake, Little Bittern and Common Tern are just some of the specials that have turned up at the pan. The best thing to do is walk around the edge of the pan, but always be aware of crocodiles that may be in the water.
The road does not continue much further past the pan, although this area is always worth a look as there are some more damp grassland patches. Green Malkoha is often heard from the forest near the empty household where the road turns to the left before heading up to a tall dune. Although 25 species of raptor, including Crowned Eagle, African Cuckoo Hawk and Jackal Buzzard, have been recorded, they are surprisingly scarce - aside from African Fish Eagle, Black Sparrowhawk or Yellow-billed Kite, the bird one is most likely to see soaring high on thermals is Woolly-necked Stork.
The forest trail is excellent, but quite long and best done during the early morning, thus conflicting with the 4x4 trail, which is also best early in the day. Some of the highlights of the forest include very southerly Eastern Nicator, Blue-mantled Crested-Flycatcher, African Emerald Cuckoo and Tambourine and Lemon Doves along with Green Malkoha, which is not uncommon. The trail opens up on top of a tall dune where there is situated a whale watchtower. The views from this watch point are superb and aside from the occasional whale, one might spy an Osprey over the Nyoni River.
The picnic site, which is located along the Amatikulu River, is a great lunch site. African Cuckoo has been seen in the tall trees and forest edge here is the most reliable place in the reserve to look for Black-throated Wattle-eye and Pygmy Kingfisher. Great White and Pink-backed Pelicans are sometimes present on the sandbanks in middle of the river, as are waders such as Sanderling, Greenshank and Common Ringed Plover during summer. Giant and Pied Kingfishers are common and there is almost always a solitary Goliath Heron hunting in the middle of the channel. The river walk often yields Yellow Weaver, Purple-banded Sunbird, Gorgeous Bush-shrike and Olive Bush-shrike (winter) and eventually reaches the confluence of the Nyoni and Amatikulu Rivers. The Nyoni River is lined with dense hibiscus trees and a canoe-trip up the river may yield African Finfoot and Half-collared Kingfisher.
The rocky hillside to the left of the entrance gate, which can be reached via the education camp road or walking trail, can yield Striped Pipit.
From Eshowe travel along the R66 towards Durban. Go through the Dokodweni Toll Plaza and onto the N2 South towards Durban for another 7 km. From Mtunzini take the N2 South towards Durban. From the Mtunzini Toll Plaza travel for another 25 km. From both Eshowe and Mtunzini continue along the N2 Southwards. After bridge No 11, take the next turnoff to the left to Nyoni & the Amatikulu Nature Reserve, which is well sign-posted. At the top of the glide off, turn left and follow the signs.
From Durban take the N2 Northwards. After crossing the Tugela River, continue for another 16 km. After bridge 13, take the next turnoff to the left to Nyoni & the Amatikulu Nature Reserve, which is well sign-posted. At the top of the glide off, turn right and follow the signs.The Reserve's entrance gate is 3km further down on a gravel road.
Additional Information
Accommodation is available in the form of self-catering bush camp at the Zangozolo Tented Camp. Zangozolo Tented Camp is built on wooded platforms overlooking the Amatikulu River and has a panoramic view of the sea. There are six tents, each fitted with two beds. There is a communal ablution block connected to the units by a boardwalk, and has hot and cold water with showers, toilets and hand basins. The Camp's kitchen is equipped with a gas stove, fridge and freezer as well as a good supply of crockery and cutlery. Visitors can prepare their food in the kitchen or they may cook it at the specially provided barbecue area. The dining area is furnished with tables and benches.
There is also an education camp that comprises two park homes that have basic facilities but no equipment or electricity.
Book through KZN Wildlife Central Reservations: +27 (0)33 845 1000 or www.kznwildlife.com
Richards Bay is one of South Africa's top waterbird areas. The habitats are as diverse as from thornveld, Papyrus swamps, open freshwater lakes, Mangroves, Dune forest to mudflats, open sea and sandbanks. Richards Bay is the area for rarity sightings in Zululand with birds such as among others Crab Plover and Broadbilled Sandpiper being fairly regular every summer. Many forest birds such as Woodwards Batis and Eastern Nicator (Yellowspotted Nicator) reach their southernmost limit around here. Open lakes are home to scores of waterfowl as well as hippos and crocodiles. The entire area has been earmarked by BirdLife South Africa and BirdLife Zululand for major conservation and avi-tourism development - (link here to projects Richard Bay avitourism). Richards Bay also has the advantage of being Zululand's biggest and wealthiest city and can offer visitors to the area a range of first world accommodation, restaurants and other facilities all within very close proximity to excellent birding.
Richards Bay is often overlooked by tourists heading up the coast to the big Zululand Reserves such as Mkhuze and Hluhluwe. Understandable as most people have a image of huge mines and industry when thinking about Richards Bay. This is not totally inaccurate, but tucked away within and around all this industry is some of the best birding to be had in Zululand Over 350 species occur in the immediate Richards Bay area, 73% of South Africa's red data book species and 24 National Rarities have been recorded from here. Within Richards Bay is Thulasihleka Pan, probably the most reliable Lesser Jacanas in South Africa as well as enough variety of waterbirds to keep you busy for most of the morning, we are currently negotiating to erect a new hide on the pan and will keep birders informed of developments. The southern Sanctuary, (Important Bird Area SA079) and Harbour area has also long been a hotspot for rarities in South Africa such as Crab Plover and Broadbilled Sandpiper. According to Dave Allen from the Natural History Museum in Durban, this is some of the best waterbirding in Southern Africa ! Access to the harbour and Sanctuary area has up till now however always been a problem for birders coming from outside the region but now access and bird guides can be organized through the Zululand Birding Route. Less than an hour's drive from Richard's Bay is South Africa's most exciting Forest Birding - Ongoye Forest with its Green Barbet, Delegorges Pigeons, Green Twinspots, Green Coucals, Yellowstreaked Bulbuls as well as its host of endemic plants.
Then there is Dlinza Forest and the Aerial Boardwalk, Spotted Thrush country of note! Nseleni Nature Reserve is also a beautiful little reserve where boat trips can be arranged to see Whitebacked Night Neron and African Finfoot. Mtunzini is also only a short drive away and hosts Palmnut Vulture and in winter months Mangrove Kingfisher as well as many coastal forest species. Lake Pobane (Goedetrou Dam) between Richards Bay and Eshowe is an excellent haunt for Whitebacked Night Herons, African Finfoot, Halfcollared Kingfisher and good bushveld birds such as Gorgeous Bush Shrike. Up towards Melmoth in summer are the Short Tailed Pipit stakeouts as well as many upcountry specials and fantastic scenery. Then if you want, a short drive north takes you to the St Lucia wetlands, the big game of Hluhluwe Umfolozi, and the red hot birding of Mkhuze. In addition to all this Richards Bay and surrounding towns have fantastic selection of accommodation, from log cabins and camping sites in the dune forest to comfortable B&B's and Hotels as well as excellent restaurants and shopping facilities. If you are in the area and need information on birding anywhere in Zululand, please feel free to pop in. We are on the R 34 (main road between Empangeni and Richards Bay) at the Crocodile Sanctuary - look for the Birding Info signs – or contact us.
The best way to bird this area is to simply walk along the various tracks around the area, the track heading in a Westerly direction leads to the edge of Lake Mzingazi. The forest along the lake edges gives good birding opportunities with Green Malkoha, Black-throated Wattle-eye, Narina Trogon, Scaly-throated Honeyguide, Dark-backed Weaver, Blue-mantled Crested-Flycatcher, African Paradise and Grey Tit-flycatcher being regularly seen. This area does produce African Finfoot, Half-collared, Giant and Pygmy Kingfishers regularly and at the Sharks Board, Southern Banded Snake-Eagle is sometimes observed. All the Bulbuls (Dark-capped Bulbul, Sombre Greenbul, Yellow-bellied Greenbul and Terrestrial Brownbul) and the rarer Eastern (Yellow-spotted) Nicator are also evident at the Sharks Board.
Head down main John Ross Highway towards Meerensee.Take the "Greenhills" turn to your left. After 300m's Turn left onto dirt road. Follow sign to "Parks Depot". After 200m turn left away from the Parks Depot and follow this road for another 500m turn left into the parking area at the Offices.
The Breakwaters produce regular sightings of seabirds such as White-chinned Petrel, Subantarctic Skua; Parasitic Jaegeras well as the odd Albatross (Atlantic Yellow-nosed or Black-browed) and Sooty Shearwater. In winter Cape Gannets and Cape Cormorant can also be seen. At the Cassuarinas/Sand Flats the Brown Noddy was identified a few years ago and the spot is good for most of the marine terns including Sandwich, Lesser Crested and Little. Curlew is also recorded regularly, and, in the past, the area regularly produced Broadbilled Sandpiper and Redshank. The latter two have not been seen for several years in the area but do turn up regularly in the Southern Sanctuary.
Of the areas under direct Portnet control (i.e. permit needed) pride of place goes to the Sand Spit which attracts large number of waders and terns with regular rarities turning up. Access to this area is only by boat and requires special permission, over and above a harbour entry permit. Adjacent to the sand spit are the sand / mud flats to the north of the harbour berm wall. We have referred to this area as the Berm Mangroves / Sand Flats. At low water the area attracts large number of shorebirds. The Sand Spit is a prime spot for Crab Plover in summer, the bird almost guaranteed. Access is only via boat, please contact the Birding Route for more information. Regulars are the marine terns with a record of White-cheeked Tern in the early 1990's and Greater and Lesser (Mongolian) Sandplovers usually available for comparison.
Within the Portnet controlled area there are two shallow, reed-lined pans, which attract substantial numbers of breeding birds. The T-Junction Pan lies close to the east harbour gate adjacent to the SAFCOL timber operation and, though it is in a seriously disrupted area, is still very attractive to water birds such as White-backed Duck, African Pygmy Goose, Lesser Jacana and most of the herons and egrets. Southern Brown-throated Weavers and Black-crowned Night-Herons nest here. The second pan known currently as the New Mouth Pan is dealt with in the Southern Sanctuary write up.
To access the "Cassurinas" area – coming from Empangeni / N2 direction. Turn Right at Medway/ Harbour Coast. After 0.9 km's turn left towards Tuzi Gazi Waterfront. After 1.4 KM's turn right onto a small dirt road, croos railway and continue for about 4km's. Follow road through area of cassurina trees to sandflats.
To access Bay Hall and Pelican island – Turn Right off the R34 just before Meer En See towards Tuzi Gazi. Follow this road and turn right at the signpost "Pelican Island"
Recently Rarities such as Broad-bill Sandpiper, Redshank, Pacific Golden Plover and Eurasian Oystercatcher have been recorded recently. The sanctuary also has Crab-Plover in summer, Osprey, Terek Sandpiper, Greater and Lesser Sand Plover and a host of terns including Lesser Crested, Sandwich and Swift Terns. Also in the area is a reed lined seepage pan know as New Mouth Pan – this also has good numbers of water birds and is considered and important breeding area.
Additional Information
Richards Bay Game Reserve is an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA)(SA07). For more information see: http://birdlife.org.za/conservation/important-bird-areas/iba-directory/item/220-sa079-richards-bay-game-reserve
Access to the harbor is with a guide only – contact us for details.
Many Red Data species are present and probably breed notably Goliath Heron, Squacco Heron, Lesser Jacana, and Little Bittern. The pan is a regular haunt for large numbers of both species of pelican and many other waders, shorebirds, terns and ducks. Flamingos are less frequent than in the past but Glossy Ibis, African Pygmy Goose, African Marsh Harrier, Marsh Owl and White-Backed Ducks are regularly seen. Other species to look out for are Hottentot Teal, African Rail, African Purple Swamphen, Osprey and the whole host of reed dwelling warblers. Weavers are also well represented here with a chance of seeing Yellow, Southern Brown-throated and Thick-billed Weavers. Rarities such as Baillons Crake, Spotted Crake, Redshank, Western Marsh Harrier and Eurasian Bittern occasionally turn up.
From the R34 John Ross Highway turn right (if coming from Empangeni direction) into Medway road (opposite ZBR office) Follow this road for approximately 1 km till the harbour gate and turn right on a small dirt road along the harbour fence. Follow this road along the pan's edge till the parking area.
Additional Information
Thulasihleka Pan has long been earmarked for industrial development, but in 2004 the Umhlathuze Municipality realized the potential conservation and tourism value of the pan and handed the management of the area to BirdLife Zululand as part of the municipalities adopt a spot programme. Funds for the construction of hides, the pans office, clearing of weeds, signage and other developments have come from Umhlathuze Municipality, Central Timer Corporation as well as Richards Bay Minerals and Rio Tinto PLC.
The reserve is famous for its African Finfoot and is the premier site in RSA for this species. Other winter specials in Nseleni include Spotted Ground Thrush, Chorister Robin-Chat, White-starred Robin, Cape Robin-Chat and Brown Scrub Robin. Black-throated Wattle-eye and Grey Tit-flycatcher are seen throughout the year with Green Malkoha and Scaly-throated Honeyguide resident in the same patches of forest. Southern Banded Snake-Eagle and Pale-crowned Cisticola have been recorded.
The reserve is situated 11 km north of Empangeni on the N2 freeway. The entrance gate is on the western side of the road.
Grass For Africa
The best way to bird is on foot. Large numbers of African Pipits are always around (both pale and dark forms), Fan-tailed Widowbird, Kittlitz's Plover, Yellow Throated Longclaw, Crowned, Wattled and Blacksmith Lapwings are all common here.
In summer Collared Pratincoles are normally around. This is also one of the better areas to find Orange-Throated Longclaw, which is generally not very common along the coastal plain. Some of the more unusual records from this spot include Caspian Plover, Southern Bald Ibis and Magpie Mannikin.
Dekkers Dam
From the bridge on the eastern edge of the pan is the best area to scan the open waters, look out for African Pygmy Goose, African (Purple) Swamphen, Common Moorhen, Black Egret, as well as the whole range of aquatic Kingfishers. The roadbeds are also home to Sedge and Lesser Swamp Warbler, also keep an eye out here for Rufous-winged Cisticola. The damp grassland on the left hand side of the bridge is a popular haunt for Painted Snipe.
The dam can also be viewed from the western side. The thornveld surrounding the dam also offers some good birding.
Head out of Empangeni on the R34 towards Nkwaleni / Melmoth. Just outside Empangeni is the Turnoff to TICOR, zero your trip meter here.
At about 2.6 km's take a small turnoff to your right, cross the railway line and follow thus road to get to the Grass For Africa farm.
To access Dekker's Dam - once back on the R34 continue west for another 1.9km's (5.2 km from Ticor) and take another small right hand turn, cross the railway and follow this road for about 500m till you see a large wetland on your left. The Western part of Dekkers Dam can be accessed another 700m further along the R34, take the Heatonville turnoff and stop after about 200m at the first small dam you find on your right.
Additional Information
Permission is required before visiting the grass for Africa farm, please contact us prior to visiting.


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The Maytag repairman isn't lonely anymore.
The character first created by the appliance maker in 1967 has a fresh new look --and much more work to do.
The brand on Thursday unveiled a new ad campaign that features the Maytag Man serving as a refrigerator, oven, washing machine and dryer. He's meant to serve as the human embodiment of the "reliability, durability and power" of Maytag appliances, the brand said.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
The Top 75: MedErgy Marketing
MedErgy Marketing president and CEO Julia Ralston's quick state-of-the-agency address begins with a salvo of sorts. "We're seven years old now. That means we're in the stable phase, so to speak," she pronounces. "Lots of firms never make it to that point, so that's a point of pride for us."
Equally pleasing to Ralston and her MedErgy peers is that the agency has largely maintained its philosophy and positioning over that time. Where many firms tweak their branding and/or self-image, MedErgy has stuck to its guns, attempting to create marketing programs that are equal parts art and science. Ralston believes the mix works: the agency has grown revenues in every year of its existence, though the pace of growth in 2008 was "less dramatic" than in years past.
"A lot of it nowadays is really just staying the course," she notes. "Clients aren't willing to pay more and sometimes you're being asked to charge less, even though you have to deliver more value. How do you do that? For us, it's about making sure we deliver that scientific value, which is the focus of the agency, on top of everything else."
After moving into new space at the start of 2008, MedErgy has, true to Ralston's words, stayed the course. Its headcount remains around 45, while revenue sits slightly below $10 million. Unlike some of her peers, though, Ralston doesn't consider $10 million some kind of magical benchmark that announces the company has arrived. "Well, it's a nice, round number, I suppose," she says with a laugh. "But that's not something we should take out of context or blow out of proportion. We're more interested in growing the company in a fashion that's consistent with what we set out to do strategically."
Ralston downplays the challenges MedErgy faced over the last 12 months, saying that they're "not all that different" from what other firms are facing—see in dictionary under "financial pressures from clients, smothering." At the same time, she's pleased that MedErgy was able to expand and diversify at a time when many companies were battening down the hatches. By way of example, she points to the firm's device/diagnostics portfolio and its increasing presence overseas. The latter has "allowed us to win some great business based in the US, even though it's effectively a global program with a pan-European focus," she says.
As befitting its focus on organic growth, MedErgy added business over the last year from longtime clients Johnson & Johnson and Wyeth. Baxter tapped the firm for its "Why PD" campaign, while Ethicon's women's health and urology arm assigned it a fibroid-treatment program. Allergan hired MedErgy for a global communications effort to tout new indications for Botox and GlaxoSmithKline hired the agency to work on influenza drugs.
As for clients lost, MedErgy had the bad fortune to be working on a J&J product that was launched and then voluntarily withdrawn from the market. "It's never very nice when you have to pack up an account, but it was well beyond our control," Ralston shrugs.
In the months ahead, look for MedErgy to continue with its science focus. To that end, the company hired Dr. Jeff Levy last year and tasked him with "really getting inside the principles of physician learning and their use of media," Ralston says. "With everybody segregating medical and marketing activities, you have to be smart. People like [Dr. Levy] are what we need to keep our edge."


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Click to enlarge images
You want to paint your nails but just don't feel like sitting around waiting for it to dry? I have "meh" days where I just need it too look good but I don't have time to get all fancy. This 2 tone is the perfect answer. You can use any colour with a glitter overlay. Stop painting one nail on your hand in glitter. You look lazy. Actually you look like one of the girls from My big fat gypsy wedding. Be a little more creative than that.
Start off by smoothing nails with file and buff, nothing fancy.
Once you and your nails are on speaking terms again it is time for a base coat. Those of you reading this who don't use one, you're being stupid. With a proper base coat your nails can last up to one week longer.
I use this one from essence. 24/7 nail base.
SUCH a good investment. R36.90 from my local Clicks.
Take your time for this one to dry. By time I mean don't touch your face for 5 minutes.
This colour is called English Rose from essence. A very easy pretty dirty pink to match with almost anything.
(one coat does the trick)
Next up it the glitter.
I used a maroon glitter for this part.
Dip the brush once and then start painting right against the cuticle. Now smudge outwards dabbing the brush lighter and lighter. This creates the look of gradient nails without the effort of the sponge (dabbing only works with glitter)
And just like that you have fancy-ass nails 🙂


text: Fail Yet Succeed? If you build EXACTLY what "they" tell you, you do it in the timeframe they ask for, and at the cost they wanted to pay, is that a successful project? The project is On time On budget Delivers the requested functionality No defects The team is ready for the next project Is it successful? "Yes," you say. Rightfully so. But what if I tell you that the above project (project A) was followed by another... Posted on September 16, 2009 12:42:PM by Earl Beede to Practicing Earl Testing & QA, Technique, project management, humor, context, quality, requirements, Management Defining 'Done' In software development, like many other areas of life, we need to decide when some item of work is done. The decision of "doneness" has wide impacts as under-done creates defects, downstream rework, and lost opportunity costs while over-done wastes time and resource and incurs its own lost opportunities. To be even more critical, in my review of documents from hundreds of clients I find that work items are often under-done in important areas and over-done in trivial ones. That is,... Posted on September 8, 2008 1:32:PM by Earl Beede to Practicing Earl Testing & QA, Technique, humor, quality, done Quality Time At Construx I teach both the Estimation seminar and the Advanced Quality seminar. One question I usually get during the Estimation seminar goes something like this, "How can I estimate how long quality will take?" Now this is a fascinating question in that it is so wrong and yet so important to the people asking it. Let's... Posted on October 2, 2007 6:50:PM by Earl Beede to Practicing Earl Testing & QA, humor, testing, quality First Prev 1 Next Last


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Selected Works / Exhibitions / Biography / Available Inventory
Sol Hashemi
Born 1987, Vancouver, WA
Lives in New York and Seattle
Solo and Collaborative Exhibitions
Afterwards, What Comes Before is Different. James Harris Gallery, Seattle, WA
Technical Support. Annarumma Gallery, Naples, Italy
Software Update / System Build. Henry Art Gallery, Seattle
Industry Standard. James Harris Gallery, Seattle
Northwest Flower & Garden Show. Booth 306, Washington State Convention Center, Seattle. With Carson Fisk-Vittori and Elizabeth Abrahamson
All Your Base Are Belong To Us. Fred Wildlife, Seattle. With Jason Hirata. Curated by Michael Van Horn
Rock Show. James Harris Gallery, Seattle
Metabolizing Costco. Ditch Projects, Springfield OR. With Rebar Neimi. Curated by Jessica Powers.
Hidden Snacks. Punch Gallery, Seattle. With Jason Hirata
Object History Awareness. Gallery4Culture, Seattle
To Be Like That Which You Have. Greg Kucera Gallery, Seattle. With Jason Hirata
The Gift Shop Presents: Presents. Henry Art Gallery, Seattle. With Claire Cowie and Jason Hirata.
Generally, incidentally, light. The Dirty Shed, at the residence of Betsey Brock and Eric Fredericksen, Seattle. With Jason Hirata
Please Stand By; Stand By Me. Punch Gallery, Seattle. With Jason Hirata
Selected Group Exhibitions
Pop Up, Pop In. James Harris Gallery, Seattle, WA
ULO Part 1. Interstate Projects, Brooklyn. Curated by Zachary Davis
Turnpike. Neverland Space, Online/Zurich. Curated by Vincent Uribe
Dream Island. Royal College of Art, London. With Jason Hirata. Curated by Juste Kostikovaite
Peculiar Poetics. Design Cloud Gallery, Chicago. Curated by Alysia Alex
Exhibition&. The Cleaners. Portland, OR. Curated by Jeanine Jablonski.
Variable Control. Third Party Gallery, Cincinnati, Ohio. With Elizabeth Abrahamson and Carson
Aesthetics Room. Mr. Kitly, Melbourne AU. Curated by Kim Brockett
Letha Wilson and Sol Hashemi. LVL3 Gallery at MDW Fair, Chicago
Bubble Belly. MotelLucie at Artissima Lido. Turin, Italy
Group Affinity. Kunstverein München, Munich
Wild Kingdom. Texas State University, San Marcos
The Pajama Game. NEPO House, Seattle. Curated by Jason Hirata
Mirror Mirror. James Harris Gallery, Seattle
Stream. Pent House Gallery, Baltimore +Space 15 Twenty, Los Angeles. Curated by Jennilee Marigomen and Andrew Laumann
Chilliwack International Biennial. Lake Cultus, British Columbia, Canada
aLiVe at Bellwether 2010. Bellevue City Hall. Bellevue, WA
Winner Takes All. Punch Gallery, Seattle
Call and Response: Crawl Space Gallery, Seattle Juror – Jeffry Mitchell
Grants and Awards
Kayla Skinner Special Recognition Award. Seattle Art Museum 2013
Sea-Cat Artist Grant (Seattle Catalogue) 2012
Site-Specific Award for the NW Flower and Garden Show. 4Culture. Seattle
Artsparks Award. Pioneer Square, Seattle, WA 2010
Mary Gates Research Scholar. 7th Annual Summer Institute in the Arts and Humanities: U. of W. 2008
Matt J. Jarvis Travel Award For Photography. University of Washington 2008
Screenings, Projects, and Performances
Garage Sale. Seattle Art Museum. With Elizabeth Abrahamson 2012
Undisclosed Title. Olympic Sculpture Park, Seattle. With Jason Hirata 2011
Untitled Workshop. Seattle University. With Jason Hirata 2010
Glow in the Dark Slideshow. Henry Art Gallery, Seattle 2009
Untitled (Light Sculpture Performance). Henry Art Gallery 2009
Artist Lectures
University of Washington, 3D4M 2013
Photo Center Northwest. Seattle 2012
University of Washington, Photomedia. With Elizabeth Abrahamson and Carson Fisk-Vittori. 2012
University of Washington, Photomedia. 2012, 2011, 2010
/pos. Pietmondriaan.com 2013
Public Collections
Portland Art Museum, Portland OR
BFA in PhotoMedia, University of Washington 2009
Selected Press
Khemsurov, Monica; "Eye Candy" Sight Unseen, April 3rd 2014
Graves, Jen; "The Folksy Internet" The Stranger, August 14th 2013
The Editors; "Forces of Nature" Bullett Magazine, Summer 2013 Pgs. 20-21
Elliot-Jones, Rachel; "Aesthetics Room" The Thousands, Thursday July 5th 2012
Graves, Jen; "Too Small to Fail" The Stranger, October 25th 2011
Graves, Jen; "Stranger Genius Awards: The Shortlist" The Stranger, September 14th 2011
Graves, Jen; "I Want a Rock" The Stranger, May 17th 2011
Suzanne Beal; "How Sol Hashemi Rocks My World" Seattle Met, May 5th 2011
Powers, Jessica; "Hashemi's Studiousness" ArtSlant Worldwide, March 1st 2010
Upchurch, Michael; "Sol Hashemi's show offers fine photography with sly themes" The Seattle Times, February 19th, 2010
Hackett, Regina; "Sol Hashemi – Object History Awareness" ArtsJournal, February 19th 2010
The Editors; "The Shock of the Potlatch" CityArts Magazine. December 2009
Grant, Adriana; "It's in the Air, Tonight" Arcade Magazine. Winter 2009 Pg. 12
Hackett, Regina; "Saturday night at the Dirty Shed." Another Bouncing Ball; ArtsJournal, August 31st 2009
Graves, Jen; "What Jason Hirata and Sol Hashemi Can Do for You in a Dirty Shed" The Stranger, August 5th, 2009
Graves, Jen; "Indian Gifts." The Stranger, April 21st 2009


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NEW ORLEANS — It's rare to see career records get set off the bench.
But regardless of when Tulane guard Jordan Callahan entered the game Saturday afternoon, his blazing performance from beyond the arc allowed him to earn the title of Tulane's all-time leader in converted 3-pointers (196, breaking Jerald Honeycutt's record set in 1997).
His six 3-pointers and 20 points also propelled the Green Wave (17-9, 5-6 Conference USA) to a 78-67 men's college basketball win over SMU at Devlin Fieldhouse. It marked Tulane's third win in its past four games, ensuring the Green Wave will finish with a winning season for the first time since 2007-08 and its best conference record since 2008-09.
The winning patch displays an improvement Callahan said he appreciates, even more than the record, as a senior leader who five games ago took his move to the bench, after 85 consecutive starts, in stride.
"I actually get more psyched watching for the first couple of minutes," Callahan said. "I like to kind of coach them up, and it gets me going, and it gives me more energy when I'm coming off of the bench."
But what Callahan watched in the opening 10 minutes on Saturday was the Green Wave replicating its performance from the 59-53 loss to SMU on Jan. 12 in Dallas. The Mustangs (13-13, 3-8) charged out of the gate, jumping out to a 17-3 lead in the opening nine minutes by pounding a small Green Wave lineup in the paint and frustrating Tulane's shooters with their length and zone defense.
However, once the Wave cracked the zone, SMU's defense practically crumbled. Led by Callahan and top scorer Ricky Tarrant's combined 45 points and 12 3-pointers, Tulane thrived in applying pressure against the scrambling Mustangs defense.
After missing 10 of its first 11 shots from the field, the Green Wave shot 56 percent the rest of the way. Tulane rallied from a deficit of at least 14 points for the third consecutive game, this time on the strength of a 30-9 run, to take a 33-29 lead into halftime.
"To come out in those first five or six minutes tonight and play like that, really put us on our heels a little bit," Conroy said. "But our guys, maybe we have too much experience at it, but what mental toughness to come back like that. We were at home, not making great decisions, and I think our team chemistry came through there. They still trusted each other."
For much of the game, Tulane focused its attention on the perimeter, running a four-guard lineup with either Josh Davis or Tre Drye manning the middle alone.
The overload of quickness forced the Mustangs to scramble defensively, leaving shooters open.
"It gave us a big advantage with the four guards there and Josh at the five," Tarrant said. "Their five couldn't cover Josh, and even when he was coming from the wing, they couldn't box him out, and we had open shots everywhere."
The Green Wave was 9-of-13 on 3-pointers in the second half as it cranked up the pace on both ends.
Defensively, Tulane employed spurts of full-court press, which helped force 10 steals and 20 turnovers. Although Tulane was outscored 38-14 in the lane, its 3-point prowess and 26 points off turnovers kept the momentum squarely on its side during the final 30 minutes.
"We have to play with great energy," Conroy said. "They probably shot a higher percentage (56.3) than we would have liked, and they hurt us on points in the paint, but I told the guys sometimes we are going to have to trade two for three. Let's go to the next play and get it out of the net fast and take it right back at them.
"Tonight there were three or four possessions where they got a layup and Kendall Timmons had it out of the net and up to Ricky at half court before they could even turn around."
Now, the Green Wave finds itself in a position it hasn't been under Conroy at this time of the year: fighting for the postseason. With a winning record now guaranteed, Tulane is pushing for a top-5 spot in the Conference USA standings to earn a bye in the league tournament, which will have only 11 teams this season because of Central Florida's postseason ban, over the final five games.
Conroy also said he believes the administration is open to entering the team in minor national tournaments like the CBI and CIT if the Green Wave either does not win the conference tournament or get selected for the NIT. Tulane has not reached the postseason since the 2000 NIT.
"It definitely feels different, but I think what it makes it different in a real positive way is this team has a real hunger to improve," Conroy said. "They want to hear the next thing we are going to get better at, and know what didn't they do as well as they should have done. That gives me great hope as we go through this last month, because those are the teams that have a lot of fun in February and March."


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Public Lecture Explores Historic Treatment of Pueblo People
Nora Naranjo Morse will deliver the annual Phi Beta Kappa lecture at Kalamazoo College on Tuesday, October 11, at 8 p.m. in the Mandelle Hall Olmsted Room. The event is free and open to the public. Morse Morse is a … Continue reading


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365mumbaikids.com has partnered with KleverKid.in to bring to our followers a range of activities for kids in Delhi and NCR. For our readers who are planning to visit or travel to Delhi and NCR do check out KleverKid.in to plan your kid's activities!
Monthly Archives: July 2015
Ice Age – The Lab of Crazy Scientists Workshop for kids, 25th July, Juhu
The coldest show in the world — "ICE AGE". The tremendous simulation of the frozen world!
Ever thought what ice age would be like? To give a unique experience to kids Studio Blocks in partner with Lab of Crazy Scientists is organizing a workshop where in we will be creating the 'Ice Age' right in front of the kids.
It is a fantastic show with the liquid nitrogen with the temperature of -200C!!! We will be freezing flowers and toys, boiling the kettle and frying food without fire, creating mysterious fog from horror movies and making BIG BANG for the end of the performance!
And wait there is more!! How about frozen popcorn for all the guests! Feel like a dragon. "The Lab of Crazy Scientists" is a unique scientific entertaining project, franchised from the most successful show in Ukraine.
The concept is based on the adaptation of the most spectacular scientific experiments and promises 100% involvement and fun for kids.
Date: 25th July, 2015
Time: 11:30 am-1:00 pm
Age group: 5-18
Ticket price: Rs 550
Venue: Studio Blocks, Saket, 5th Floor,
Main Gulmohar Road,
Opp Sujay hospital, Above HDFC bank,
Contact details: +91-9820164094


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Some good railroad ties for landscaping steps are ties that are strong, termite- and ant-free, level and resistant to rot. Desirable ties also include old ties without much creosote.Continue Reading
Good railroad ties for landscaping steps include level ties resistant to bending from weathering in the elements. Ties infested with ants or termites are prone to weakness and facilitate the spread of pests and therefore are not suitable for use. Creosote staining, which gives ties a black or dark color, helps promote rot resistance but also leaches into the soil. Good landscaping ties include older ties with less creosote, as evidenced by a relatively pale color.Learn more about Landscaping


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Boyer College of Music and Dance
The Boyer College of Music and Dance offers a diverse curriculum, wide array of degree programs, highly accomplished faculty and numerous performance opportunities for students.
School of Theater, Film and Media Arts
Theater students benefit from exemplary theater training and hands on production and performance experience. Film students learn creative and technical skills in film, video, audio and new media.
Temple Performing Arts Center
Temple Performing Arts Center (TPAC) is Temple's premier performing arts venue with a 1, 200 seat state-of-art Lew Klein Hall and the intimate Chapel of the Four Chaplains.


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Location: South Street Seaport, Manhattan, New York City
Children's Day 2008, the 15th annual national celebration of children, was a fun and memorable experience thanks in part to the cuddly, friendly, costumed characters from PBS' animated television series, The Zula Patrol. Two Attack! staff dressed as lovable members of the Zula cast interacted with excited children. Two additional helpers were on hand to introduce children to the characters, take photos, and keep everyone laughing and smiling throughout the event.


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At CHI Memorial's Rees Skillern Cancer Institute, you have a team of medical experts with specialized skills, expertise and experience working together to provide the care you need. In addition to your physicians, your care team may include nurses, technologists, educators, dietitians, therapists, social workers and others. From the chaplain who offers comfort and prayer to the physicist who pinpoints the exact dimensions of your tumor, we are all on your side.
Multidisciplinary Team
Cancer represents a set of complex and varied disease. The close collaboration of a team of cancer specialists at the Rees Skillern Cancer Institute gives you the benefit of a thorough evaluation and a unified plan of care based on our team's combined experience, and clinical and research expertise.
Your individual diagnosis may require surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy or a combination. Your total treatment plan may include nutrition therapy, plastic surgery or rehabilitation. You may want help finding financial assistance or a support group that understands what you're going through. CHI Memorial's holistic approach covers every need.
Tumor Conferences
Regularly scheduled tumor conferences bring together the expertise of pathologists, oncologists, surgeons, radiologists, urologists, family practice specialists and other medical professionals to discuss all aspects of CHI Memorial's cancer cases.
In each case, a patient's medical history, current condition and treatment goals are thoroughly reviewed to determine the optimal treatment for your unique needs. It is teamwork at its best.
CHI Memorial is honored to be one of 48 hospitals in the nation to receive a 'high performing' rating in nine surgical procedures and chronic conditions evaluated by U.S. News, including lung and colorectal cancer surgery.> learn more
Advanced breast cancer diagnosis and care, delivered from the heart.> learn more
Free Campus Map App
CHI Memorial's free app provides point-to-point wayfinding and an option for verbal directions for navigating CHI Memorial Hospital Chattanooga.> learn more
Our free e-newsletters offer information to help you live well.
Find an expert primary care physician or specialist to fit your needs.
With your help we can transform medical care in our region.


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The Duffy Partnerships give the students both a macro and micro understanding of how institutions interact within society. At each site students gain an overview of the culture, goals, structure, resources and strategies available, and then they focus on a specific project within the organization. During the weekly seminar they broaden their focus to examine how the various institutions intersect and interact.
Each student works with a Faculty Partner, in addition to Sociology faculty member and Partnerships Coordinator, Carol Wickersham. This allows students access to interdisciplinary perspectives and expertise. The faculty and community partners also share perspectives about the issues and efforts at each site and the implications for the community.
These links will give you an overview of the Partners since 2005, as well as the focus of students' projects.


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2012 Global Job Fair in Korea (Dubai)
Protected content Job Fair
Title : Protected content Job Fair
Date : Tuesday, October 23, Protected content .
Venue : Hall B1 of Coex (3,645㎡), Seoul, Korea
Hosted by : Ministry of Employment and Labor
Organized by : HRD Korea
※ Invited parties : about 70 companies from Middle East, Asia, America, Europe etc.
For 1 interviewer : Free Accommodation (for 2 nights: room, breakfast), 50% of the purchase price of the round-trip flight ticket on the Economy Class basis(Within the uppermost limits). Lunch will be provided.
Interview room & interpretation staff
Major publicity for recruitment
Produce & distribute the company's promotional brochure
Resumes of candidates selected by HRD Korea will be provided and access to the database of personnel can be granted.
※ The final participant companies will be selected at a later date.
Please let me know if you want to participate this Job Fair.


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Through a combination of American indifference and Russian connivance, the nightmare scenario in Syria we have been dreading for long has now been created. Whether this was done intentionally, as the conspiracy-minded among us will vehemently assert, or unintentionally, as a result of the shortsightedness, indifference and the general lack of resolve that often befalls American policy-making circles, does not really matter. This is what we have to contend with now. It is not clear whether a change at the helm in the U.S. will bring the change in attitude necessary to make an immediate difference in this regard.
Monday November 05, 2012
Today's Death Toll: 162. The Breakdown: Toll includes 7 children and 8 women: 72 in Idlib (32 killed in the aerial raid on Kafrenbel), 47 in Damascus and Suburbs, 17 in Aleppo; 12 in Deir Ezzor; 5 in Daraa; 4 in Lattakia; 3 in Homs; and 2 in Hama (LCC).
Special Reports
Desperate for foreign intervention, some rebels say they hope the party that brought on the Iraq war might also bring America to Syria.
It's been more than three months since rebels in Syria launched an offensive to take Aleppo. In the early days of the offensive, the rebels were able to take about half the city. But since then, neither the rebels nor government forces have managed to gain the upper hand, leaving many to declare the battle for Aleppo — and the battle for Syria — a stalemate.
The outsiders, who entered Aleppo in July, have fought to a deadlock with government forces. Many residents of the once-prosperous city resent the fighters' presence.
Even if they oppose Assad, many Kurds, particularly those aligned with the PYD, see the rebels as Islamist thugs acting on behalf neighboring Turkey to control a post-Assad Syria. Many insurgents, meanwhile, resent the PYD and its armed supporters for staying out of the war against Assad, accusing it of being a cat's paw for the regime.
ALEPPO, Syria — Syrian rebels at the front are turning against their commanders, accusing them of being cowards by fleeing abroad and failing to unite a cause that has been increasingly hijacked by Islamists.
Ammar Abdulhamid & Khawla Yusuf: The Shredded Tapestry: The State of Syria Today
What began as a diverse cross-communal protest movement in Syria soon devolved into a civil war – a development facilitated by an overwhelming use of force and deployment of sectarian tactics on part of the Assad regime coupled with international indifference. But the devolution of the conflict into a civil war pitting the majority Sunni community against a regime supported mostly by loyalist Alawite militias and enjoying tacit support from Christians, Druzes and some in the Sunni merchant elite, did not stop at this stage.
Presently, each community in Syria, including the Alawite community, is having a minor civil war of its own pitting pro- and anti-Assad groups against each other: infighting can now be seen in the ranks of the Palestinians, the Kurds (albeit their battles are less intense at this stage), and even the Alawites (albeit the situation in this case has not yet devolved into a regular happening). Meanwhile, secular and Islamists rebel groups are clashing with increasing frequency.
Border crossings with Turkey are controlled by Islamist groups, even though some tend to succeed in covering up their identity giving an impression of moderation, and even secularity. Aid going to the rebels across the Turkish border, therefore, is being filtered through Jihadi elements. It's no wonder that most of it end up with more extremist groups.
Turkish and Kurdish gangs are involved in the process as well, with Turkish authorities turning a blind eye for some reason.
In Kurdish-majority communities like Kobani, Hasheesh farming and smuggling is now a flourishing trade, controlled mostly by criminal elements affiliated with the PYD, the Syrian branch of the PKK, still ranked as a terrorist organization by the State Department.
Anti-Americanism is rife in all quarters. But while some rebels are pinning their hopes on a new more robust American policy of support following the upcoming elections, a policy that does not go beyond supplying rebels with arms, and that is not based on a serious understanding of the continually changing dynamics on the ground is bound to bring much disenchantment, feeding rather than alleviating anti-American tendencies.
Indeed, through a combination of American indifference and Russian connivance, the nightmare scenario in Syria we have been dreading for long has now been created. Whether this was done intentionally, as the conspiracy-minded among us will vehemently assert, or unintentionally, as a result of the short-sightedness, indifference and the general lack of resolve that often befalls American policymaking circles, does not really matter. This is what we have to contend with now. It is not clear whether a change at the helm in the U.S. will bring the change in attitude that can actually make an immediate difference in this regard.
Video Highlights
MiGs and Sukhoys continue their pounding of restive Damascene suburbs of Eastern Ghoutah Region, as well as the southern neighborhoods in Damascus City: Misraba http://youtu.be/IijeGVxkPQQ , http://youtu.be/oAIoXBzUABc , http://youtu.be/otRYJilp1IY Kafar Batna http://youtu.be/Oxwh6YatMpc , http://youtu.be/7owr55CimHI Jisreen http://youtu.be/J5r6ClqgZsc Al-Qadam http://youtu.be/QIKHZbDYVkw Pulling bodies of the dead from under the rubble in Ain Terma http://youtu.be/SsfxasXIINE
Huge sections of the Yarmouke Camp and Tadamon Neighborhood, majority-Palestinian areas in Damascus City have been laid to rubble http://youtu.be/u8fBF5r8MA0
Pulling bodies from under the rubble following an aerial raid in Harem, Idlib Province http://youtu.be/GTToFJr4OxA Meanwhile, the nearby town of Kafrenbel comes under intense aerial bombardment leaving dozens dead http://youtu.be/3xSy92Kjk7U , http://youtu.be/tqXTd4M-Ics Pulloing the dead from under the rubble and fire http://youtu.be/iXpAg__mMhQ
Rebels storm a loyalist positions in Lairamoon Neighborhood in Aleppo City http://youtu.be/_ILJoBLeHm0


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Recent images :
- Fleet support vessels, RFA Sir Galahad, Sir Bedivere and Sir Tristram
- Chesters Roman Fort - East gate
- Type 21 Frigate - HMS Alacrity
- Dodge Weapons Carrier and DHC Beaver
- English Electric Lightning F53
- American War of Independance - Loyalist fighter
- Fairey Gannet AEW.3
- American War of Independance - Loyalists
- American War of Independance - Loyalists
- WW2 Russian 13th Guards - Sniper
Royal Sussex Regiment Monument, Brighton.
Images copyright © Graham K Cook. Click on the entry for a larger version
An unusual monument to the men of the 35th Royal Sussex Rgt. Who died as a result of their action in the Egyptian campaigns of the 1880's.
The monument is of pink marble and stands outside the elaborate Royal Pavilion commissioned by George IV in the early 1800's.
The inscription reads :
"ERECTED BY THE OFFICERS, N.C.OFFICERS AND MEN 1st Bn ROYAL SUSSEX REGt. TO THE MEMORY OF THEIR COMRADES WHO WERE KILLED IN ACTION OR WHO DIED OF WOUNDS OR OF DISEASE CONTRACTED DURING THE EGYPTIAN CAMPAIGN 1882 AND NILE RIVER EXPEDITION 1884-85"
Brighton, UK. Nov 2004


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Legal Status
Document Details
Published Document
U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC).
Notice of Availability.
As part of the consolidated line item improvement process (CLIIP), the NRC is announcing the availability of the model application (with model no significant hazards consideration determination) and model safety evaluation (SE) for the plant-specific adoption of Technical Specifications Task Force (TSTF) Traveler TSTF-513, Revision 3, "Revise PWR [pressurized water reactor] Operability Requirements and Actions for RCS [reactor coolant system] Leakage Instrumentation." TSTF-513, Revision 3, is available in the Agencywide Documents Access and Management System (ADAMS) under Accession Number ML102360355. The proposed changes would revise the Standard Technical Specifications (STS) to define a new time limit for restoring inoperable RCS leakage detection instrumentation to operable status and establish alternate methods of monitoring RCS leakage when one or more required monitors are inoperable. Changes to the Technical Specifications (TS) Bases are included, which reflect the proposed changes and more accurately reflect the contents of the facility design bases related to the operability of the RCS leakage detection instrumentation. The CLIIP model SE will facilitate expedited approval of plant-specific adoption of TSTF-513, Revision 3.
Documents: You can access publicly available documents related to this notice using the following methods:
NRC's Public Document Room (PDR): The public may examine and have copied for a fee publicly available documents at the NRC's PDR, Public File Area O1 F21, One White Flint North, 11555 Rockville Pike, Rockville, Maryland.
NRC's Agencywide Documents Access and Management System (ADAMS): Publicly available documents created or received at the NRC are available electronically at the NRC's Electronic Reading Room at http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/adams.html. From this page, the public can gain entry into ADAMS, which provides text and image files of Start Printed Page 190NRC's public documents. If you do not have access to ADAMS or if there are problems in accessing the documents located in ADAMS, contact the NRC's PDR reference staff at 1-800-397-4209, 301-415-4737, or by e-mail at email@example.com.
The model application (with model no significant hazards consideration determination) and model SE for the plant-specific adoption of TSTF-513, Revision 3, are available electronically under ADAMS Accession Number ML101340271. The NRC staff disposition of comments received on the Notice of Opportunity for Comment announced in the Federal Register on October 9, 2009 (74 FR 52268-52274) and non-concurrence, are available electronically under ADAMS Accession Numbers ML101340278 and ML103480005.
Federal Rulemaking Web site: The public comments received and supporting materials related to this notice can be found at http://www.regulations.gov by searching on Docket ID: NRC-2009-0444.Start Further Info
Mr. Matthew Hamm, Reactor Systems Engineer, Technical Specifications Branch, Mail Stop: O-7C2A, Division of Inspection and Regional Support, Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Washington, DC 20555-0001; telephone: 301-415-1472 or e-mail: email@example.com or Mrs. Michelle Honcharik, Senior Project Manager, Licensing Processes Branch, Mail Stop O-12D1, Division of Policy and Rulemaking, Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Washington, DC 20555-0001; telephone: 301-415-1774 or e-mail: email@example.com Further Info End Preamble Start Supplemental Information
TSTF-513, Revision 3, is applicable to PWR plants. Licensees opting to apply for this TS change are responsible for reviewing TSTF-513, Revision 3, and the NRC staff's model SE, referencing the applicable technical justifications, providing any necessary plant-specific information, and assessing the completeness and accuracy of their license amendment request (LAR). It is acceptable for licensees to use plant-specific system names, TS numbering and titles. The NRC will process each amendment application responding to this notice of availability according to applicable NRC rules and procedures.
The CLIIP does not prevent licensees from requesting an alternate approach or proposing changes other than those proposed in TSTF-513, Revision 3. However, significant deviations from the approach recommended in this notice or the inclusion of additional changes to the license require additional NRC staff review and would not be reviewed as a part of the CLIIP. This may increase the time and resources needed for the review or result in NRC staff rejection of the LAR. Licensees desiring significant deviations or additional changes should instead submit an LAR that does not claim to adopt TSTF-513, Revision 3.Start Signature
For the Nuclear Regulatory Commission,
Melissa A. Ash,
Acting Chief, Licensing Processes Branch, Division of Policy and Rulemaking, Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation.
[FR Doc. 2010-33074 Filed 12-30-10; 8:45 am]


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- Home
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central New Mexico
- Bowl for Kids' Sake
- Trevor's Albuturkeys
- Gary Jones
The Fundraising Page of Gary Jones
About This Campaign
A totally AWESOME way to support a totally awesome cause!
Be a FUNdraiser! Be a Donor! Be a Bowler! Now's your chance to be a part of the fun and make an impact for children in Albuquerque and the surrounding area.
Each year Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central New Mexico raises money to provide nurturing, mentoring relationships for children in our community. We will be hosting our 33rd Annual Bowl For Kids' Sake event at the Isleta Fun Connection on April 9th, 2016. Every year, we have nearly 600 bowlers join in on the fun but this year we're going "Back to the 80's!" Put on your Member's Only Jacket, neon leggings, big hair and bright colors, and like, let's start raising some totally awesome money for a totally awesome cause.
How do I Bowl For Kids' Sake?
Sign up as a team captain or join an existing team today! Form a team of 5, register online and meet your fundraising goal of $125 each ($625 per team) by asking your friends, family and co-workers to support you. Send a link to your personalized fundraising page and track your progress.Then join us to bowl and celebrate your fundraising efforts! Can't form a full team? No problem! Register as an individual and we will place you on a team with other bowlers.
Why Should I Bowl For Kids' Sake?
By bowling you directly and positively impact children in your community. Your support will improve the lives of young people and help them grow into happy, confident and successful adults!
For More Information, Like, Totally CLICK HERE!
raised of $2,800 goal
Location / Venue
- Address:
- Isleta Fun Connection
- 11000 Broadway Blvd SE
- Albuquerque, NM 87105
- Time:
- Apr 09, 2016 09:00 am to
- Apr 09, 2016 09:00 pm
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central New Mexico
- 2500 Louisiana Blvd NE, Ste 200
- Albuquerque, New Mexico
- www.bbbs-cnm.org
- Registration #85-0271207
Rosa Jennings gave a $5 donation to support Gary Jones to support Trevor's AlbuturkeysDedication : All of my BBBS CNM Friends who I miss!Good luck on fundraising for BKFS!


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Reuters Staff
1 Min Read
Aug 30 (Reuters) - TearLab Corp
* TearLab receives Nasdaq listing extension
* TearLab Corp - extension on its compliance plan, through November 6, 2017 Source text for Eikon: Further company coverage:
All quotes delayed a minimum of 15 minutes. See here for a complete list of exchanges and delays.
© 2018 Reuters. All Rights Reserved.


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Discussion in 'BlackHat Lounge' started by GreenGoblin, Nov 10, 2012.
big laker fan here. so glad they got rid of Brown! looks like Jackson is coming back!
Miami Heat & Lebron over everything.
I lived in LA or the surrounding area for 35 years and recently moved to their little bitty brother city down south (lovin' it) but still get LA papers, LA espn radio and of course the Lakers Time Warner network. I bleed purple and gold. Brown was the wrong man at the wrong time. Helluva guy but it was obvious last year that it wasn't going to work and when they went 0-8 preseason, the writing was on the wall.
There are really only 2 choices for the Lakes at this time: Mike D'antoni who has a great relationship with Kobe and Nash and Howard. Or Phil. This is such a no brainer though. The consensus since 10:00 yesterday was that this is Phils job. It's simply whether he want's it or not. Considering he lives in LA, wants to coach, follows the team, sleeps with the owners daughter, has Kobe's back and with Howard would pretty much be duplicating the Kobe/Shaq era without the drama, I'd say the press conference is Monday announcing his return.
Miami Heat 100%
Knicks, Bulls and OKC fan here.
Melo's biggest fan.
Lakers bench sucks they need to improve that and the rotation of players..
They'll get better. Morris and Meeks looked pretty good last night. Fucking Brown never even played them.
Only problem will be when Phil comes back, will he give them any minutes.
It's time to bring Phil back and save us like he did the previous two times.
and lol @ Miami Heat "fans." Purple & Gold is a lifelong thing not a phase
I lol'd so hard when lakers got mike brown as their head coach last year.
Lebron sure did make him look like phil jackson when he was still in cleveland.
I'm not a lakers fan but I want phil jack to be the head coach so bad. It just adds more drama to the NBA season <3
I wonder what Jack Nicholson has to say about this...
There going to have to pay up the ass with cash and then Phil will make the dash lol
Separate names with a comma.


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Natalie Portman has signed up as an ambassador for a charity helping youngsters in developing countries.
The Black Swan star, who became a mother for the first time last year (11), was unveiled as the latest spokesperson for Free the Children on Tuesday (03Apr12), and she is proud of her latest role.
She says, "As a mother and the organisation's newest ambassador, I am grateful to Free the Children for giving me the opportunity to channel my passion and love of children into meaningful action that furthers the education and leadership of young women for years to come. I hope others join me in supporting this important cause."
Portman, who is also the face of the Dior cosmetics brand, has chosen one of the company's lipsticks to be sold in support of the charity, with proceeds going to fund scholarships for girls' secondary education in Kenya. The lipstick launches in the autumn (12).
The actress helped raise money for the organisation last year (11) by donating a dress she wore to a red carpet event to the cause, and also backed their The Power of a Girl fundraising initiative to improve educational facilities for young females.


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Kansas has the second highest state sales tax on food in the nation at 6.15 percent. The only state with a higher sales tax on food is Mississippi, at 7 percent. This is a black eye for our state, as the food sales tax is widely recognized as the most regressive of all taxes.
For comparison, Colorado and Nebraska have no sales tax on food, Missouri levies 1.225 percent and Oklahoma 4.5 percent. Thirty-seven states do not charge a sales tax on food. For the 13 that do tax food, the average rate is 3.7 percent. Texas, which has no sales tax on food, is an especially interesting comparison because Gov. Sam Brownback has made such a big deal of the fact Texas has no personal income tax. The fact Texas also has no sales tax on food is conveniently ignored in Brownback's sales pitch.
Brownback's vision for Kansas is to eliminate the personal income tax and small business taxes and have most state revenue come from the sales tax (including food) and property tax, even if those taxes must increase. While the governor considers this business friendly, it is definitely resident unfriendly.
The leaders in our Legislature say they will be sitting out this year on tax changes to watch the results of last year's revisions. This is a bad decision. Our high sales tax on food gives Kansas a reputation for regressive taxes and should be adjusted to get more in sync with the rest of the nation.
Sales tax and property tax should not have to supply the bulk of state revenue while income and small business taxes get a pass. This creates few winners and many losers. We need a more balanced approach to taxation. Legislators should make that happen this session.
BOB WOLLIN, Topeka


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When you have youth or adult teams that do well in competition whatever sport it may be email me the photo.
Please include names of team members.
Send photos to Trevor Jackson - email@example.com. and we'll post them here on our sports page.
BRONC BASKETBALL - The Sheridan Bronc basketball team lost a 48-43 game to Billings West last night. We will be with the Broncs today when they travel to play at Natrona County; you can hear the game live on AM 1410 KWYO. Tip-off is set for 4:30.
BRONC WRESTLING - The Sheridan Bronc wrestlers picked up a dual win at Buffalo last night, winning 43-29.
LADY GENERALS BASKETBALL - The Lady Generals begin Sub-Region play with a record of 12-4 overall.
BRONC AND LADY BRONC BASKETBALL - The Sheridan Bronc and Lady Bronc basketball teams both had 2-1 records at the East / West Showdown in Riverton over the weekend.
BRONCS AND LADY BRONCS - The Sheridan Broncs and Lady Broncs basketball teams played in Riverton last night with both teams winning.
SHERIDAN HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL - The Broncs and Lady Broncs split games with Star Valley last night.
BRONC SWIMMING AND DIVING - Bronc swimmers and divers host a double dual this evening with Worland and Gillette. That's head coach Larry White.