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How long for China to sort out fabless strategy?
14 comments
BEIJING With reportedly 450-plus fabless chip companies in China, its fair to ask how many more years can they survive in this business and, more important, what they must do now to grow into a significant force in the global market.
(Editor's note: How Chinese fabless companies have gotten to where they are today is examined in the previous article entitled "Is China's fabless model sustainable?")
In a series of interviews recently conducted in China by EE Times, Chinese executives estimated another two to 10 years before these fabless upstarts either become irrelevant or go out of businessassuming that they keep doing what theyre doing right now.
In essence, while this window of opportunity differs from guess to guess, everyone seems to agree that Chinas current fabless model isnt sustainable for the long haul. Chinese companies cant keep growing simply by relying on todays cost advantage, and working even harder without sleep. However, the hard truth is that the cost advantage in China has been driving many companies to double or the number of triple engineers they hire. In turn, this trend instills fear warranted or unwarranted among engineers whose jobs are still in the United States.
As Datong Chen, managing director of Beijings WestSummit Capital Management, pointed out, if a company has 100 engineers in China, it can design a product at a sixth or an eighth the cost of the United
States, and in one-third the time.
Wayne Dai, company president and CEO at VeriSilicon, echoes this point.
When asked why China, Dai simply said: The United State is too expensive. Taiwan is good but doesnt have enough of the engineers [we want], and India isnt ready. As far as the cost of doing business is concerned, if the U.S. is one, Taiwan is about one-third, and China comes out to be one-fifth on average, Dai said. Asked about the quality of engineers, Dai said that young Chinese engineers may be green, but given the best design flows and tools, their energy compensates for their inexperience. We tape out one chip per week at VeriSilicon, he added. While the company has multiple offices throughout the world, VeriSilicon has a total of 380 people working in China 250 based in Shanghai.
But it was VeriSilicons Dai who sounded the alarm that Chinese fabless companies will go out of business within the next two years without a unique business model. VeriSilicon, similar to eSilicon and OpenSilicon, is a fast-growing IC design foundry which offers its customers silicon solutions and SoC turnkey services. VeriSilicon, in essence, is not in the business of making their own chips. Rather, its in the service business designing chips for clients, leveraging VeriSilicons own IPs and those from other sources.
Setting aside the business-model issue, the reality is that the cost of engineers has also been rising in China.
Some report that high-end salaries for Chinese engineering managers such as a VP of engineering based in Beijing might have already peaked in 2007 2008. But the price of design engineers is still going up. Hence, companies looking to keep their gross margin low are going westward in China in search of cheaper design engineers.
The biggest trap Allen Wu, president of ARM China sees in Chinas fabless model today is that there are just too many local companies who compete purely on cost with similar products. That isnt sustainable. And its why Jian-Yue Pan, corporate vice president, Asia Pacific region at Synopysis, is convinced that the survival of fabless China hinges on companies power to innovate. You need to move up the innovation ladder.
Pan said, If you want to play in the global market, you need global talents and global supply chain.


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Everyone is selfish when they get married. In the beginning, it's all about "I'm in love," "I'm getting married," "Something wonderful is happening to me," and "I love the way this person makes me feel." And although this me-centered narcissism is normal, if you fail to transition out of it, your marriage is sure to fail within three to seven years, especially if you have kids.
I can't tell you how many callers I get on my program wanting to know, "How can I make my spouse ______?" The blank could be "do chores the way I want," "spend less money," or "change their attitude." However, the bottom line is you can't make anyone do anything. That's why I say to choose wisely before you get married in the first place. If you're the only one in the relationship ever being selfless, you've made a mistake.
Marriage is about giving more than you have to, not constantly wanting more. Your spouse is not your slave or fairy godmother. It's not always about your needs, your hurts, your feelings, your time, and your schedule. Marriage takes compromise and a willingness to lose fights and arguments. It's the acts of sacrifice sprinkled throughout a marriage that make love deep.
The best time to put yourself out for your spouse is when he or she is not at their best. Have you ever been in a pissy mood and someone acted sweetly? I bet you snapped out of it almost instantly. Listen to your spouse, hug them, give them a back rub or a gift, or plop them in the tub with you. Do whatever it takes despite how you feel. Selflessness costs you something, but it protects the relationship.
Your job when you get married is not to sit there with a scorecard of all the things you're getting. It's to throw away all scorecards and figure out each day how you can make your spouse feel happy that they're alive and married to you.
For further discussion of this topic, read my book, The Proper Care and Feeding of Marriage.

subset: commoncrawl


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In May-July of this year I made the trip from SE Pennsylvania to Alaska and back on my 2009 F650GS. Now I've been invited to give a presentation on that trip as part of the October 17th Fall Open House at RevZilla Motorsports (Philadelphia, PA). I intend to cover all elements of the trip....bike, planning, route, lodging, etc, etc, etc. If you want to know more about long distance travel on an F650GS twin or about making that once in a lifetime trip to Alaska please come on out. The more the merrier! Have questions or things you would like me to address? Message me here or email to firstname.lastname@example.com! Please join me at RevZilla on Oct 17!
My trip to Alaska is covered at www.2wheels2alaska.com
You can also read about the trip here at this MOA Forum Thread: http://forums.bmwmoa.org/showthread.php?t=35813
Preparing the presentation by looking at all my trip pictures brings it all back for me as if it were yesterday. This is one of my favorites:
Jack Broomall


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There are 6 item(s) tagged with the keyword "apn".
Displaying: 1 - 6 of 6
Install and Use Instructions for Assessor Map Book Index using Google Earth
Install and Use Instructions for Assessor Map Book Index using Google Earth
The Assessor's Parcel Number is an identification number for property. It is a 9-digit number assigned to the property that identifies the location of the property on the Assessor's Maps. In most cases this is the number that is shown on your tax bill and is used by the Tax collector in identifying your tax payment for that particular parcel. An example of an APN is 086-0-083-015 The first three numbers identify the Assessor's Map Book (map book 086 in this example). The next single number is an added identifier for use with specialized properties. The next three numbers show the block on the map page (block 083 in the example above). The last three numbers show the location of the exact parcel on the block. The parcel numbering system is maintained and used for the sole purposes of identifying property for tax purposes. The Assessor is responsible for updating the parcel numbers as changes in real property occur.
I recently applied for a loan on a new subdivision lot that I purchased, but the lender tells me that I must supply them with the new Assessor's Parcel Number ("APN"), covering my specific lot before they can process my loan application. How do I get the new APN ?
Although it would certainly be convenient for your lender to have the new APN covering just your lot, it is our understanding that it is not required by law in order for your lender to complete the loan.
Displaying: 1 - 6 of 6


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Topic: Stupid Graffiti
When you go from Denton to Stockport on the M60 someone has attempted graffiti on the railway bridge near Brinnington. It should read 9/11 was an inside job, however they got the 9 the wrong way way round and it reads e111 was an inside job.
You don't seem to see many of those Gouranga stickers on motorway bridges anymore, whatever that was all about?


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THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR ST. JOHNS COUNTY, FLORIDA CIVIL ACTION CASE NO. CA-2003-673 DIVISION 55 MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC. Plaintiff, vs. MATTHEW J. SWEENEY, et al., Defendant(s). NOTICE OF RESCHEDULED FORECLOSURE SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to an Order Rescheduling Foreclosure Sale dated September 23, 2004 and entered in Case No. CA-2003-673 of the Circuit Court of the SEVENTH Judicial Circuit in and for ST. JOHNS County, Florida wherein MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC., is the Plaintiff and MATTHEW J. SWEENEY; AMANDA L. SWEENEY; are the Defendants, I will sell to the highest and best bidder for cash at FRONT DOOR OF THE ST. JOHNS JUDICIAL CENTER, ST. AUGUSTINE, FLORIDA at 12:00 NOON, on the 21st day of October, 2004, the following described property as set forth in said Final Judgment. A PORTION OF SECTION 52, TOWNSHIP 6 SOUTH, RANGE 29 EAST, ST. JOHNS COUNTY, FLORIDA, DESCRIBED AS FOL LOWS: COMMENCE AT THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF SAID SECTION 52; THENCE SOUTH 31 DEGREES, 21 MINUTES, 31 SECONDS, EAST, 2860.00 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING; THENCE NORTH 58 DEGREES, 38 MINUTES, 29 SECONDS, EAST, 250.00 FEET; THENCE SOUTH 31 DEGREES, 21 MINUTES, 31 SECONDS, EAST, 175.00 FEET; THENCE SOUTH 58 DEGREES, 38 MINUTES, 29 SECONDS, WEST 250.00 FEET; THENCE NORTH 31 DEGREES, 21 MINUTES, 31 SECONDS, WEST, 175.00 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING. TOGETHER WITH A MOBILE HOME LOCATED THEREON AS A FIXTURE AND APPURTENANCE THERETO. A/K/A 5115 South Big Oak Road, St. Augustine, FL 32095. WITNESS MY HAND and the seal of this Court on September 23. 2004. Cheryl Strickland Clerk of the Circuit Court By Amy B. Mulligan Deputy Clerk In accordance with the Americans With Disabilities Act, persons needing a special accommodation to participate in this proceedings should contact the individual or agency sending notice not later than seven days prior to the proceeding at the address given on this n otice. Telephone: (904) 823-2333 Ext 373; 1-800- 955-8771 (TDD) or 1-800- 955-8770(V), via Florida Relay Service. L2341-4 Sept 28, Oct 5, 2004
Posted from 28-Sep-04 to 5-Oct-04
© 2018. All Rights Reserved. Contact Us


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BlackBerry Storm2 seen running EA's Need for Speed: Shift during MWC
0. phoneArena posted on 19 Feb 2010, 17:33
EA showed off their Need for Speed: Shift game on the touchscreen smartphone during MWC – showcasing its graphical prowess and how it can contend...
This is a discussion for a news. To read the whole news, click here
1. ohwhyfanboywhy (Posts: 37; Member since: 10 Jan 2010)
iPhone destroys this version in speed and graphics. The N1 or the Droid could destroy it too as they're just as capable. I wanna see more hq games on Android. The only thing holding me back from moving to android...
3. pimpinmcd53 (Posts: 11; Member since: 01 Oct 2009)
haha yes it does. i wonder if phonearena or anyone else who thinks this game looks great on this blackberry then it is just sad for the fact that the samsung rogue or env touch run this game no problem. and Ohwhyfanboywhy....i have the droid and many games are better than this game alot! so yeah switch to android its awesome especially once adobe air or something like that i forget the exact name when that comes out games with be even more hq. You can find a few on the market but that maybe 500 great games i would say but there are many many great games that arent even hq or graphically stunning like robo defense its just addictive!
2. remixfa (Posts: 14605; Member since: 19 Dec 2008)
now that the horsepower in android phones has all but doubled from last year, as well as the improvements brought on by the newer software versions, i expect to see many higher end "phone games" on android. No Worries.
5. worldbfree4me (Posts: 5; Member since: 26 Jan 2010)
Whats holding back all Android based devices in games is the internal storage space. Sure you can argue that the device can be rooted to allow the SD card to handle game storage but thats almost like using your external drive on your desktop to play games from. The latency is just too high. The Pre like the iDont, have atleast 8 gigs of internal storage which allows games that weigh as much as 200 mb to be installed and played well. The other thing is Vram, the iDont and Pre use the Arm 8 chip that employ graphic on chip processing. I'm not sure exactly how much Vram, but its obviously more than the amounts used in the Androids. I think future Android devices will employ more internal storage as a result or lack there of gaming ability using a slow SD card. The future is bright however, as recent SD cards announced will be speedier but right now they are cost prohibitive. If you want a gaming phone right now, the Pre and iDont are the ticket.
4. krochisy (Posts: 8; Member since: 24 Sep 2009)
The frame rate is really bad!!! My palm pre + handles Need For Speed really nice ( iPhone quality). The clicking system on the storm don't think will help a lot for games, you can see that the guy presses the screen really hard.
6. iHateCrapple (Posts: 734; Member since: 12 Feb 2010)
BlackBerry should stick to business needs. Maybe with all that "graphical prowess" you can start makin my f**kin speadsheets easier to view/edit.


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Reign of Cat and Dog may hit Hall
Galarraga, McGriff were longtime stalwarts at first base
By John Schlegel / MLB.com
A decade or so before Albert Pujols established his MVP status and Ryan Howard and Prince Fielder were punishing baseballs right alongside him, there was a class of first basemen that also made the National League proud.
Now, Fred McGriff and Andres Galarraga -- two powerful presences at first base for years -- are among those being considered for the first time for the National Baseball Hall of Fame, each of them making their debuts on the ballot.
Perhaps neither Crime Dog nor the Big Cat will get significant support in Hall of Fame voting, but those two slugging first basemen, along with the likes of new candidates Eric Karros, Robin Ventura and Todd Zeile, were true offensive studs at the corners in the 1990s.
McGriff, who played for six teams but shined his brightest as an All-Star with the Padres and Braves, fell just short of what at least used to be a Cooperstown ticket of a milestone: 500 homers. He was seven shy of that mark while finishing off his career with his hometown Tampa Bay Rays in 2004.
Galarraga, too, fell short of a lesser yet still impressive homer milestone with 399, but he also won a batting title and has a couple of Gold Gloves on his resume, so his candidacy has merit, as well.
A candidate must receive 75 percent of the vote from Baseball Writers' Association of America members to gain election to the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Leadoff great Rickey Henderson and former Red Sox slugger Jim Rice reached that threshold to gain entrance in 2009.
Former Expos and Cubs outfielder Andre Dawson (67 percent) and former Twins ace Bert Blyleven (62.7 percent) had the highest totals among those not elected in 2009 voting, and both remain eligible for '10. They're joined on the ballot this year by a group of newcomers that includes All-Star second baseman Roberto Alomar, Reds superstar shortstop Barry Larkin and Mariners designated hitter Edgar Martinez.
Results of the election will be announced on Wednesday, Jan. 6.
During a prime that lasted a good decade, McGriff was 35 homers waiting to happen, year after year. A five-time All-Star and three-time Silver Slugger winner, including one in the AL, he had seven consecutive 30-homer seasons (1988-94) and 10 overall.
"Over the years, I've just tried to be consistent, I did my best to stay healthy," McGriff said. "I take pride in it. Every year, players set goals. For myself, I [want to] hit 30 home runs and drive in 100 runs."
Even as he passed his one-time teammate and Florida friend en route to 500 homers, Gary Sheffield paid tribute to McGriff.
"I knew [McGriff] would be the guy I would have to hit more home runs than because nobody was going to hit more home runs than Fred McGriff," Sheffield said. "So whatever number he came up with, the day I put on my uniform to play with him is the day I made that goal. ... It's the strangest thing. It's just one of those things of how much I admire him as a person, as a friend and as a baseball player. What he has meant to Tampa -- when you talk about home runs in Tampa, you talk about Fred McGriff."
Traded from the Blue Jays with Tony Fernandez for Alomar and Joe Carter in a 1990 Winter Meetings blockbuster, McGriff excelled as the Padres' cleanup hitter before being traded to the Braves, winning a World Series ring in '95. He drifted around a bit toward the end of his career, hitting 30 homers for the Cubs in 2002 along with his eighth season with 100 RBIs, eventually finishing with 1,550.
Galarraga, part of the wave of talent that came through the Expos system, won a batting title with a .370 average in 1993, three years before leading the league in homers with 47 and RBIs with 150 in 1996. As a centerpiece with the Expos, the Rockies' Blake Street Bombers and then as McGriff's successor in Atlanta, Galarraga was a two-time Gold Glove winner and two-time Silver Slugger winner.
An affable giant who was a hero to later Venezuelan stars, Galarraga came back from non-Hodgkins lymphoma in 1999 and hit 27 homers with 100 RBIs for the Braves in 2000, before finishing out his career at age 43 in 2004.
"He's an idol, a Venezuelan idol that all kids want to be like," fellow Venezuelan Miguel Cairo once said. "All the things he has gone through, his personality, his family and everything, is a great example for the people in our country."
John Schlegel is a national reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.


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Your adrenaline kicks into the red zone as the shark glides past, dead silent, an arm's length from your face. He's Carcharodon carcharias, the great white, and this isn't an aquarium. It's his realm. You're sharing the water with the world's largest predatory fish, protected (this is the good news) from his infamous dental work by a cocoon of welded aluminum bars, floating at the stern of a luxury live-aboard trawler. Welcome to shark-cage diving, a thrilling, increasingly popular breed of adventure vacation.
The excitement begins underwater, as everyone nervously scans the void around and below the cage, searching for the day's first sighting. Suddenly, some eager diver will pound out a bass drum soundtrack on the bars, to announce the approach of a great white, looming up from its cruising depth. The drama is palpable. A shark rises into Windex-blue water near the surface, and muffled cries of "wow" can be heard beneath the noisy bubbling of everyone's breathing regulators. As the shark slows to inspect these strange creatures in their metal enclosure, a rare communion occurs-an intimate close-up glimpse at one of nature's most mythologized wild animals. But this is no kumbaya moment. Keep your hands inside and respect these efficient killers.
Adult great white sharks typically grow to lengths of around 15 feet-plus, and weigh upwards of a ton. They are the ocean's "apex predators," the ultimate expression of a line of marine vertebrates who've lived on this planet for 400 million years. To scientists and shark buffs, the great whites are a feast of complex behaviors: they're coy in their breeding and migration habits; they're surprisingly wary, calculating hunters; and they're probably the most skillful killing machines in nature.
The inshore waters of Guadalupe Island, located 250 miles off Baja
California, are among the few known stopovers for migratory great whites. Patric Douglas, of Shark Diver, the San Diego-based cage-dive operator, believes Guadalupe is "the most robust white shark habitat on earth." It's now a popular venue where tourists in wetsuits and face masks can safely observe this ancient, dangerous life form in its natural lair.
Strictly speaking, shark-cage diving isn't really diving at all. Usually, no scuba certification or even swimming skills are required. In a typical scenario, "divers" are safety-briefed, then descend just beneath the surface, with unlimited air supplied-hookah style-from topside, via scuba mouthpieces and rugged 12-foot hoses. Most cage dive boats spend about three days at the island, (Shark Diver's price for the total five-day expedition is around $3,100), each diver making four to five one-hour "rotations" daily, with periodic rest breaks on deck.
Visit sharkdiver.com


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Phillies having Howard get in baseball shape
First baseman training in Clearwater with goal of being ready for 2014
By Todd Zolecki / MLB.com
PHILADELPHIA -- Don't bet on seeing Ryan Howard again until Spring Training 2014.
The first baseman is recovering from left knee surgery in July, and it became clear on Thursday that the Phillies see little point in rushing him back to play a handful of games at the end of the season.
"Counterproductive," interim manager Ryne Sandberg said. "At this point, counterproductive. We're talking about his health, getting healthy and getting strong, and having the offseason ahead of him. You don't want any fallbacks or anything. I think until he gets into baseball shape, which is not going to happen between now and the middle of September or the end of September ... we'll have him get in baseball shape."
Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. made a point recently to say Howard already had lost 15 to 20 pounds.
Generally, the feeling is Howard needs to be in better shape. That was why former Phillies manager Charlie Manuel played Howard in 14 games in 14 days in Spring Training.
"I know he's on an extensive workout program there in Clearwater, [Fla.]," Sandberg said. "He's going to be living there. Things are set up for him to work out the way that he needs to work out, and get in shape and be ready for the first day of Spring Training, ready to go."
Howard has started baseball activities in Clearwater, which involves hitting, fielding and jogging.
"Basic stuff," Sandberg said. "Whether that's on schedule or whatever, I think it's pretty normal. It's a good sign of where he's at. He was here maybe four games ago and he looked good. For me, I think Ryan, from here forward and the offseason, it's about getting into the top baseball shape he can be in. He was hampered some with the injury and I don't know if he ever got back into true baseball shape.
"With him being healthy and having the whole offseason and Spring Training ahead of him, I think he can get to that. Baseball shape, getting trimmed up into a weight that's a playing weight, along with having his knee behind him. I think he favored that this year, not really having his leg strength all the time with his batting."
Asked what he can expect from Howard in the future, Sandberg said:
"He's older, but I would think he has something to prove and I think he wants to have fun and I think he wants to enjoy his career. To do that, you have to get yourself in shape and allow you to do that. I think that's what he needs to do.
"A guy like him in the four-hole, whether it's home runs or projected home runs, he still has a knack of getting RBIs. Even if he's not totally swinging the bat or hitting the ball out of the ballpark, he still gets RBIs in situations. Thinking ahead on what he would do -- getting in baseball shape, starting with that first -- ability and what the numbers are and those [things] will fall into place."
Bernadina gets first starting shot with Phillies
PHILADELPHIA -- Outfielder Roger Bernadina hopes to take advantage of the opportunity he is getting from the Phillies.
He got his first real chance on Thursday night at Citizens Bank Park, where he started in center field against the Rockies. Bernadina signed with the Phillies on Wednesday after being released by the Nationals on Monday. He hit just .178 with a .517 OPS in 167 plate appearances with Washington after hitting .291 with a .777 OPS in 261 plate appearances last season.
"[The Phillies] showed all the interest for having me," Bernadina said. "And I've always like the Phillies' ballpark. I didn't have to think too much about it. I told my agent, 'I want to be a Phillie.' I'm excited about it."
Bernadina flied out in a pinch-hitting opportunity on Wednesday, but something about it impressed interim manager Ryne Sandberg.
"He opened up my eyes running to first base last night on a routine fly ball, the way he got around first base," Sandberg said. "I mean, he was moving pretty good. So, I'm anxious to see him in the outfield, see his arm, see his reads, and his at-bats and everything."
Bernadina is making $1.2125 million this season. He is eligible for salary arbitration in the offseason, which means the Phillies have a decision to make with nine players eligible for salary arbitration and the potential for 11.
Left-handers John Lannan and Antonio Bastardo ; right-handers Kyle Kendrick and Zach Miner ; infielder Kevin Frandsen ; and outfielders Ben Revere, John Mayberry Jr., Casper Wells and Bernadina are eligible. There is a chance right-hander Mike Stutes and left-hander Raul Valdes could qualify as Super Two players, which also would make them arbitration-eligible.
Pettibone dealing with shoulder inflammation
PHILADELPHIA -- Phillies right-hander Jonathan Pettibone had an MRI exam on his right shoulder on Thursday, and he said it confirmed inflammation.
Pettibone will be shut down from throwing to give the shoulder more time to rest.
"It's going to be hard to get the proper rest and come back," he said, when asked about his chances of pitching again this season.
Pettibone said it could have been worse.
"It's nothing serious," he said. "It's just going to take time. They gave me six days at first, and it just wasn't enough. It's mild inflammation, but it never really went away."
Asche impressing with his work on defense
PHILADELPHIA -- Phillies third baseman Cody Asche entered Thursday's game against the Rockies hitting .200 (13-for-65) with four doubles, two triples and nine RBIs.
The Phillies believe the hitting will come.
But Asche already has impressed defensively, showing some pretty good range.
"I see tremendous progress on his footwork out there, his reads on balls, his quickness, his reacting to the hops and getting the hop he wants," interim manager Ryne Sandberg said. "It looks like he's really worked on his glove play, just using the glove along with his strong accurate arm. It's a very true ball that he throws over there. It's got a lot on it. I've seen a lot of improving developments since I saw him in mid-February. He's come a long way."
Todd Zolecki is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.


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Viking Helgi Cruise Review by CdMAgFox
- Sail Date: July 2011
- Destination: Europe River
- Cabin Type: Veranda Stateroom
By noon today, July 5th, we had deplaned our Delta flight #46 from Atlanta -- a 10.5 hour flight, had passed through Russian passport control, retrieved our checked baggage, and were collected by Viking personnel at the exit of Sheremetyevo International Airport, and transferred by bus to our ship, the Viking Surkov, docked on the Moscow-Volga Navigational Canal at the Northern River Boat Terminal.
After a brief check-in we were invited to a buffet lunch in the dining room while our cabins were undergoing final preparations for an estimated 3 PM occupancy; another group had just left the ship earlier this morning. So now I am sitting in the Panorama Lounge, enjoying a glass of cold white wine, and sending this first email to all of you. Wireless internet is available throughout the ship and is free!
The ship, having been fully refurbished only a couple of years ago is absolutely beautiful! I look forward to the next 13 days and 12 nights aboard. More later.
***A Cool Damp Morning in Moscow: July 6th***
After sleeping from 6 PM last night until 3 AM this morning, I now am showered, shaved, shampooed and feeling almost human again. Yesterday and the day before were FULL days of travel with very little sleep and last evening it all caught up with me; I just could NOT stay awake! Even missed dinner. Now I feel rather good, especially after a few cups of coffee. There is a 24-hour coffee service available: coffee, tea, cappuccino, espresso, etc. - machine, but not that bad. This morning has a relaxing schedule with our afternoon city tour beginning at 1:30 PM: Red Square, Metro, St. Basil's, etc. Then tonight there is a special concert we will attend, getting us back aboard at 9:45 PM for a late dinner.
Our Delta flights from Los Angeles to Atlanta, and then nonstop on to Moscow, went without incident -- just LONG! The Economy Comfort seats we had from Atlanta to Moscow were well worth the price: $80 each. Lots of legroom and special treatment: drinks, etc. Can't say too much for the food, however, but it was eatable at least. On arrival at Sheremetyevo International Airport around 10:40 AM, we were met by Viking personnel who took our luggage, next to be seen in our cabin, and our rather short bus ride brought us to the Viking Surkov by noon. It was very good to finally get into our Category A Deluxe cabin, #433, on the Upper Deck, near the front, just steps from the Panorama Lounge, at 3:00 PM, and relax.
While Jim went shopping locally for wine and flowers, I treated myself to a nice glass of cold sauvignon blanc in the Panorama Lounge, and wrote the email sent yesterday. As mentioned already, wireless internet is free and seems to work very well so far on my little Apple iBook G4. There was an embarkation lecture in the Sky Bar, just above us on the Sun Deck, at 5 PM during which I just could NOT stay awake! Returning afterward to our room, that was it for me for the night.
Next to us is the Viking Kirov, and behind us is the Viking Pakhomov, both almost identical ships to ours - with different schedules, of course.
Breakfast in the Neva Restaurant begins at 7 AM, just a few minutes away, so I will end this for now and add more comments later. It looks like an "umbrella day" for sure, although the temperatures are quite pleasant.
***Wednesday in Moscow: July 6th***
This was our first day for tours and the included Moscow City tour was extensive and interesting. A driving tour took us all around the major sites in Central Moscow, now a mega-city of around 20 million: Red Square, St. Basil's Church, Moscow River, etc. The traffic in the city and surrounding areas is unbelievably congested; it is common for 8 lane expressways to come to an absolute standstill with bumper-to-bumper cars, trucks, vans, etc. The absolute worst I have ever seen!
Our first stop was near the Moscow State University, a massive complex of high-rise buildings surrounded by acres and acres of dense parkland, for a toilet stop. Then we had another brief stop nearby, overlooking much of the city. Moscow State University sits atop Sparrow Hills and the views from there are panoramic. The main building is in the Stalinist "wedding cake" style of architecture, topped by a spire with a star, and the huge building houses much of the University as well as housing for faculty, staff and students. As a retired educator, it was of interest to me, of course.
The next stop was at a Metro Station where we entered and descended deep, deep down to the underground train station, spectacularly and ornately decorated, for which the gigantic Moscow metro system built by Stalin in the 1930s is famous. We were instructed by our guide to quickly enter a subway car -- which were already at near capacity -- and then to ride on to the fourth stop before exiting the train. Miraculously, our entire group successfully accomplished the task and then we ascended up and up to the surface Metro Station "Ploshchad Revolyutsii" near Red Square. It was quite an experience, especially for me -- being an aficionado of trains and subways.
Entering Red Square through the Resurrection Gate, demolished by Stalin in 1931 in order for his tanks to enter the Square, and rebuilt in 1995, the cobblestone surface extends from St. Basil's Church at one end to Historical Museum at the other end, and from the Kremlin walls on one side -- including Lenin's Mausoleum -- to the GUM Department Store on the other side. This is the site for many parades and celebrations of military might during the Soviet era. The Kremlin walls are of red brick and towers are located at corners and several other locations along the wall, the largest being the Saviour's Tower.
After walking the entire length of Red Square towards St. Basil's Church, we had a short tour of the GUM Department Store, one of the largest buildings in Moscow. (Gosudarstvennyy Universalnyy Magazin) Consisting of three separate arcades, of three or more levels, and almost a half-mile in length, it is now a gigantic shopping complex of shops, restaurants, etc. Many upscale stores are here and if you have the rubles, they have the goods. By the way, ATMs are located almost everywhere and are the best source for us tourists to obtain local currency, rubles. One US dollar will buy 27.84 rubles, or about 4' per ruble. Moscow is also one of the most expensive cities in the world now. I bought nothing.
The end of our Red Square tour was at St. Basil's Church from which we walked further on out to our waiting buses; lots and lots of walking! Finally sitting down in the seats of our bus was a welcome treat!
The last stop of our afternoon/evening Moscow City tour involved a walk across a bridge over the Moscow River, studded with metal "trees" on which young married couples attach a locked padlock, ensuring a long marriage; there are literally hundreds, if not thousands, of the padlocks adorning the trees.
On the other side of the River we walked further on to a concert hall where our Viking groups were presented with a special concert of classical Russian music -- including much folk music -- but performed by young musicians with authentic Russian folk instruments: balalaikas, bayans, domras, guslies, flutes, accordions, drums, and a xylophone. The music was uniquely beautiful, especially performed on these native instruments. Several solo performances were featured by these superbly talented young musicians. A female vocal soloist also enhanced the performance with a wonderful operatic voice. The audience reception by our Viking groups was most enthusiastic. It was quite an experience!
Then it was back onto the buses -- 6 in all - for our return to the ship, the Viking Surkov, where a late dinner was awaiting us. It was a full afternoon and evening to say the least! By the way, Viking now serves complimentary wine with dinners, of which I gladly partake!
With an early tour departure scheduled for this morning, Thursday, July 7th, getting into bed and to sleep last night was no problem at all. My poor feet and legs will never be the same!
***Sergiyev Posad Monastery: Thursday, July 7th***
Again trying to catch up with my reports, here is a description of our FULL DAY optional tour for yesterday, out from the city of Moscow to a small town where located is the Sergiyev Posad Monastery. It was a full day tour, beginning at 8:15 AM, and again the bus ride there was complicated by horrific traffic congestion, requiring over an hour to reach our destination.
As usual, the first stop was for the toilets, at the hotel restaurant where we would later have our lunch before returning to Moscow and our ship. A short walk away brought us to the entrance of the large monastery, a large gate in the surrounding walls, prolifically adorned with ancient frescoes. Inside the walls of the monastery were lush gardens with lots of flowers, grass and trees -- a very tranquil, relaxing setting.
There were several chapels and cathedrals included in our visit, along with many other tourists, some more from our ship as well as many local worshipers. The exteriors of these buildings were resplendent with light blue painted walls and gold leaf covered onion-shaped domes. A bell tower dominated the interior square, taller than even the bell towers at the Kremlin in Moscow.
Also of interest was a natural well, or water source, considered holy, and the local worshipers were filling water jugs with this "holy water" with faith that it would bring them healing results. Being the skeptic that I am, I feared more diarrhea from the holy water than its healing powers, so I declined.
After our extensive guided tour of the monastery we were given an hour and a half on our own, which I thought was entirely excessive; I had already seen as much and as many details as I thought necessary, so I ventured out of the Monastery and across the busy street into a local shopping area, looking for a nice cool place to sit: a bar! Finally finding one I ordered a glass of beer which turned out to be "Baltica" from St. Petersburg, and it was quite good - SO I had another; at 40 rubles a glass -- about $1.50 -- it seemed a meager expense.
Meeting the rest of the group at the appointed time in front of a statue of Lenin, next to a large square in front of the monastery, we then walked back over to the restaurant for our scheduled lunch at 1 PM. The dining room was quite clean and airy and the tables & chairs were modern and comfortable -- Danish design, I concluded. Lunch consisted of a rather Spartan salad with no visible dressing - nor offered, followed by a delicious chunk of salmon, cooked in a foil pack with some vegetables, served with rice. Wine was extra -- 150 rubles ($5.40) and dessert was a type of crepe with a dollop of jam, served with coffee -- made from a powder. The salmon was excellent, making the entire lunch "acceptable."
Then it was back on the bus for the return to Moscow through severely congested expressways, finally getting back onboard our ship at 3:45 PM, only 15 minutes late, as it turned out. I was exhausted and immediately opted for a glass of cold white local wine, and a nap. Awakening at 10 til 7, our dinner hour, I scurried to dress and rush to the Neva Restaurant, right on the dot.
Our second optional tour of the day was "Moscow by Night," from 9:30 PM until midnight, so after a short rest after dinner, we again found our bus and returned to the city center, this time with MUCH LESS traffic -- a major relief. Since it doesn't get very dark here, lights were late in coming on along the downtown streets. We had a brief stop at a monument for Peter the Great, a HUGE statue of questionable taste, out in one of the rivers; lighted it would have been much more impressive, but the lights had not yet been turned on.
The last stop was again near Red Square and St. Basil's Cathedral with a short walk up to the Square itself that was very brightly lighted. The GUM Department Store was covered with white lights outlining the building and windows and floodlights illuminated the Kremlin Wall; the tallest of the towers in the Wall, the Saviour's Tower, contains a big clock that always shows the correct time. The evening was dry and fresh with a slight breeze, making the outdoor experience most pleasant. Our speedy return to the ship at midnight ended a VERY busy day.
***Friday Morning in the Kremlin: July 8th***
Our last day in Moscow started with a morning tour inside the Kremlin, after we FINALLY negotiated the heavy, congested traffic just to get there!
It was a beautiful day -- we have been quite lucky with weather -- and our entrance through the Trinity Tower gates immediately revealed a beautiful, unexpected complex of ancient cathedrals and lush gardens of flowers nestled among thick stands of trees, along with many government office buildings. It certainly was NOT what I expected to see!
We soon passed in front of the very modern building (1961), the State Kremlin Palace, which at one time housed the Communist Party Congress -- but we not permitted inside, and then strolled the grounds along a certain prescribed route. We came upon The Tsar's Cannon -- gigantic, which had never been fired -- and then an enormous bell, the Tsar Bell -- largest in the world at 200 tons, from which a large chunk had broken free; it also had never seen use.
Then it was inside one of the cathedrals, the Cathedral of the Assumption, in which walls were covered with exquisite "icons" (paintings) of various historic Russian Orthodox deities: no photos. We were also permitted to enter and view two other cathedrals, the Cathedral of the Archangel and the Cathedral of the Annunciation, but the most impressive were the exterior adornments: gold leaf coated onion domes, etc. It was a photographers' paradise.
Our last attraction was a park area with flowerbeds resplendent in the colors and design and a tree planted in honor of Yuri Gagarin, the first Russian in space. Reluctantly we had to depart this beautiful setting and return through the Trinity Tower Gates to our waiting bus, and back to the Viking Surkov. It was certainly an unexpected exposure to the inside the Kremlin.
After lunch aboard our ship, we departed Moscow, cruising up the Moscow Canal towards the Volga River. Once out of the metropolitan area our cruising was along a smooth waterway lined with lush forests and many local families and children could be observed along the banks enjoying a warm summer afternoon, camping alongside the Canal, swimming, cooking, etc. It was quite a contrast from the city.
Our journey soon brought us to the first of several large locks, dating back to the early 30s, which lowered our ship substantially. The lock mechanisms and designs were especially interesting in contrast to what we usually see in the Panama Canal. Supposedly Stalin had commissioned the construction of the Moscow Canal, which was completed in record time, to provide a navigable access to St. Petersburg and the Baltic Sea. Essentially, the Canal connects several natural lakes in its path toward the Volga River. Cruising along the calm waters of this Canal was a most pleasant way to spend the afternoon.
Later on, however, an approaching storm caught up with us and a heavy rain descended, accompanied by spectacular lightening and thunder. Safe and dry in the ship's Panorama Lounge, it was quite a show for us.
That evening was the Captain's Reception at 7 PM in the Sky Bar on the top deck with complimentary champagne and introductions of the officers and managers of the Viking Surkov. With 210 passengers in this room that accommodates only 160, it was crowded, to say the least - NOT a good arrangement. Then it was a special Captain's Welcome Dinner in the Neva Restaurant and most passengers -- as did we -- dressed for the occasion. There will be a second Captain's Farewell Dinner near the end of our cruise in St. Petersburg.
***Report: 2 dead, more than 100 missing after ship sinks in Russia - CNN.com - NOT THE VIKING SURKOV! Monday, July 11th***
Evidently this was an older Soviet-era 1955 riverboat, the Bulgaria, which was greatly overloaded with passengers and seriously overdue for maintenance. The event occurred far down river on the Volga in Central Russia.
The Viking Surkov on which we are cruising, departed Moscow northward along the Moscow Canal, joining the upper Volga River near Uglich; then yesterday we left the Volga River by means of a huge lock, into the Rybinsk Reservoir, and on northward toward Kuzino, today's port, on our way to St. Petersburg. A huge statue of "Mother Volga" marks the entrance/exit of the River and the Reservoir.
***Saturday in Uglich: July 9th***
With a lull in activities today while cruising across the huge Lake Onega, one of the largest in Europe, I will try again to catch up on my journal entries:
Saturday morning, July 9th, began with bright sunshine and clear skies after the storm the previous night and our walking tour of the charming town of Uglich was a pleasure with the cool, forested parks and gardens of beautiful flowers. Our group "Bus 46" with guide Sasha was also accompanied by a local guide who narrated to us by means of individual receivers and earpieces, now standard procedure for Viking excursions; it makes hearing and understanding much better in crowded venues.
Of course, there were the obligatory cathedrals, the Cathedral of Our Savior's Transfiguration, containing numerous "icons" (paintings) covering the walls and an impressive altar, and also the Church of St. Demetrios on the Blood, where it is said that young Tsarevich Dmitry, son of Ivan the terrible, had been murdered by order of Boris Godunov.
During the Soviet era, most churches were closed down and many were actually demolished, so currently there is resurgence in religion, Russian Orthodox, and cathedrals have reopened and undergone restoration. One such small church had not been reopened as such but serves as museum and small concert hall. Inside we were treated to a vocal performance by 6 young men - a cappella - that was truly outstanding! So much so that we purchased their CDs which were offered for sale -- conveniently.
At the conclusion of our included tour of Uglich, we chose an optional "Home Hosted Visit," and it was uniquely delightful. About 10 of us boarded a small bus and were taken into a residential section on unpaved streets, to the home of a lady school teacher who welcomed us into her lush garden -- flowers and vegetables, and into her modest home where we were tightly seated around a large table.
We were each served a shot of her homemade vodka -- delicious! -- followed by blueberry-topped pastries -- also delicious! The vodka was accompanied by slices of brown bread and pickles; the pastries were accompanied by cups of tea served from a beautiful samovar in the center of the table. With our guide Sasha translating, many questions and answers were exchanged among the 10 of us, and our hostess. It was with reluctance that we had to leave such a hospitable home.
It was then back on the Viking Surkov by lunchtime and continuation down the Volga River; from Moscow we had been on the Moscow Canal, descending by means of a large lock to the River level. These locks along the canals and rivers are quite impressive by their shear size and unique mechanics -- quite unlike those in the Panama Canal. The Hammer & Sickle emblem is still sometimes evident on the very large structures housing the lock's mechanisms. We have been told that there will have been 19 locks on our journey from Moscow to St. Petersburg. Stalin is credited for much of the construction in the 1930s.
The "Waterways of the Czars" route is an ancient one, well before the canals' construction, when it was necessary for the riverboats to be "portaged" over connecting landmasses by man. Today we see all kinds of boats and barges making the Volga-Baltic Waterway a busy commercial route.
***Yaroslavl: Sunday, July 10th***
Still trying to catch up on my journal emails, the following describes our visit to one of the Golden Ring cities, Yaroslavl.
A beautiful city on the shore of the Volga River, we visited the Church of the Epiphany, another restored Russian Orthodox Church, containing a wealth of treasured, ancient icons (paintings) on the tall walls and ceilings.
Instead of visiting the second Church of Elijah the Prophet, our alternate tour took us on a visit of the Governor's Mansion, which was a great choice. Greeted at the entrance by the beautiful young daughter of the Governor, dressed in a period gown, we were escorted by her to the upper floor rooms displaying works of art and exquisite furnishings: desk, cabinets, tables, etc.
On return to the main hall on the ground floor, we were treated to a concert performance with piano, violin, and cello, highlighted by Chopin's Polonaise Militaire Op. 40 No. 1 on the concert grand piano. To top it off, three couples -- all dressed in period costumes, and including the Governor's daughter, danced for us the minuet to the strains of Chopin. It was SPLENDID! I am happy that we chose this alternate tour.
Then it was back onboard our boat for lunch and the continued cruise to our next stop at Kuzino on Monday.
***Kuzino and Kirillov: Monday, July 11th***
Docking at the remote, newly constructed river dock of Kuzino, we were transported in buses to the nearby village of Kirillov where the included tour went to the Kirillov-Belozersky Monastery, and the alternate tour -- ours -- first stopped at a children's day school where we were greeted by volunteer teachers and young children who come to this facility for arts and crafts instruction and development. We observed many of their activities and items of their creation, many for sale.
In an upstairs studio a young girl, singing beautifully and professionally, also treated us to a splendid performance. Staffed by volunteers and funded by contributions, this school serves an important part of the local children's lives and education.
Then it was back on the bus to another nearby venue where restoration of older buildings is taught and practiced using very basic and ancient tools. We observed the reconstruction of classic wooden buildings; one such is destined for transport when complete to Fort Ross National Park in Northern California. The smells of the fresh woods were intoxicating.
Following that visit we were then transported to the Monastery for a brief tour of only the grounds; the included tour had also had an extensive interior visit. The Monastery once served as a fortress but is little used today. It's location next to the beautiful Lake Siverskoye made the visit even more enjoyable.
Back to the dock at Kuzino, time permitted my enjoyment of a couple of Baltica beers in the beautiful wooden pavilion-type "bar" while others perused the nearby souvenir shop. Obviously these facilities were built to service the river cruise ships.
***Lake Onega and the Island of Kizhi: Tuesday, July 12th***
During the morning we cruised across the huge Lake Onega, the second largest fresh water lake in Europe, which is littered with over 1300 islands. In many places the navigable channels are clearly marked with poles, indicating that shallow waters need be avoided. Besides several riverboats, we also encountered many barges using this busy Volga-Baltic waterway.
There were also tours of the bridge of the Viking Surkov, with each of our 6 groups being given a 20-minute session. Very modern equipment: control panels, computers, GPS units, and scopes were in evidence, monitoring every function of the boat.
In the middle of the afternoon we approached the Island of Kizhi on which exist several all-wooden buildings: homes, barns, chapels, windmills, and the magnificent Church of the Transfiguration, together with the Church of the Intercession and a nineteenth-century bell tower, all constructed of wood without the use of a single nail. It is an open-air architectural museum and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
On a lengthy walking tour from the dock area, we extensively toured the Island with visits inside two of the ancient home-barn combinations, fully equipped with furniture, stoves, tools, and farming and fishing equipment. Local ladies in period dress demonstrated yarn spinning and other crafts. They are splendid museums of historic Russian life. We were even treated to a concert of bells from one of the bell towers, much to our enjoyment. And of course, CDs were available for purchase.
The view of the Church of the Transfiguration is the icon for Viking River Cruises in Russia, the Waterways of the Czars. Its unusual, curved adornments and 22 timbered onion domes are unlike anything I have ever seen; it is truly a structure of incomparable beauty representing ancient Russian culture.
***The Viking Surkov: July 13th***
We are now cruising along the Svir River, approaching Lake Ladoga and the town of Mandrogy, our last stop before St. Petersburg tomorrow. So I thought I would share some details about our ship, the Viking Surkov.
Viking River Cruises owns four essentially identical riverboats: Kirov, Surkov, Pakhomov, and Peterhof, the first three of which have been fully refurbished by Viking to their European standards. The Peterhof is due for refurbishment next year for the 2012 season. These four ships were constructed in 1984 as part of a Soviet project for 80 river boats, built in Eastern Germany, and almost every one of the river boats seen on the Russian waterways today are among these essentially identical ships, although Viking's ships are among the few that have been so modernized by substantial refurbishment.
The ship's capacity is 210 passengers in 96 "deluxe" staterooms, 2 suites, 6 "standard" staterooms, and 2 single staterooms, all beautifully refurbished with spacious bathrooms, flat panel TVs, refrigerators, wonderfully comfortable twin beds that can form a double bed: 158 square feet for the deluxe category. The older configuration had much smaller (90 sq. ft.) cabins that were replaced - 3 to 2 - with the current size. I would compare the current deluxe stateroom with a Princess ocean view stateroom on ocean cruise ships in size and amenities.
Two complaints I had were with the soundproofing and the very steep stairs; sounds from adjoining cabins seem to come OVER the walls by way of the false tile ceilings, common throughout the ship -- not THROUGH the walls. The two stairwells have rather narrow risers and the distance between steps is more than is comfortably climbed.
The dining room (Neva Restaurant), the Panorama Bar, and the Sky Bar are all beautifully decorated. There is a library and computer center and wireless internet is freely available in most areas of the ship. In many locations, scattered throughout the ship, are comfortable chairs and sofas, with tables for secluded rest, reading or computing.
There are about 115 crew and staff aboard, mostly Russian serving staff, along with many Filipinos; the Program Director is Russian, the Restaurant Manager is German, and the Head Chef is Austrian. Many of the Russian girls are absolutely beautiful, and ALL of the serving crew are typically Viking-trained to be personable, efficient, friendly, with good English; very quickly they learn everyone's names and greet you warmly on every contact.
So far my expectations have been greatly exceeded and this may well be one of the best Viking river cruises I've taken.
***Svir River, Mandrogy and Lake Ladoga: Wednesday, July 13th***
Departing Lake Onega we cruised along the Svir River during the morning, stopping at the "resort" of Mandrogy. This village is a recreation of a typical Russian village. It was revived in 1996 and today is a stopping point for cruise boats. There are wooden houses that operate as hotels, restaurants, museums, and craft workshops. Even a Vodka Museum (over 3000 different vodkas) caught my interest -- and a few rubles. After sampling 4 vodkas in the Museum for 100 rubles, I finished off my visit with a stop at the bar near the dock for another Baltica beer. Set in a park-like environment, it is popular for tourists and even conferences. By the way, it was a beautiful day!
Back onboard there was a special lunch, "Taste of the USSR," served on the Sun Deck featuring a buffet of typical Soviet food -- and beer, of course. The many items were surprisingly delicious; I certainly was dined to satisfaction! - so much so that I had to pass on the many tasty dessert offerings.
The remainder of the day and evening were spent cruising across Lake Ladoga, the largest fresh water lake in Europe. It is SO huge that no land is visible for most of its transit, and a strong wind created waves that caused considerable motion of our ship, quite unexpected for me. Exiting the Lake into the Neva River brought us to St. Petersburg very early the next morning where we temporarily anchored along the bank before approaching the docking area, the Salt Pier.
The Captain's Dinner this evening in the Neva Restaurant began with a receiving line lead by Captain Nikolai, Program Director Constantin, Hotel Manager Herbert, Restaurant Manager Oliver, Head Chef Andreas, and the 6 guides, with flutes of champagne offered for toasts. A special menu featured Prime Fillet of Beef with Truffle Crust or Grilled Fillet of Salmon, preceded with a hors d'oeuvre, soup and a warm appetizer of sauteed scallops, and followed by Baked Alaska "Surkov," presented "a fire" in a parade by the servers. It was a splendid meal!
10 PM brought the Guest Talent Show in the Sky Bar, a farcical play mimicking a Russian fairy tale (I played the "Evil Robber"), preceded by a humorous skit by the Guides: Sasha, Andrei, Natasha, Tatiana, Galina and Natalie, and a "Dance of the Virgins" featuring 6 male guests costumed in traditional dress. The finale was a rousing rendition of "Kalinka" by the entire cast and audience.
***St. Petersburg: Thursday, July 14th***
We are at dock on the Neva River in St. Petersburg, having arrived very early yesterday morning after exiting Lake Ladoga, the largest fresh water lake in Europe. During its crossing no land was visible on the horizon, it is so large; also there was sea motion, which we had not expected on this river cruise. The Salt Pier is the docking area for the many river cruise boats and is quite a distance up river from the city center of St. Petersburg, discouraging very much independent touring - as if there were any time for that!
The first excursion of the day was to the Winter Palace, the "Hermitage," leaving the Viking Surkov at 10:45 AM and returning around 3:30 PM. Of course the traffic was heavy but nothing like the gridlock congestion of Moscow. There are wide 4 to 6 lane boulevards on either side of the Neva River, with many bridges (405, to be precise) crossing the River. It is interesting to see left-turning traffic adding to the congestion, brought on by the absence of left-turn lanes or left-turn signals; cars and buses turning left from any one of the three lanes is an unusual sight to me. I was amazed by the few accidents we saw.
Finally reaching the Hermitage and quickly exiting the bus, briefly stopped in mid traffic, we were lead into the huge museum complex, the largest in the world -- contested by the Louvre in Paris. Security is tight with no liquids or large handbags or backpacks allowed. Our Viking guide for the day was Natasha and she was expert in keeping our Bus #42 Group together and navigating through the many rooms to observe the remarkable exhibits. There were literally thousands of tourists, and on our departure at 2:30 PM, there were many more thousands waiting to enter: what a throng!
Having been to the Hermitage once before in the year 2000, I knew basically what to expect, but the splendor of the interior rooms -- especially the walls and ceilings, with matching designs in the parquet floors, was breathtaking. Our earpieces worked most efficiently in receiving information provided by Natasha, including keeping the group together -- much UNLIKE the situation in the Louvre last August that was utter chaos.
Returning to our riverboat was a pleasant relief from the very warm day and huge crowds and we took the opportunity to rest before our early dinner at 5:00 PM in anticipation of our evening excursion to see the ballet performance of "Swan Lake," departing at 6:30 PM.
Again, the heavy traffic slowed our approach to The Conservatory Theater, and again we were discharged from our bus quickly in front of the theater so that the driver could find parking elsewhere during the performance.
An older theater, The Conservatory of Opera and Ballet is uniquely interesting; we ascended the grand staircase to the second level where our reserved seats were easily found. Floors were of parquet wood and appeared to be quite old, as were the wood-framed seats, although comfortably padded. We were on Row 8, seats 22 & 23, on the main floor, directly in the center of the theater on the center aisle, which were wonderful seats. Two balconies were above and behind us.
The full orchestra began Tchaikovsky's "Swan Lake" promptly at 8 PM with the well-known overture and the three-act ballet was nothing less than brilliant. The lighting and sets enhanced the dancers' costumes and the entire production was an absolute joy. Intermission allowed a flute of champagne for me (100 rubles, about $3.50), and the performance concluded shortly after 10 PM. It was a unique experience to see such a high quality performance of Tchaikovsky's ballet in the city of his birth, death and burial.
Return to our ship at 11 PM was easily accomplished through very light traffic, although the sun was still low in the sky, and the full moon was just rising. A late supper was available to us but I was ready for bed! Today's excursion to Pushkin and Catherine's Palace leaves the boat this morning at 8 AM so I must end this and get ready for breakfast.
***Rainy Morning at Catherine's Palace: July 15th***
Well, it was bound to happen; our good luck with weather for the past two weeks finally came to an end this morning. As we were departing on our regular Bus #46 for Pushkin and our visit to Catherine's Palace, rain began to hit the bus' windshield and by the time we arrived in Pushkin, the supplied Viking umbrellas came into use.
Of course, inside the Palace all was fine and dry -- just a plethora of tourists, not just from our ship but from all of the several ocean cruise ships also in port. Fortunately our passage through the many spectacular rooms, heavily gold-leafed, went routinely. Security is now very extensive and all coats must be checked at the clock room, including our umbrellas.
Every room has a "sitter" keeping an eye on everyone in the room, insuring that no one touches any item nor leans against any column. Before entering the rooms, all persons are required to don stretchy plastic "over shoes" to protect the magnificent inlaid wooden floors; when we were last here in 2000, the "over shoes" were made of carpet scraps. Only in the restored "Amber Room" were photos prohibited.
Exiting Catherine's Palace, with umbrellas in tow, we then toured the beautiful grounds and gardens, viewing the special sections dedicated to different purposes. The rain then was only a slight drizzle but increased in intensity as we returned by bus to our ship for lunch.
Then at 1:30 PM we again got on our Bus #46 for the afternoon city tour of St. Petersburg, and at first the rain poured down steadily. However, by the time we made our first photo stop, the rain had almost gone away and it was briskly pleasant.
One highlight of our afternoon city tour was St. Isaac's Cathedral and square, with the famous old Astoria Hotel just adjacent; Hitler had planned to hold his victory celebration in this hotel BUT, it never happened because St. Petersburg never fell to the Nazis. During our June 2000 visit to St. Petersburg, we had enjoyed an exquisite lunch in this landmark hotel.
There was also a photo stop at the Smolny Convent and also a stop across the Neva River from the Peter & Paul Fortress, burial place of the Romanovs -- among others, including Peter the Great. Other highlights included the Nevsky Prospekt, the city's main street, as well as a "shopping stop" offering a complimentary shot of vodka and a cup of delicious brewed coffee; I bought nothing! It was the Russian equivalent of "Diamonds International" so famous in Alaska and Mexico, and heavily promoted by the cruise lines.
Then it was an excruciatingly long bus ride back to the ship through unexpected traffic congestion, due to an accident. Now it is dinnertime so that will be all for now.
***St. Petersburg, Peterhof Palace and Yusupov Palace, July 16th***
Our last day in St. Petersburg was for optional tours (surcharge) and our first was in the morning to the magnificent Peterhof, the Summer Palace of the Czars, Peter the Great's "Versailles by the Sea." Again it was raining lightly but our Viking umbrellas weren't needed until after our tour of the interior rooms, ablaze with gold-gilded ornaments, statues and frames. Near the center of the palace are huge windows looking out onto the Grand Cascade, made up of three waterfalls, 64 fountains and 37 statues, and a canal leading out to the sea. Its system of waterworks has remained unchanged since 1721, conveying water over a distance of nearly 12 miles without pumping stations. We then toured the extensive gardens with more fountains and statues along the scenic walkways until it was time to return to our riverboat for lunch.
The afternoon optional tour (surcharge) we chose was to the Yusupov Palace located near the center of St. Petersburg. A true aristocratic mansion, the palace's beautiful interiors are decorated in a variety of styles and showcase the family's immense wealth. The Palace is also famous as the scene of Rasputin's murder in 1916, which is recreated in a mock display in a basement room.
Our Farewell Dinner was held this evening in the Neva Restaurant, again featuring a special menu; my choice was the "Surf & Turf" -- a medium rare steak with a broiled prawn for me that was delicious. Again, ice cream seemed to be the most popular dessert, as it has every evening of the cruise.
Sadly, this was our last opportunity for goodbyes to our favorite servers: Norman, Julia, Jefrena, Rommel, Sofiya, and others, in addition to the several guests with whom we had become closely acquainted. Many would be leaving the ship VERY, VERY early in the morning for their flights home. Luckily, our departure from the ship is not until 6:45 AM with our flight to Moscow at 9 AM.
And then it was time to pack, the most unpleasant task of any cruise. Having packed rather conservatively this trip in one suitcase and one carry-on, filling them with mostly dirty clothes went fast and it was to bed for the last time aboard the Viking Surkov; 5 AM would come early.
***Homeward Bound, Sunday July 17th***
Sitting here in the St. Petersburg Airport, I was curious about the availability of wireless internet; as you can see, it is freely available. I have received emails so now I will see about sending emails.
Our Aeroflot flight #830 on an Airbus 319 to Moscow departs at 9:05 AM and is only about an hour flight; it is now 8 AM and we are all checked in, awaiting our 8:25 AM boarding - enjoying a cappuccino.
When I checked us in last night on Aeroflot's website, where I was able to select our seats: 6A & 6C, and printed our boarding passes, it appeared that our flight would not be full -- we shall see. The Airport is quite modern and new but seems very small for a city of 7 million.
On our river boat, the Viking Surkov, our luggage was to be placed in the hallway, just outside our cabin, at 6:15 AM to be carried off to the dock, and only we two departed the boat at 6:45 AM by private car to the airport, along with a Viking crew assistant - part of our transfer.
It was only about a 30-minute ride to the airport and we were through the TWO levels of security with little delay. So now it is almost time to go to the gate area. Making our way to Gate 2, we had to pass through a very long tunnel beneath the tarmac from the main terminal building to a satellite building; fortunately, the moving sidewalk was working, unlike the escalators. "?? ????????, St. Petersburg!"
***Last Hour in Moscow: July 17th***
Yes, only another hour of wait here in Moscow before flying on to New York. We are now sitting in Sheremetyevo Airport, waiting for our Delta flight #31 to JFK, departing at 12:55 PM -- loading at 12:15 PM, about an hour from now. The flight to New York is around 10 hours but we have upgraded to Delta's Economy Comfort seats, so it won't be so bad.
The Aeroflot flight from St. Petersburg was less than an hour, and was just fine. The Aeroflot flight attendants wear traditional uniforms with hats -- in ORANGE! Very pretty, all of them.
In New York we have to pass through Customs so the several hours of layover will be well occupied. Then we fly nonstop from JFK to LAX, arriving tonight at 10:25 PM where SuperShuttle will meet us for the transfer back to Jim's apartment. It will have been a FULL day of travel.
***"Live from New York! It is Sunday Afternoon!" July 17th***
The free wireless internet in airports ended with our arrival here at JFK in New York. I am sitting in a large common dining area behind Starbucks and had to PAY $7.95 for 24 hours of access. We have almost 4 hours layover here before our 7 PM flight on the Los Angeles, but were lucky to get through Passport Control and Customs in record time, due a nice black lady official asking me if I needed special assistance; I guess I looked pretty exhausted -- and OLD! She ushered us around the other 5,000 people into a short line, and we were out of there in no time at all. As it turns out, she is a Delta employee.
Time to find our Delta Gate 23 for the flight to LAX, where we arrive at 10:25 PM tonight, exhausted but drunk from the wonderful experiences we have enjoyed in Russia.
***HOME! July 18th***
Yes, I am now home; the word says it all. I found everything just fine after my two-week absence and now I just have to concentrate on returning to "normal" - biological clock, laundry, bills, mail, etc.
There were a few more journal entries that I have now included; I got way behind during the trip, so these will fill in the blanks.
Cabin Review
More Viking Helgi Reviews
More Viking River Cruises Reviews


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COURSE: 02-423 Functional Human Anatomy Lab (1)
This is a one credit hour laboratory based class primarily devoted to learning the skeleton and the origin, insertion and action of the skeletal muscles of the human body along with basic circulation and nerve supply. Students will also assemble the required muscle groups on Maniken, a table model of the skeleton. which will serve to reinforce the origin and insertion of the individual muscles. Clinical case studies will also be included to allow the student to apply what they have learned regarding muscle function along with written and practical exams Prerequisite: 02-224, 02-226, 02-355, 02-356 and enrollment in 02-422.


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Search for courses based on delivery type, program area, or topic below, or find upcoming trainings in your state or territory.
For more information on trainings from the National Highway Institute, contact us.
TRAINING LEVEL: Basic
CLASS SIZE: Minimum: 1 Maximum: 1
NHI 151046 is a 2-hour WBT that introduces Federal financial assistance and FHWA's planning and research grant regulations. The course covers sources for requirements and funds; sources and hierarchy of Federal grant requirements; and the process for providing grant funding, as it relates to 23 CFR 420 and 450.
This Web-based training (WBT) course is one of a series designed as an introduction to FHWA planning and research grant administration. The series includes four independent WBTs that cover the history of FHWA planning and research grants, the Common Grant Rule, Cost Principles, and Audits:
FHWA-NHI-151046--FHWA Planning and Research Grants: History, Sources, and Regulations;
FHWA-NHI-151047--FHWA Planning and Research Grants: Common Grant Rule;
FHWA-NHI-151048--FHWA Planning and Research Grants: Cost Principles; and
FHWA-NHI-151049--FHWA Planning and Research Grants: Audits.
These WBTs are designed to complement FHWA-NHI-151021 Administration of FHWA Planning and Research Grants, a 2-day Instructor-led training course. They are not intended to replace NHI 151021.
Upon completion of the course, participants will be able to:
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Compiled by Michael Ford
Among reports recently taken by the Pope County Sheriff's Office (PCSO):
Oct. 13 - Burglary at Larue Ridge Road in Dover. The complainant said someone entered his residence through a window on the north side and took 11 guns - valued at $2,750 - and then exited through the back door. It appeared a vehicle was driven to the back door and the firearms were loaded into it, according to the report.
Oct. 13 - Burglary at Walnut Valley Road in Dover. The complainant said when she returned home, she could see a person in her home through the window. The complainant left the residence and went to a business and called 911. When the complainant returned to her residence, an officer advised her he had checked the residence and all the doors and windows were secure and showed no signs of damage. The complainant said nothing appeared to be missing, but added it appeared someone had gone through the boxes and bags in the closet.
Oct. 13 - Possible suicidal subject at Bakers Creek Road in Russellville. The complainant said his wife may have taken some pills and might want to harm herself. He said she told him she was "done with everyone" and left the residence in a white van. He also said his wife asked him earlier in the day to drown her in the bathtub. The woman was located and pulled over. She appeared to be upset and told an officer she was "just driving around and wanted everyone to leave her alone," according to the report. The woman advised she did not want to harm herself or others and was, therefore, released by the officer per a counselor's request.
Oct. 14 - Unattended death at Shangri La Loop in Russellville. The complainant said when she arrived at the residence, she was unable to get a response at the door and left. She later returned with a friend and was able to make entry into the residence, according to the report. The woman said she found a woman inside lying on the bed who was cold to the touch and stiff. At the direction of Pope County Emergency Management dispatch, the complainant unsuccessfully attempted CPR. The victim was later pronounced dead by the deputy coroner.
Oct. 19 -Harassing communications at Boyd Road in Dover. The complainant said someone unknown left a vulgar message on his voice mail. He said the suspect cursed and made sexual comments. He also said the suspect called and left a similar message on his son's voice mail. The complainant said the suspect tried disguising his or her voice, but he believed the voice belonged to a female. The man saved the voice mail.


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Stop Church Leaders Censorship
ChurchLeaders a publication intended to support the Christian community,
church leaders, pastors and ministry leaders, is engaging in pastor
bashing, false doctrine, and supports the homosexual agenda in their
publication of feature articles and videos that encourage violence
against pastors, a sloppy Gospel, and weakling of God's Word.
Editor Brian Orem engages in censorship of public comments made in a public forum that he disagrees leaving untouched the non-sense from modern-day culture types who liberally pass off their opinions as God's Word. This is not journalism but third-world type censorship draconian actions taken to silence those willing to take on Church Leaders for their non-sense.
Please join the many signing this petition to stop ChurchLeaders from engaging in censorship by removing public comments in their public forum that takes Church Leaders to task for its liberal bias views, supporting violence against pastor and homosexual agenda in their feature articles. (SEE BLOG FOR CHURCHLEADERS COMMENTS)
4 years agoRev. Dr. Ronald E. Hodges United States4 years ago


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Hello, my name is Ian McCambridge, i live in california, usa. I am 15, and am the leader of Spiderbyte. We are currently working on a next gen fan game based off of Sonic Adventure series. Our producer will be contacting Sega and will request for a policy on Fangames. Also, if our game qualifies, we will be entering our game in the annual SAGE expo.
The game we are working on is called Sonic - The Black Emerald. The story line has already been roughly constructed, along with art to support the story. The game will be a 3D Sonic Adventure / Next gen styled fangame.
Right now, we have a producer, a few 3D modelers, Several 2D Digital Artist, Producer Artist, and a Sketch Artist. We are looking for more Modelers, more Texture artist, C++ Ogre3D programmers, Lead Programmer, Lead Artist, Producer's Assistant, StoryWriter, and a bunch of other nessicary roles. To see all other roles, just visit our forums which is located at:
Milestones will be used
Team structure fallows a basic Grantt Chart
We hope to see you there. ;)


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NATO Secretary General meets Speaker of the Knesset
On 11 October 2011, NATO's Secretary General Mr. Anders Fogh Rasmussen met with Mr. Reuven Rivlin, Speaker of the Israeli Parliament (Knesset) to discuss NATO-Israel cooperation.
Mr. Rivlin was accompanied by three members of the Knesset - Dr. Nachman Shay, Chair of the Knesset Delegation for Relations with the European Parliament, Mr. Jacob Edery, Deputy Speaker, and Mr. Ofer Akunis, Deputy Speaker - who also met with NATO's Assistant Secretary General for Political Affairs Amb. Brengelmann and with the Head of the Mediterranean Dialogue and Istanbul Initiative Countries Section Mr. de Santis.
Israel is a member of NATO's Mediterranean Dialogue established by NATO Foreign Ministers in December 1994.


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Cavendish latest Brit cyclist involved in crash with car
LONDON Sprint specialist Mark Cavendish became the latest member of Britains cycling team to be involved in a bike crash after hitting the back of a car during a training ride in Italy.
The 2011 world road race champion said on Twitter he sustained a bruised arm after a car in front slammed on the brakes, but he is relatively OK.
Cavendishs accident came two weeks after Tour de France champion Bradley Wiggins and British Cycling head coach Shane Sutton were hospitalized after being knocked off their bikes.
Wiggins spent one night in the hospital with bruised ribs and hands when he was hit by a car.
Sutton had surgery on a broken cheekbone and also sustained bruising and bleeding to the brain, but has returned to work.
Ravens safety suspended for repeated hits to head, neck
NEW YORK Baltimore Ravens star safety Ed Reed was suspended for one game by the NFL on Monday for repeated hits to the head and neck area of defenseless players.
The 11-year veteran will miss Sundays game against San Diego.
Reed is suspended for three violations of the player safety rules in the past three seasons.
The latest came in Sunday nights 13-10 victory over Pittsburgh when he was penalized for unnecessary roughness in the third quarter for a hit to the head of receiver Emmanuel Sanders.
Reed also was penalized Sept. 23 against the Patriots for unnecessary roughness and fined $21,000 for striking Deion Branch when the receiver was defenseless.
Before that, Reed hit Saints quarterback Drew Brees on Dec. 19, 2010, and was fined $10,000.
Dempsey repeats as U.S. soccers top player
CHICAGO Clint Dempsey was voted the U.S. Soccer Federations top male athlete for the second consecutive year.
The Tottenham midfielder also won this honor in 2007.
He joined midfielder Landon Donovan (2003, 2004, 2009, 2010) and goalkeeper Kasey Keller (1997, 1999, 2005) as the only players to win three times or more.
Dempsey had a team-high six goals for the United States this year, including five in World Cup qualifying.
Rubio Rubin was voted young male athlete of the year after scoring eight goals for the under-17 team.
Gruesome murder trial opens against Brazilian goalkeeper
RIO DE JANEIRO The trial of a former star goalkeeper charged with orchestrating the kidnapping and gruesome murder of an ex-girlfriend started Monday, with two lawyers abandoning the case and the victims mother making a tearful plea for justice.
The case of Bruno Fernandes, known in Brazil as Bruno, has riveted the country and shocked the soccer world.
Fernandes accomplices allegedly captured his former girlfriend, model Eliza Samudio, before killing her, quartering her and feeding her remains to dogs.
Bruno was captain of the Flamengo team that won the Brazilian championship in 2009.
That same year, Samudio made the first allegations to police that she was pregnant with Fernandes child, and that the players and others kidnapped her and tried to force her to terminate the pregnancy.
She refused.
The child was born healthy and named Bruno as well. The model disappeared soon afterward in June 2010.
In December of that year, Fernandes was found guilty of Samudios initial accusations and is serving a prison sentence of 4 1-2 years and six months in that case.
After a court dispute, Samudios mother was named the childs guardian.
Bruno now faces a second trial on charges he ordered his ex-girlfriends grisly death.
Associated Press


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HOUSTON, Aug. 7 (UPI) -- There might be a link between seismic activity and fracking for oil and gas, a research study published this week indicates.
The two-year inquiry by the University of Texas at Austin found that most recent earthquakes in North Texas happened close to injection wells that dispose of wastewater used in the fracking process, The Houston Chronicle reported.
The study also found that relatively minor earthquakes are happening more often than indicated in previous studies.
Lead researcher Cliff Frohlich said you can't prove that any one earthquake was caused by an injection well.
"But it's obvious that wells are enhancing the probability that earthquakes will occur," he said.
A U.S. Geological Survey report released earlier this year found that an increase in small temblors throughout the Midwest coincides with the injection of drilling wastewater in deep disposal wells.
Drilling companies have said they do not believe earthquakes are linked to injection wells.


text:
Note: This item is more than five years old. Please take the publication date into consideration for any date references.
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News Release
Media Contact: TPWD News, firstname.lastname@example.com, 512-389-8030
July 25, 2012
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Seeks Official Corporate Partners
Legislation Allows New Way for State Agency to Address Budget Gaps
AUSTIN – For the first time, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is seeking Official Corporate Partners to raise additional revenue to help meet financial challenges, including those facing state parks due to drought and wildfires. This new funding strategy was made possible during the last legislative session by the passage of House Bill 1300, in which state lawmakers gave TPWD authority to develop partnerships with private businesses.
For years, TPWD has benefited from working closely with its official non-profit partner, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation, to develop corporate sponsorships as well as philanthropic relationships with individuals and private foundations. Now TPWD will also be able to offer a new array of exclusive benefits to Official Corporate Partners, including official partner designation in specific business categories.
"The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is a trusted brand, synonymous with outdoor experiences, wildlife, state parks and conservation," said Carter Smith, TPWD executive director. "We believe that this private-public partnership will be a smart business move for the right companies, offering access to a marketplace of millions of outdoor enthusiasts, and recognizing partner roles in helping to preserve state parks and the outdoor lifestyle that are such important parts of our Texas heritage."
The department has targeted a number of business categories in its Request for Proposals (RFP), including automotive, banking, beverage, computer equipment, energy companies, gas station/convenience store, hotel/motel, insurance, mobile phone/wireless, and outdoor apparel. However, the opportunity is open to any interested company, and all business categories will be considered. The RFP also details partnership guidelines and links to agency regulations created to implement HB 1300.
Under TPWD rules to implement the legislation, businesses who are awarded Official Corporate Partnerships will be able to use the official designation in their marketing efforts and work with TPWD to develop joint promotional campaigns. Among other new benefits, partners will be able to license products featuring the department brand and reach millions of web visitors through banner ads on the agency web site.
"To our knowledge, this is the first time any state agency in the U.S. has done anything like this, and we anticipate this will be a learning experience where best practices will evolve over time," said Lydia Saldaña, TPWD communications director. "However, we are approaching this very thoughtfully. Our marketing, legal and administrative teams have spent a great deal of time planning and preparing. We are all mindful that the goal is to help take care of our Texas treasures and carry out our mission."
Companies interested in TPWD's official corporate partner opportunity can see details in the Request for Proposals (RFP) on the agency website. The deadline to submit a proposal is Aug. 30.
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(5.4.16 i)


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A/N:Hey everyone! Claude isn't really a main character in my story, but he's close enough, so I wanted to get to know him better.
Hello everybody! I'm Claude Thomas, son of Dean Thomas and Parvati Patil. I look mostly like my father, but have my mother's eyes. I'm very tall for my age.
I have a twin, Lydia, who annoys me more than Scorpius Malfoy. She honestly thinks she can do so many things better than me. It's really annoying. I think she'll be missing being able to tease me since she got sorted into Ravenclaw and me into Gryffindor. One of the most annoying things about her - nearly every boy in the school has a crush on her. I can hardly stand it. Even one of my best friends, Albus Potter, does. I mean, honestly, what's to like?
Anyway, enough about her. More about me. I love making everything a big joke and can almost always come up with some witty remark. Actually, I was surprised I didn't get into Ravenclaw. Although, I suppose my sister's more of a Ravenclaw than me, and I did ask not to be in the same house as her... But I suppose I do belong in Gryffindor. I can get very angry with people sometimes if I don't like what they're doing, and because of my size, I suppose I can look threatening. At least that's what Albus tells me. I'm not bad in school but am easily distracted (most of the time by doodling) and have become a Hangman champion because of all of my games in History of Magic. My favorite class is Charms - I do pretty well in it, too, I'm pretty close to Rose Weasley in talent.
Hm... what else to tell about me? My parents. I like to joke around with my dad when I can, but as he's at work a lot, I've grown pretty close to my mother. I'm never around her when Lydia is, though - it just gets too awkward. When my dad is home, I like to play quidditch with him - I even have my own Firebolt! That broom is amazing, it's like my best friend (sorry, Albus). I like to play Keeper, and am not brilliant at it but I'm getting better. I hope by my second year I'll be good enough to make my house team.
I really hope that I'll finish off the year well, but there's no promises. With these scary thoughts of bunches of Aurors going off to complete a big job - I don't know...


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Read the full story here Web Link posted Wednesday, May 29, 2013, 11:27 PM
Town Square
Paly graduates 465 in Class of 2013
Original post made on May 30, 2013
Read the full story here Web Link posted Wednesday, May 29, 2013, 11:27 PM
Comments (10)
a resident of Another Palo Alto neighborhood
on May 30, 2013 at 8:23 am
Congratulations to all 465.
Is this the largest class? How do these numbers compare with previous years?
a resident of Old Palo Alto
on May 30, 2013 at 10:10 am
Good question, Resident. You may be right and I'm trying to track down a reliable answer. Last year Paly graduated "over 450." In 2011 it was 403.
District-wide enrollment this year was officially 12,396. The historical high in enrollment was about 15,000 in 1969 but at that time Palo Alto had three high schools. Cubberley opened in 1956 (closed in 1979) and Gunn opened in 1964.
a resident of Palo Alto Hills
on May 30, 2013 at 10:36 am
Congratulations young adults!! You make our community proud!! Go forward and live your dreams.
a resident of Duveneck/St. Francis
on May 30, 2013 at 11:41 am
Great ideas from the student speakers -- Jessica, Abby, Soo, and Justin! Thanks for your insight and promise.
And thank you Chris for sharing these ideas with the community at large with your reporting.
a resident of Old Palo Alto
on May 30, 2013 at 2:59 pm
Paly Principal Phil Winston tells me they graduated 477 students in 2012.
a resident of Escondido School
on May 30, 2013 at 3:45 pm
Dataquest tells me they actually graduated 441.
Web Link
a resident of Palo Alto High School
on May 30, 2013 at 4:12 pm
SOME that attended this affair left one heck of a mess for the clean up crew when the graduation was over. I made an apology to two of the crew people having to pick up all the tossed Programs and litter that were left on chairs, trashed, stepped upon and blowing all around the chair and field area. What kind of thoughtless examples are they leaving for others? Disgusting.
a resident of Palo Alto High School
on Jun 2, 2013 at 11:05 am
Congrats class of 2013 .... My son is one of the graduates .... Congrats baby boi ... Luv u mucho
a resident of Palo Alto High School
on Oct 7, 2013 at 6:51 am
Why is it that no where can I find the colleges that graduates of Palo Alto High School attend. Can someone please send me a link to this info.
a resident of Palo Alto High School
on Oct 7, 2013 at 8:44 am
Chuck, if you're a member of the Palo Alto High School community as your signature states, you should be able to log onto Naviance and see all that info. There's a link to Naviance on the Paly home page, paly.net.
Burger chain Shake Shack to open in Palo Alto
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Professional Development Opportunity Detail Page
Previous Page | New Search | Browse All
|Models of Light Modeling Workshop in NYC
|Columbia University
|Teachers College
|New York
|Opportunity Type:
|Modeling Workshop
|Teacher Status:
|Teacher Level:
|High School
|June 25: a few openings exist.
This workshop on Modeling Instruction is for high school physics and physical science teachers worldwide. Students preparing to teach science as well as college faculty are welcome. Modeling Instruction is useful for science teaching at any level.
Location: Teachers College, Columbia University, 525 W 120th St. NYC
Peer leaders:
Mark Schober, (Head of Science, Trinity School, New York, NY)
Kofi Donnelly (Head of Science, Heschel School, New York, NY)
Content: the particle/ray, wave and photon models of light.
Prerequisite: one introductory-level Modeling Workshop (such as in Mechanics or Chemistry) of at least 2 weeks duration.
Mark Schober is Science Dept. Head and teaches Physics and Chemistry at Trinity School, New York, NY. Mark served as President of the American Modeling Teachers Association in 2011-12. Mark has also led many Modeling Instruction Workshops, including Mechanics at Teachers College in NYC.
Kofi Donnelly is Science Dept. Head and teaches Physics at Heschel School, New York, NY. Kofi has taken various modeling workshops, is an active practitioner of modeling, and has led many workshops organized by STEMteachersNYC.
ORGANIZER: Prof. Fernand Brunschwig, Teachers College, Columbia University (AMTA Board, member-at-large). FBrunsch AT gmail.com
Offered by STEMteachersNYC, an affiliate of the American Modeling Teachers Association
A chemistry Modeling Workshop and a mechanics Modeling Workshop are being offered concurrently.
Modeling Instruction focuses on key selected physics models and uses a process-oriented inquiry approach that is extremely effective in helping students develop independence and problem-solving ability.
The Modeling Workshop is an intensive 3-week course with these goals:
1. Educate teachers in use of a model-centered, guided-inquiry method of teaching light concepts.
2. Help participants integrate computer courseware effectively into the curriculum.
3. Help teachers make better use of national resources for science education.
4. Establish electronic network support and a learning community among participants.
5. Strengthen local institutional support for participants as school leaders in disseminating standards-based reform in science education.
In this course teachers will work through coherent model-centered materials on light for high school courses to develop a deep understanding of content and how to teach it effectively. The primary focus is on first-year physics courses that incorporate algebra and trigonometry. In this advanced-level workshop there is less emphasis on why we believe that modeling is superior to conventional instruction, since we assume that teachers coming back to take a follow-up course have come to accept this as true. To develop familiarity with the materials necessary to fully implement them in the classroom, we find that teachers must work through the activities, discussions and worksheets, alternating between student and teacher modes, much as they did in the prerequisite introductory-level Modeling Workshop.
Three graduate credits are available at SUNY Empire State College, with additional cost.
Click here to learn more about the Modeling Instruction Program and the American Modeling Teachers Association (AMTA) or visit http://modelinginstruction.org/teachers/workshops/ to find information on Modeling Workshops nationwide and strategies to seek funding (if needed) to participate.
|Start Date:
|End Date:
|3 weeks M-F
|Application Deadline:
|Opportunity Website:
|Application Link:
|Sponsor Link:
Benefits and Requirements
|$499 (includes one-year membership in AMTA)
|Professional Development/CEU
optional graduate credit available - extra cost
|Benefit Explanation:
|Housing, meals, and travel expenses must be provided by the participant or his/her school district.
Housing possibilities at Columbia Teachers College (525 West 120th St., New York, NY 10027) and nearby. (This is an informal, unofficial list generated by STEMteachersNYC, for those interested in finding a place to stay so as to attend the 2014 Summer Modeling Instruction Workshops, July 21 – Aug 8, 2014)
Dormitory-type rooms may be available at Columbia Teachers College. See URL below for details:
The rooms have a twin bed and bathroom but no kitchen, with access to shared kitchen facilities. The website above should have rates and other information.
There are two other organizations near Teachers College that also provide student housing:
Union Theological Center:
International House:
A Youth Hostel is at 104th and Amsterdam, 16 blocks (.8 mile) from Teachers College:
Also, Columbia University has graduate and undergraduate dormitories separate from those at Teachers College; and Barnard College (which, like TC, is affiliated with Columbia) also has dormitories nearby. It seems unlikely that they would offer rooms to individuals who are not current students at Columbia or Barnard. But, as an outside chance, it may be worthwhile to research their websites.
Three graduate credits are available at SUNY Empire State College, with additional cost.
|Other Prerequisites:
|A mechanics Modeling Workshop (or other introductory Modeling Workshop such as in chemistry) of at least two weeks, and experience in implementing Modeling Instruction.
Professional Development Opportunity Contact Information
Fernand Brunschwig
New York, NY 10027