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The Karakoram
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Sonia Peak
Sonia Peak
Page Type
Shimshal/Gojal, Pakistan, Asia
20801 ft / 6340 m
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Created On:
Nov 17, 2005
Last Edited On:
Oct 26, 2009
Table of Contents
Getting There
Red Tape
Camping and Accomodation
Mountain Conditions
When To Climb
Trekking from Shimshal village to Sonia Peak Base Camp
Trekking in Shimshal Valley
List of Government of Pakistan recognize trek in Shamshal Valley:
Mountains in Khunjerab Group
Shimshal's mountaineering legacy
External Links
Sonia Peak is located in the remote North Ghuzerav mountains north of Shimshal close to the Chapchingol Pass. It falls within the boundaries of the Khunjerab National Park which is adjacent to the Tashkorgan National Park in China.
Even by Pakistan's standards the Ghuzerav mountains are underexplored with numerous virgin peaks awaiting the intrepid climber. At the heart of the range is Sonia Peak, a beautiful pyramid of almost perfect symmetry. It is ideal for those looking for a technically easy climb in the outback of Pakistan's wilderness and is no more than an Alpine PD grade. Whilst the peak is relatively close to the KKH few people choose to climb mountains in the Karakoram range this far north.
Sonia Peak was found and name by Michael Beek of Germany in 1994, The peak's name and climbing route was than first introduced in the first edition of the geman trekking guide "Pakistan-Land-Geschichte-Kultur" in 1996.
However in Lonely planet it mentioned that the peak was first climbed by local Shimshali Rahmat Ullah Baig. Sonia referring to an expedition members' wife. Dispite the mountain's remoteness it has since been climbed many times with the most popular route approaching from Chapchingol Base Camp to the East. A less familiar ascent can alternatively be made from the north along an unnamed glacier which eventually leads to the KKH by way of a small river. The north ridge was first climbed by a Local Shimshali guide called Hasil Shah and resultantly referred to as the "Hasil Route". This north route is considered safer then the south face with quicker assess.
Getting There
Islamabad Airport is the internationsal gateway to the high mountains of Northern Pakistan.
Daily flights link Islamabad with Gilgit (currently Rs1590 one-way). Bad weather will ground planes from time-to-time. Buses (NATCO or Mashabrum Tours) also run daily leaving Rawalpindi's Pir Wadhai bus station between about 3 and 5pm. Book early as possible to get a good seat otherwise you'll be in for a spine crunching journey on the back seat.
Buses and HIACE vans continually ply the Karakoram highway (KKH) between Gilgit and Sost.
Sonia Peak can be approached either from the south or the north. The southern approach involves a six day trek out of Shimshal village via the Boisum Pass, 4875m. Once upon a time 5 days was required to trek to Shimshal village. With the recently built Jeep track the journey can be done in a matter of hours. Jeeps leave Passu on the KKH daily.
From the North the Peak can be approached in only 2 days from Koksil on the KKH however there is considerable asociated burocracy associated with this approach (see red tape) and private hired transport will be required.
Porters can easily be hired at short notice from Shimshal and carry a maximum load of 25kg including their own gear and food. When approaching the mountain from the north consider hiring a porter before leaving Sost as there will be none at the trail head.
Red Tape
In recent years permit fees have been reduced/abolished in the hope of attracting climbers to the area. All peaks below 6500m currently do not require climbing permits.
Trekking permits are not required when approaching Sonia Peak from Shimshal via. When approaching from Koksil you may need special permission from Gilgit's DC, IG or AIG. The Khunjerab Security Force (KSF) at Koksil has the discretion to allow climbers to enter from the KKH.
Please remember: Crossing of Chapchingal Pass to KKH comes under restricted zone, need a trekking permit from Islamabad before starting the trek. OrShimshal Boesam Pir Pass, Mundi Kushlaq is also restricted, need a trekking permit.
Camping and Accomodation
Shimshal has a small unmarked guesthouse that serves tasty local food. Ask local on arrival to point you in th direction. It has surprisingly clean doubles or the budget conscious climber can sleep comfortably on the thick carpets in the communal room.
There are no camping fees for camp sites beyond Shimshal. All have water sourses although some are silty.
Bring all food from Gilgit. Gilgit has enough shops to avoid the need for bringing food from your home country. There are a couple of small shops in Shimshal however however these are useless escept for biscuits and maybe replacement lighters.
Propane/Butane gas cannesters acan be picked up at the outdoor shops on Gilgit's main high street. There are usually enough for a small expedition.
Kerosine is also widely available and inexpensive although Pakistani Kerosene burns sootily. Bring a filter or strain it through a cloth.
White gas is not available and denatured acolohol is only available in Rawalpindi/Islamabad.
Mountain Conditions
For many people visiting Pakistan's Northern Areas for the first time the warm summer's take time to adjust to. In Gilgit time temperatures regularly stay in their 30s during the summer and whilst it is cooler in the mountains it can still be uncomfortable at times. On days where there are no clouds a single layer will surfice and measures need to be taken to prevent sun burn. Weather can change quickly with fresh snow falling at any time in the year or heavy rains at lower altitudes. Come prepared for a range of climates.
Nights are generally warmer than other mountain ranges such as the Himalaya and Tien Shan and an early start when climbing is usually imperative to avoid soft snow in the afternoon.
When To Climb
Generally, the Karakoram's trekking and mountaineering season starts mid-May and finishes at the end of September. Early in the season snow may still be deep and cravasses still covered (although smaller). July and August are the best months for climbing in Pakistan.
When approaching Sonia Peak from Shimshal village August is the optimum month as river levels will be at their lowest. River crossings may be difficult early in the season, particularly on warm days where there has been substantial snow melt or following rain.
Trekking from Shimshal village to Sonia Peak Base Camp
Lonely Planet's 'Trekking in the Karakoram & Hindukush' gives an indispensable discription for the trek to Sonia Peak which takes 5 to 6 days to reach from Shimshal village.
Rivers wil be easier to cross in the morning so start early where crossings are necessary.
Day 1
Leave Shimshal heading east along the broad valley crossing Michael Bridge to the true right side of the Shimshal river. Continue throught the cultivated area of Band-e-Sar and head north following the small Zardgarben River. The trail to Zardgarben is steep in places climbing around 1000m from the bed of the Shimshal river. At Zardgarben there are excellent camping spots as well as a porter shelter. Total walking time 4-5 hours.
Day 2
Head north crossing the stream that descends from Uween Sar. Descend and cross the Zardgarben river to its true right bank then climb and traverse the black morraine. Once across the trail splits. Depending on water levels you can either imediately descend and cross the river else you will need to cross the side stream coming from the west first before crossing the Zardgarben river above the side stream. Once across the river folow the river's true left bank to Shpodeen where there is another porters shelter. Another hours walk brings you to Jafervask. Total walking time 4 hours.
Day 3
Cross Boisum Pass in east to west direction. The pass is unglaciated, non-technical and Shimshalis are able to cross with yaks. The trail to the pass follows the true left side of the stream crossing to the right then returning to the left towards the top. Descend and skirt a small lake along its north-west shore and follow cairns to reach another small lake within the hour. The lake the trail descends across morraine rubble beyond this lake to reach Perchodwashk in another hour. Total walking time 3-4 hours.
Day 4
Ford the side stream and stay close to the true left bank skirting a side glacier. Walk across rolling hills following cairns passing through ideal campsites. Cross second side morrain, follow trail through two level terraces and cross the last side morraine. Two hours below Perchodwashk is Mandikshlakh, an unattractive cluster of huts and livestock pens. The route turns west into the Ghuzherav valley.
When the Ghuzherav river levels are low, the trail stays along the river's true left bank to reach Avduzhi in one hour. When levels are high ford the broad river twice returning to the true right bank to bypass a section under water. One hour beyond Adduzhi along an easy trail is the main suttlement of Ghuzherav, War-e-Ben. Total walking time 4.5-5 hours.
Day 5
When the water is high cross the Ghuzherav by an existing steel cable, else wade accross the river. Enter the arid Chafchingol Gorge. Anything up to 5 river crossings is necessary when water levels are high and rope may need to be fixed for safety. Beyond the gorge the trail thins, rises above the river to cross scree slopes then descend to the solitary hut at Targeen. Ford the western stream beyond Targeen and continue to Chafchingol Base camp in two hours.
Day 6
Follow the Chafchingol river's true right bank west Sonia Peak's base camp at the head of the valley.
Trekking in Shimshal Valley
List of Government of Pakistan recognize trek in Shamshal Valley:
Restricted Zone - means require a trekking permit to trek, Open Zone - means no trekking permit is require)
Trek #24. Shimshal Valley Route - Restricted Zone: Gilgit, Hunza, Sost, Chillnji Pass, Ishkomen, Gilgit or vice versa.
Trek #25. Shimshal Valley Route - Open Zone: Gilgit, Passu, Shimshal, Yazghil Glacier, Yukshin Gardan Glacier, Khurdopin Glacier, Virjerab Glacier & return to Gilgit by the same route.
Trek #26. Shimshal - Chapchingal Pass - Restricted Zone: Gilgit, Passu, Shimshal, Boesam Pir Pass, Mundi Kushlag, Chapchingal Pass, Karakoram Highway, Gilgit or vice versa.
Trek #27. Shimshal Pass - Open Zone: Gilgit, Passu, Shimshal, Shimshal Pass, Yazghil Glacier, Virjerab Glacier, Shimshal Pass, Shuijerab, Shimshal Village, Passu & return to Gilgit.
Trek #28. Karun Pass - Open Zone: Gilgit Passu, Karun Pass, Beihar, Merkhun, Sost, gilgit or vice versa.
Trek #29. Shimshal - Braldu Glacier - Snow Lake - Restricted Zone: Gilgit, Passu, Shimshal village, Shuijerab, Braldu Glacier, Lukpo-La, Snow Lake & to Nagar Via Hispar La & Shispar Glacier or to Askole & Skardu via Biafo Glacier or vice versa.
Mountains in Khunjerab Group
Unlike the neibouring mountains in China the peaks north of Shimshal do not bear the most rememberable names!
Chapchingal Sar 6483m (6465m);
Unnamed Peak 6318m (6296m);
Unnamed Peak 6184m (6296m) - Shop Dur area;
Unnamed Peak 6138m in Chapchingal Glacier area;
Unnamed Peak 6117m in East Chapchingal Glacier area;
Unnamed Peak Ca 6100m - East Chapchingal Glacier area;
Unnamed Peak Ca 6100m in Gidims River North of Mai Dur area;
Unnamed Peak Ca 6100m - Khunjerab Pass area;
Unnamed Peak Ca 6100m in Chapchingal Glacier area;
Unnamed Peak Ca 6100m Khunjerab River and Ghujerab River area;
Unnamed Peak Ca 6100m in Khunjerab River and Ghujerab River area;
Unnamed Peak Ca 6100m - North Mai Dur and Didms River area;
Unnamed Peak Ca 6000m East Chapchingal River and Ghujerab River area;
Unnamed Peak Ca 6000m Gidims Glacier area;
Unnamed Peak Ca 6000m Gidims glacier area.
Shimshal's mountaineering legacy
Twenty men from Shimshal have summited one of Pakistan's 8000m peaks. 3 have climbed K2, 5 have climbed Nanga Parbat and Broad Peak, 4 have climbed GI and a staggering 14 have summited GII.
Shimshal's long mountaineering history is partly due to shimshal's remote location. Long before the Shimshal's access road was bulit travel to the KKH from Shimshal was by way of the Qarun Pass, 4873m, which involved an ascent up 2100m of treacherous scree. Today locals still rely on the Uween-e-Sar (4650m) and Shachmirk (4560m) passes in order to move yaks to the summer grazing pastures around Shuwerth making it one of the toughest non-glacial day treks in the Karakoram. Further, it is not uncomon for the 50km trip from Shuwerth to Shimshal via the two passes to be completed in a day by locals. As a result of the lie of the land around Shimshal it is not surprising that one village has produced so many strong climbers.
Maps will merely label Sonia Peak as '6340m' or equivelant estimated height.
Swiss Alpine Research Map - Sheet 1 (1:250,000)
In English. Despite the scale and some inaccuracies this is the de facto map for the Karakoram. The map labels Shpodeen as Shekhdalga, Mandikshlakh as Mandi Kushlag, and Avduzhi as Hapdija. All other places are omitted. The trail is incorrectly marked north of Boisum, and contrary to the map, follows the river's true left (not right!).
Tsuneo Miyamori, "Mountaineering Maps of the Karakorum and Hindu Kush" Karakoram Sheet No. 7 - Hispar glacier and Shimshal (1:150,000)
This map is in English. I have not seen the map although I am trying to obtain a copy as it claims to mark every 6000m peak.
External Links
Jasmine Tours - Pakistan
We always try to introduce some things new Sonia Peak is among the dozens of small peak we are offering to adventure lovers.
There are a lot of companies which can offer you a package deal for Sonia Peak.
Local organizers
Hushe Treks & Tours
Local organizer which has been around for a long time.
Karakurum Treks & Tours
Another company with lots of experience and good reputation.
Foreign organizers
Jagged Globe
Base: UK.
Base: UK.
Base: Italy.
Base: Germany.
Useful addresses and information.
Alpine Club of Pakistan
Jinnah Stadium,
Pakistan Sports Complex,
Islamabad.PAKISTAN 44000
Tel: 92-51-9208963
View Sonia Peak Image Gallery - 43 Images
Sonia Peak
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text:
Saturday, July 8, 2017
VI Romans
9 comments:
You pounded out all of the new troops in time for your Historicon game. Congratulations on job well done!ReplyDeleteReplies
The very last of hem are done and based as of today. I have started with the job of organizing and packing it all up.Delete
A great effort Peter, and fast delivery from Litko.ReplyDelete
I always enjoy the smell of the wood when they arrive.Replies
Ah, eau d' toasted plywood! :-)Delete
I, too, love the smell of Litko in the morning!Delete
If you close your eyes, it is possible to imagine you are in a Scandinavian plywood forest.Delete
LOL, Lawrence!Delete
It would appear that Litko is missing out on a potential new product - "Toasted Scandinavian Plywoood" deodorant - just the thing to combat the famed "gamer funk" at Conventions! :-)
I am trying to get caught up on all your updates. These Roman units all look fantastic!ReplyDeleteReplies
Yes the BTD Romans are great. NOow, if they only did Caval;ry!Delete

subset: commoncrawl


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I've learnt three things this week.
1. My coping mechanism is grinding to a halt. I'm finding it really hard to put up with work cr@p and the epic battle known as commuting. I don't have the energy to keep acting as if everything is fine.
2. I have developed cancer "tourettes". When people ask me how I am I just can't say "fine thank you". Before I know it I've said "well actually I have cancer". It's involuntary and then I feel awful that I've said it.
3. People are evil. Tired of people posting utter bollox as comments to my thread I have changed it so that only registered users can comment now. I figure if people don't want to be open about who they are then tough. I'm baring my soul here.
I had my CT scan yesterday. Results in clinic with Mr Ind tomorrow.
Discovered that Butler and Wilson have a shop near the hospital so bought some earrings - and yes I spent money on something frivolous. But hey, sometimes a girl needs cheering up.
And in response to Nancy's comment I have set up an Amazon wishlist - mainly rather camp DVDs (well if I'm going to be flat out I may as well catch up on show tunes) and lots of silly books I loved as a girl.
Wednesday, November 02, 2005
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text:
Being the Official Grooming room partner to London Fashion Week, is a big Statement in every sense of the word. Now this accolade falls onto the thoroughly British Brand, Hawkins & Brimble, a brand new British grooming brand that skillfully blends form and function. Epitomising Cool Britannia, their grooming products are cut from a different cloth and tailored to complement the contemporary man's lifestyle.
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text:
Morgan State drew within a point with three minutes left, but a technical foul for having six players on the court helped Penn make six of eight free throws in the final minute to beat the visiting Bears, 79-73, in women's basketball Tuesday night.
Kathleen Roche made both free throws on the technical foul, and after a scoreless possession by Morgan, Kara Bonenberger made two free throws for a 73-68 lead with 1:31 left.
Bianca Jarrett had a game-high 32 points for Morgan State (4-10).
Alyssa Baron had 28 points — the most for any Quaker this season — as Penn improved to 7-5.
Princeton 70, Navy 50: Niveen Rasheed recorded her fifth double double of the season with 18 points and 11 rebounds for the host Tigers (9-5).
The Mids (7-8) beat Princeton in their last meeting a year ago, 65-52. Navy started strong and led by as many as five, on a 3-pointer by Kara Pollinger with 15:58 left in the half. Princeton took the lead for good with 10 minutes left in the first half.
Jade Geif finished with 18 points for the Mids.
Princeton shot 58.3 percent from the field in the first half to take a 36-26 lead at the break.
Johns Hopkins 77, Swarthmore 66: Liz Tommasi scored 21 points and the visiting Blue Jays (5-8, 3-5 Centennial Conference) handed the Garnet (9-2, 5-1) its first league loss.
Hopkins led for most of the game, but Swarthmore battled back and led briefly in the second half.
Haverford 55, McDaniel 42: The host Fords (9-2, 6-1 Centennial) built a 13-point lead in the first half to beat the Green Terror (5-6, 2-5).
Steph Perez had a game-high 17 points for McDaniel. Rachel Baskin scored 15 points for Haverford.
Washington College 61, Dickinson 45: Freshman Ashley Espinosa scored a game-high 19 points to power the host Shorewomen (7-6, 5-3 Centennial) past the Red Devils (7-4, 3-4).
Neither team led by more than five points in the first half, but Washington College went on a 12-2 run to build a 40-27 led with 11:44 left in the game. Espinosa made a 3-pointer during the run.
Johns Hopkins 63, Swarthmore 44: George Bugarinovic led a trio of double-digit scorers with 16 points as the visiting Blue Jays (7-7, 4-3 Centennial) broke a two-game losing streak.
The Garnet fell to 3-11, 2-5.
Hopkins used a balanced scoring attack, 32 points in the first half and 31 in the second to win. The game featured one tie, and Hopkins never trailed.
Dickinson 76, Washington College 67: The visiting Red Devils (10-4, 5-2 Centennial) rallied from a seven-point halftime deficit to beat the Shoremen (0-14, 0-7).
Tucker Landy scored a game-high 21 points for Dickinson. Charlie McShane had 16 points for Washington College.


text:
Police were called to three separate collisions on the A23 at Handcross earlier today, with the road closed while the incident was dealt with.
Officers were called to the scene at Handcross at 7.22am today near the junction with the B2110 to a report of a collision on the A23 northbound, police say.
Two vehicles were involved in each of the three collisions, which all occurred in the outside lane of the northbound carriageway, according to Sussex Police.
Minor injuries were reported, however no one required hospital treatment.
Lanes two and three of the northbound carriageway were temporarily closed until about 9.15am while the scene was made safe and the vehicles were recovered.
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Markey's has been a fixture in Bywater in one way or another for 110 years, as of 2015 -- starting as the home of Standard Brewing Co. until the early 1920s when Eugene Frish took it over and opened Frish's Cafe. (A sign still marks the spot.) This history comes from Roy Markey Jr., whose great uncle, Joe Markey, turned it into a bar in 1947. Roy's father, Roy Sr., was a founding member of the Downtown Irish Club (along with Eddie Griffin, Jim Monaghan and Bud Rip) back when Bywater had a large Irish-American community.
Roy Jr. carries on the Irish tradition; he was a longtime officer in the club, which despite some updates retains a lot of its old neighborhood charm. Roy's added pub food to the offerings to include Buffalo wings, tacos, quesadillas, home-cut fries, an 8-oz. steak burger and fresh-cut onion rings. There are now 27 beers on tap, with a cross-section of Louisiana and national craft brews. The drinks offerings are indeed draft-driven, with some premium liquors to go along with the usual well drinks, and a few nice glasses of wine.
He now offers shuffleboard for those whose eyes aren't glued to the games on the 13 different flatscreen TVs (including two 55-inch screens).
For Saints games: Markey's is a major Bywater hub for a diverse range of football fans. With 13 screens, many of them large, there's not a bad view in the house. Outside, a row of new-looking patio tables line the side of Markey's, inviting smokers and fans who just enjoy sitting outdoors to watch the games on two new screens. The kitchen serves up the bar's usual pub grub.
Tip: You'll find the big game on one of the many TVs behind the bar.
Location: 640 Louisa St., New Orleans, 504.943.0785.
Open: Daily. Parking: Street.
Prices: Beer: $2.50-$6, wine: $3.75-$9, cocktails: $3-$6.
Crowd: Bywater hipsters and neighborhood fixtures
Live music: No. Food: No. Outdoor seating: No.
See also: Bywater bars, New Orleans neighborhood bars


text:
Question of the Week
Will a Familiar Beginning Beget a Familiar End?
By Husker Locker at August 19, 2012 | 12:00 PM | 0 Comment
Nebraska checked in at No. 16 in the initial Coaches' Poll and No. 17 in the AP Top 25. While some fans question the validity of either poll or the concept of having any more...
Who Should Be First to Scorch the Golden Eagles?
By Husker Locker at August 12, 2012 | 12:00 PM | 0 Comment
Several sources cited Bo Pelini stating that four individuals are vying for return duties. The lucky quartet is comprised of Ameer Abdullah, Kenny Bell, Tim Marlowe and more...
Can Taylor Top 70 Percent?
By Husker Locker at August 6, 2012 | 1:00 PM | 2 Comments
"70 percent or above" That's what Taylor Martinez is shooting for in terms of completion percentage in 2012. It's also a big jump from the 56.3 number he posted in more...


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11 responses
The Man Who Isn't There (Deleted) gave props (13 Nov 2011):
Very nice capture. I like the sepia here.
Susan B. Griffith said (13 Nov 2011):
Agree with Francesco about the sepia and composition. Love the bird action.
daniele castellucchio gave props (13 Nov 2011):
semplicemente fantastica......!
Leslie Hunziker gave props (22 Nov 2011):
wild & cool shot!
Bailey Cooper gave props (9 Dec 2011):
Outstanding sepia shot. A virtual time machine.
Michelle "B" gave props (14 Dec 2011):
Love this. The sepia is a perfect choice
Milena gave props (17 Apr 2012):
nostalgic and beautiful
Zel Nunes said (24 Oct 2012):
Andrea Petersen gave props (14 Jun 2016):
Love the birds flying ...Excellent!
Saroj Swain gave props (15 Jun 2016):
love the sepia color... very perfect
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TRENTON, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Department of Environmental Protection's WARN NJDEP mobile device
app, launched late last year, has been awarded an AVA Digital Gold Award
from the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals,
Commissioner Bob Martin announced today.
"On behalf of all of our staff who are out in our communities every day
protecting the environment, we are very pleased to have been recognized
for developing this innovative app, which allows residents to report
nonemergency environmental issues directly from their Smartphones or
other mobile devices," Commissioner Martin said. "This app is a
demonstration of the Christie Administration's ongoing efforts to engage
the public as partners in strong environmental protection."
The AVA Digital Awards is an international competition that recognizes
outstanding achievement by creative professionals involved in the
conceptualization, direction, design and production of media that
utilize digital arts, technology and information to engage target
The WARN NJDEP mobile app, launched this past November, complements the
DEP's telephone hotline, 877-WARNDEP (877-927-6337), which has
been in operation for many years. The app can be downloaded through
Google Play, the Apple app store and the Microsoft app store. Enter WARN
NJDEP in the search bar.
The app is not intended for reports of life-threatening and/or
environmental emergencies. These should be reported by calling 9-1-1,
local police or the DEP's hotline. Also, the app is NOT to be utilized
by regulated entities as an acceptable method for fulfilling
notification requirements to the DEP.
Examples of nonemergency incidents that may be reported through the app
include improper storage or disposal of waste and other materials, odor
complaints, smaller sewage leaks, smoke and dust complaints, underground
storage tank incidents, and wetlands or stream encroachment issues.
The app allows users to provide essential information on the type of
environmental incident, the date and time of the incident, whether it is
ongoing, and a brief description of what happened. The app utilizes GPS
technology for pinpoint location of environmental incidents and allows
users to submit photos as part of their reports to the DEP.
Users may provide their contact information, although they may choose to
report incidents anonymously, as has been the case for years through the
DEP hotline number system. The app provides a one-touch link allowing
the user to call the DEP's Communications Center and directly speak to a
dispatcher, if that is the user's preference.
The DEP's Communications Center is staffed 24 hours a day, every day of
the year and receives some 100,000 calls annually on a wide range of
incidents, such as nuisance wildlife complaints, wildfires, hazardous
material releases, and wetlands and other land-use violations. The
center works to assign cases within the DEP or to appropriate county and
local agencies.
For more on the awards program, visit: www.avaawards.com
The WARN NJDEP mobile app is a product of a partnership between the
state of New Jersey and the New Jersey Information Division of NICUSA,
Inc. New Jersey Information Division of NICUSA, Inc. is the official
eGovernment partner of the state of New Jersey, helping New Jersey
government entities Web-enable their information services.
About NIC
Founded in 1992, NIC (NASDAQ: EGOV) is the nation's leading provider of
innovative government solutions and secure payment processing, which
help make government more accessible to everyone through technology. The
family of NIC companies provides digital government solutions for more
than 4,500 federal, state, and local agencies in the United States.
Forbes has named NIC as one of the "100 Best Small Companies in America"
six times and the company has been included four times on the Barron's
400 Index. Additional information is available at http://www.egov.com.
New Jersey Information Division of NICUSA, Inc. Casey Faiman, 609-422-5959General Manager email@example.com
Maine Information Network Among "Best Places to Work in Maine"
Read More
Innovation: Get Out of Your Way
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View our library of graphics, presentations, videos and more.
Q3 2018 Earnings Announcement // Olathe, Kansas
Facts, photos, logos — everything you need to know about NIC.


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Riverchase Motel, Pigeon Forge, TN
Indoor and Outdoor Pool Area
Neither rain, nor sleet, nor dark of night will keep you from enjoying the water during your stay with us!
Soak up the sun and enjoy a lazy day at our outside pool, or race down the 45 foot water slide with a cool plunge at the bottom!
Are you staying during cool weather, or has a rainy day changed your plans? Relax in our indoor pool with 100 feet of curved sliding fun, ending with a splash beneath the water's surface.
Get as waterlogged as you want (or just watch the kids have a soaking good time) while lodging with us in the Smokies.
Pigeon Forge Motel
Motel Reservations
Pool Area
Motel Amenities
Area Map
Pigeon Forge TN
Guest Rooms
Copyright © 2006-2018 Riverchase Motel. All rights reserved.
3709 Parkway • Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
This Pigeon Forge website developed by
Stone Oak Web Design, Inc.


text:
Find your Councillor & Ward
Councillor Ward Sutherland
Councillor Joe Magliocca
Councillor Jim Stevenson
Councillor Sean Chu
Councillor Ray Jones
Councillor Richard Pootmans
Councillor Druh Farrell
Councillor Evan Woolley
Councillor Gian-Carlo Carra
Councillor Andre Chabot
Councillor Brian Pincott
Councillor Shane Keating
Councillor Diane Colley-Urquhart
Councillor Peter Demong
Peter Demong
Hi Everyone!
It's the holiday season, and I hope you will have some time to spend with friends and family. Here are a few notes that will help you during December.
Snow & Ice Control
It is a good thing to mention once or twice a year... The Ci...
Read More
Hello Ward 14,
There is one theme to every November column: my Ward 14 Communities BBQ. It takes a lot of space to thank everyone, so I will just briefly touch on a timely topic. The website calgary.ca/snow is full of information on a subject that i...
Greetings Ward 14!
Thank you to those who attended my Ward 14 Communities BBQ! It was a great time! Don't worry if you couldn't make it. There will be another chance next year—although it will look slightly different because of the upcoming election...
Hi Ward 14! I hope you had a great summer!
Ward 14 Communities BBQ
You are invited to my Ward 14 Communities BBQ. I hope to see you there.
The BBQ is on Saturday, September 24 in the Southcentre Mall Parking lot. It will run from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m....
The intersection of Macleod Trail and Shawnessy/Midlake Blvd is undergoing some major improvements. The goal is reduce congestion during the afternoon rush hour. I am happy to announce that the residents of Midnapore, Sundance, and many other souther...
Hello Ward 14. I hope you're having a great summer. I know it's easy to let the idea that summer is almost over creep in, but in reality our best weather is still ahead...
Ward 14 Communities BBQ
That is exactly why I hold my Ward 14 Communities BB...
Howdy Ward 14!
With all that this province has gone through in the last year or so, I hope we can all take some time this month to celebrate in a way that only this city knows how—with the Calgary Exhibition and Stampede! Let's have a good time and ...
Happy June Ward 14!
Ward 14 Wordsmith Award
Every year I hold an essay contest for the Grade 6 students in Ward 14. Every year they write abo0ut what municipal government means to them, and every year I am blown away by the calibre of the essays.
During 2016 and 2017 the City of Calgary will be doing some water system maintenance in the communities of Willow Park and Maple Ridge. You may already be aware of this because of an information session that was held on the topic at the Willow Ridge ...
Greetings Ward 14!
Normally in May we would just be starting to venture out into the outdoors after our winter hibernation, but this year it feels like we have had several months of spring already.
Spring yard waste drop-off at City Landfills
Motions and Initiatives (41)
Ward 14 Newsletter (82)
311 connects citizens with non-emergency services, 24 hours a day, seven days a
Available for iPhone in App Store and Android in Google Play store.
Submit a request
For City news and information search Calgary.ca and follow the City on social media.


text:
Her name is Julie, and she is my best friend. We shop together, went to Hawaii together, laughed together, cried together. Julie inspired me to stop and take time to smell the flowers, to see everyday as a beautiful day even if it was a grey cloudy rainy day. To never worry about what others think of you for you are who you want to be, and the only one that you need to prove your love to is yourself. The love for God she shared with me through her church. My belief that there was a God was tested beyond all to me.
Julie had been fighting breast cancer, and went into remission we thanked the good Lord together for that. But then a few months later it was back, and it was much worse than before. This time the tumor was in her breast bone not just in the tissue anymore. I took her to doctors appointments, and held her after her last doctors appointment when she was told that there was nothing more they could do, and that was her fourth doctor that she had been to for an opinion. The tumor was in her breast bone and showed no sign of slowing down or stopping with all the treatments.
For the next three months I was at Julies house everyday we laid in her bed and watched our favorite show 'I Love Lucy' together. I held her when she was in pain, and listened to her cry. I told her that there was no God because if there was he would not allow this to happen to her, or to anyone. Julie in all her pain and agony took my face between the palms of her hands and told me "he has never left my side don't push him away from yours. He doesn't pick and choose who gets this disease, but when one does have it he(god) never leaves your side. Her strength and belief kept me strong and believing. The next morning I received a phone call to get to Julies house right away. When I arrived Julie was laying their in her bed unresponsive. I sat behind her, laid her head in my lap, and held her while she passed away. I believe that god was with her for an angel was going to heaven. I believe that friends and faith can take you to higher and better places in life than one could ever imagine. Just BELIEVE!
If you enjoyed this essay, please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to This I Believe, Inc.


text:
The HSUS is working with community leaders and animal care and control agencies to create Wild Neighbors communities, where humane and non-lethal solutions are given priority when addressing conflicts between people and wildlife. Learn more about these innovative, effective, and humane approaches for solving problems with wildlife via our "Find Answers to Wildlife Problems" tool below.
Find Answers to Wildlife Problems
Find humane solutions for any wild animal problems you encounter in your home, yard, or garden. Pick an animal below to get started:
More Resources
Wild Neighbors Communities
Creating humane communities in which people, pets and wildlife peacefully coexist. Learn more about the Wild Neighbors program
The Humane Approach to Human-Wildlife Problems
Six easy steps for living peacefully with your wild neighbors. Assess your situation today
Trapping Is Not the Answer
When they're used to relocate animals away from their home turf, even humane traps can do more harm than good. Alternatives to live-trapping & relocating
How to Help Orphaned or Injured Wildlife
Learn how to tell if baby animals are orphaned, injured or perfectly fine—and what to do if they need help. Know the signs
Choosing a Wildlife Control Operator
Time to call in a professional? Make sure you go with an ethical company that will make sure no animals are harmed. Tips for choosing a humane company Shelter or organization? Take the pledge
Do You Know Your Wild Neighbors?
Separate myth from fact for these common misconceptions. Discover the truth
Creating a Humane Backyard
Whether it's an apartment balcony or community park, build a wildlife habitat with these tips and tricks. How to DIY your humane backyard
Watch Free Wildlife Webinars
Learn how you can help protect wildlife. Learn more
June 10, 2016
Humane Learning Webinars: Wildlife Protection
October 12, 2015
Lesson Plans for Teachers
August 11, 2015
Four Tips for Taking Your Cat to the Veterinarian


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|Mission Statement
|IIPT History
|IIPT Achievements
|Advisory Board
|Board of Directors
|Coalition of Partners
|Contact Us
Copyright © 1999-2007
|About Us
|Get Involved
Coalition of Partners for World Peace Through Tourism
The Africa Travel Association is an international, nonprofit, nonpolitical, professional travel industry association, whose objective is to promote tourism to Africa. Its membership is comprised of National Government Tourist Offices, hotels, airlines, ground and tour operators, travel agents, group tour leaders, marketing and media executives. ATA is a member of ASTA (American Society of Travel Agents of Travel Agents), WTO (World Tourism Organization), an industry partner with ARTA (Association of Retail Travel Agents), and a Green Globe member. ATA partnered with IIPT to develop the 2nd and 3rd African Conferences on Peace through Tourism held in Tanzania and Zambia.
It ties in, as it will every year, with World Travel
Market's established, highly successful and dedicated Responsible
Tourism Day. WTM World Responsible Tourism Day is the first opportunity
for travel and tourism to become one powerful and unifying force. But
it's not just about helping to save the planet. We have a responsibility
too to help local people wherever they might be, provide them with
shelter, jobs, clean water, food and education. Protect them from
exploitation, corruption and deceit. Offer them the right to a decent
and dignified standard of living where the next generation can flourish
in the knowledge that those before them have taken a sensible,
responsible and meaningful approach to the world in which we live.
Airline Ambassadors International (AAI) is a non-profit organization affiliated with the United Nations and recognized by the US Congress. It is a network of airline employees and others who volunteer as "Ambassadors of Goodwill" in their home communities and abroad. Members share their unique skills and talents to care for others and bring compassion into action. It provides humanitarian aid to children and families in need as well as relief and development to under-privileged communities worldwide.
An established International Cultural Exchange Program, the American Hospitality Academy mission is to develop future hospitality leaders through practical training, education, and cultural exchange while fostering international understanding, goodwill and friendship. In addition to practical training, a network of hospitality educators from prestigious universities around the world actively works with the Academy as global training partners. The AHA strives to develop hospitality leaders of tomorrow who have a positive attitude, demonstrate strong work values, lead by example, encourage tolerance, celebrate diversity and promote peace around the world.
ASTA is the world's largest association of travel professionals. Its 20,000-plus members include travel agents and the companies whose products they sell such as tours, cruises, hotels, car rentals, etc. ASTA's mission is to enhance the professionalism and profitability of member agents through effective representation in industry and government affairs, education and training, and by identifying and meeting the needs of the traveling public. All ASTA members pledge themselves to conduct their business activities in a manner that promotes the ideal of integrity in travel. In addition, ASTA is leading the travel industry in an ongoing battle against child sex tourism with its adoption of the Code of Conduct for the Protection of Children from Sexual Exploitation in Travel and Tourism.
The American Tourism Society (ATS) was founded in 1989 as a non-profit, non-political travel industry organization dedicated to "Bringing the World Together". With its international membership, the ATS represents the Baltics, Central Europe, the Mediterranean/Red Sea, Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States, assists them with their tourism development through marketing, communications, educational programs, governmental representation, and facilitates understanding and cooperation between all segments of the travel and tourism industry.
Ambassadors for Children
Ambassadors for Children (AFC) is a not-for-profit, charitable organization that provides meaningful travel opportunities to help children in need around the world. AFC partners with orphanages, schools, at-risk youth programs, and international humanitarian organizations to provide basic necessities, medical and dental care, educational support, and social development for disadvantaged, abused and abandoned children. AFC makes a significant impact on world peace and understanding through face-to-face cultural exchanges.
The Australian Federation of Travel Agents (AFTA) is the peak body in Australia representing the retail travel industry. Founded in 1957, AFTA represents the majority of travel agents in Australia and includes all of the major travel agency groups.
AFTA's role is to uphold the interests of members in matters relating to the operation of all travel agencies in Australia. In broad terms, these issues are ones that are not addressed by agent chain or corporate entities on behalf of their members, and are ones that involve the industry as a whole.
The Caribbean Tourism Organization is an international development agency and the official body for promoting and developing tourism throughout the Caribbean. Their members include 34 destination countries and private companies - airlines, hotels, cruise operators and travel agencies - who are involved in Caribbean tourism. Chapters of the CTO exist around the world to promote travel to the Caribbean.
Connected International Meeting Professionals Association
CIMPA is an online association of buyers and sellers of meeting and travel products and services with the mission to connect people of different cultures through meetings, travel and the internet for the purpose of promoting understanding, tolerance and friendships. By being connected to each other and to resources on the internet, members of this community will more easily share tools, information and ideas to plan cost-effective and successful meetings, travel and incentives.
Out of conviction and choice, CS5 has become specialized in solidarity work and long-term development. CS5 interfaces with numerous structures (associations, foundations, companies, international organizations, NGOs), to provide services in consulting, audiovisual production, multimedia and hardcopy materials. It supports a mission of developing programs to impact social change. The services provided to clients include market research and analysis, design and assessment of marketing strategies, identification of strategic alliances and potential venture partners, and the development and negotiation of partnership agreements.
CSM is one of America's top production consultants and producers of reality, documentary, music and action-adventure programming. CSM believes in universally accessible tourism, with the aim of contributing to economic development, international understanding, peace, prosperity and universal respect for, and observance of, human rights and fundamental freedoms. In pursuing this aim, CSM pays particular attention to the interests of developing countries in the field of tourism. CSM's latest initiative in creating and filming World Music Festivals across the globe in partnership with the host countries is a further reflection of this commitment.
Educational Travel Community
The Educational Travel Community is a community of leaders worldwide, dedicated to advancing experiential learning through travel. ETC serves the travel community, its members and their institutions and organizations, in education, training and networking priorities. Educational travel facilitates deeper, more enduring connections between travelers and the communities they visit through strong interpretation, experiential programming, and meaningful engagement.
Elderhostel, a not-for-profit organization, is America's first and the world's largest educational travel organization for adults 55 and over. Elderhostel provides exceptional learning adventures to nearly 170,000 older adults each year and offers nearly 8,000 programs a year in more than 90 countries believing that learning is a lifelong pursuit that opens minds and enriches lives.
European Travel Commission
The European Travel Commission (ETC) is the organization responsible for the promotion of Europe as a tourist destination. It is a non-profit making organization with its headquarters in Brussels. Its members are the 34 National Tourism Organizations (NTOs) of Europe, whose role is to market and promote tourism to Europe in general, and to their individual countries in particular. The ETC was formed with the idea of promoting travel among Europeans following World War II so that people might come to know one another. Today it is a bridge between different cultures and a factor for peace and stability.
Global Sports Partners is a Cyprus-based company dedicated to development of sports in 40 nations, including North Africa, Middle East, and North Korea. Global Sports Partners strive to develop sports to the highest level, enhancing both personal experience and promoting community development. The organization is specifically engaged in helping women to obtain their objectives in the realm of sports. The activities of the company cover a vast range of sport disciplines, even sports medicine, massage therapy, and sports psychology.
In 1984, Global Volunteers laid the foundation for what became known a decade later as "volunteer vacations": short-term service opportunities on community development programs in host communities abroad. Today, as a non-governmental organization in special consultative status with the United Nations, Global Volunteers mobilizes some 150 service-learning teams year-around to work in 20 countries on six continents, and is the internationally recognized leader in this field. Global Volunteers continues to work to help lay a foundation for world peace through mutual understanding.
Hellenic Association of
Travel & Tourism Agencies
The Hellenic Association of Tourist and Travel Agencies (HATA) was established in 1927 and since then, it has contributed dynamically to the development and promotion of Greek tourism, providing through its members a variety differentiated services that supports the country's developmental efforts while upgrading the quality of the tourist services provided. HATTA has cooperated with IIPT by organizing and hosting two important conferences in Turkey and Thessaloniki.
Hospitality Ireland is the innovative magazine from Madison Publications dedicated to the food service/drinks sector. The Magazine is the current holder of the best business specialist mags in Ireland. It is also the port of call for anybody involved, interested or wanting to advertise to the Irish hospitality market. Hospitality Ireland has created the most comprehensive and up to date audited database for the Irish food service industry.
Hostelling International USA is a non-profit membership organization founded in 1934 to promote international understanding of the world and its people through hostelling. HI-USA operates a network of nearly 80 quality hostel accommodations throughout the United States that are inexpensive, safe and clean. HI-USA, in cooperation with other national associations worldwide, belongs to the International Youth Hostel Federation (IYHF). This entire network, known as Hostelling International, offers more than 4,000 hostels in over 60 countries.
Indian Association
of Tour Operators
Founded in 1918, IAAPA is a non-profit association that works behind the scenes to help attraction owners run their business smoothly and profitably. The association is dedicated to the preservation and prosperity of the amusement industry worldwide. Its mission is to serve the membership by promoting safe operations, global development, professional growth, and commercial success of the amusement industry. In addition to the many charitable contributions made annually by member parks to the local communities they serve, IAAPA has made a commitment to support two worldwide organizations that serve those in need and to promote world peace: Give Kids The World and IIPT.
International Association of
Convention & Visitor Bureaus
Destination Marketing Association International, formerly known as IACVB, provides educational resources and networking opportunities to its members, and information on the CVB industry to the public. The association's mission is to enhance the professionalism, effectiveness, and image of destination management organizations worldwide as well as to enhance and complement the association and the destination management profession through research, education, visioning and developing resources and partnerships for those efforts. Destination Marketing actively encourages the integration of ethics into all aspects of management of the bureau activities.
International Council
of Tourism Partners
The International Council of Tourism Partners (ICTP) was set up in 2002 by eTurboNews as a source of independent advice for travel professionals. In December 2004, it signed a partnership agreement with Green Global Village, the consultancy arm of Green Globe 21, enabling the organizations to work together to shape and develop Tourism Partners. ICPT now provides a web-based platform for the industry to showcase socially responsible tourism strategies and a connection to decision makers at the highest level.
The International Federation of Women's Travel Organizations (IFWTO) is a worldwide network of professional women in the travel and tourism industry. An incredible networking organization, IFWTO boasts member clubs in over 35 countries. The membership is made up of travel agents, tour operators, airlines, bus companies, cruise lines, tourism bureaus, hotels, media and more. IFWTO aims to enhance personal and professional growth and leadership of its members through educational programs emphasizing global understanding and modern technologies; and actively promotes and develops sustainable and responsible tourism.
The International Holistic Tourism Education Centre (IHTEC) is dedicated to developing Global Sustainability Education programs that educate young people through "Tourism as a Vital Force for Peace". Innovative and realistic, IHTEC has become an acclaimed vehicle of
peace-building and protecting the environment within communities around the world. IHTEC trains teachers internationally through 'transnational distance learning' methods online. IHTEC's flagship program is the International School Peace Gardens which has gone to
many countries around the world. Contact: Julia Morton-Marr firstname.lastname@example.com Website: http://www.ihtec.org
King's Travel Service
The Kingdom Company provides mission travel services with the lowest possible fares and the very best service possible in arranging international travel. The company is involved in restricted access areas and understands the issues that confront travelers in those areas being advocates for involvement with Unreached People Groups.
Middle East-Mediterranean
Travel & Tourism Association
MEMTTA's primary purpose is to increase environmentally sustainable travel to and within the region, and to develop the tourism industry serving the region. The association contributes to both the economic development of the region as well as the environment of peace. Its efforts were recognized when MEMTTA received the 'Peace through Tourism Award" in 1997.
Munditinera, established in 1984, is a Tour Operator and Tourism Public Relations Company based in Morocco with representative offices in France, Spain, Russia, Egypt and Peru. The company is specialized in cultural and religious tours and events including tours in the footsteps of old civilizations such as the Roman Empire, Egyptian Pharaohs, The Great Mandarin culture, The Incas, Maya and Aztec civilizations, Bible itineraries in the Holy Lands and the Evangelic itineraries of St. Augustine, St. Mark and St. Paul. As well, holy pilgrimages for Muslims (Omra and Hadj) and for Jewish (in North Africa) have recently been introduced.
Maldives Chapter
Founded in 1951, the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is the leading authority, advocate and catalyst for the development of Asia Pacific's travel and tourism industry. PATA provides leadership and advocacy to the collective efforts of nearly 100 government, state and city tourism bodies, more than 55 airlines and cruise lines, and hundreds of travel industry companies. Through PATA's unique partnerships with and between its members, it continues to enhance the growth, value and quality of travel and tourism to, from and within Asia Pacific. PATA also encourages and assists in the development of travel industries in a manner which recognizes the urgent importance to practice an environmental ethic that supports responsible conservation and restoration of natural, social and cultural resources.
Reed Travel Exhibitions, the largest global organizer of travel trade
events, organizes the world's leading travel industry events for trade
professionals around the world, incorporating the travel trade,
corporate, meetings and incentives sectors, as well as niche tourism
products such as golf and luxury travel.
Sacred Himalaya
Travel is a Bhutanese owned and operated Travel company that offers
small group tours and treks with the intent to share a deep inner and
outer experience of peace with our guests and the hope a gentle kindness
may ripple further into the world. Sacred Himalaya Travel and IIPT offer
an annual World Peace Tour to the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan.
The San Francisco Convention & Visitors Bureau is a private, not-for-profit, membership organization with the mission to strengthen the San Francisco economy by marketing the city as a destination for meetings, conventions, trade shows and leisure visitors. Members are provided exclusive programs and services for maximizing their marketing, networking, relationship and educational development.
Skål is a professional organization of tourism leaders around the world, promoting global tourism and friendship. It is the only international group uniting all branches of the travel and tourism industry. Its members, industry managers and executives, meet at local, national, regional and international levels to discuss and pursue topics of common interest. Skål International today has approximately 22,000 members in 500 Clubs throughout 87 nations.
The Society for Accessible Travel & Hospitality (SATH) is a non-profit educational organization that has actively represented travelers with disabilities since 1976. SATH's mission is to promote awareness, respect and accessibility for mature and travelers with disabilities and to educate the travel, tourism and hospitality industry on becoming more accessible for persons with disabilities. SATH works vigorously for the creation of a barrier-free environment (architectural and attitudinal) throughout all segments of the travel and tourism industry, in the United States and abroad. The Society's efforts bore fruit in the access section of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and in the Air Carriers Access Act.
Society of American Travel Writers
|SATW is
a tax-exempt professional association whose purpose is to: promote
responsible journalism, provide professional support and development
for our members, encourage the conservation and preservation of travel
resources worldwide. The Society works to raise the standards
of the profession, guard the right of freedom to travel, and encourage
conservation and preservation of historic sites and natural wonders.
Believing that travel is a bridge between peoples, our earnest desire
is to make and keep travel a quality experience for everyone.
Founded in 1973, SITE is the only international, not-for-profit, professional association devoted to the pursuit of excellence in incentives, a multi-billion dollar global industry. SITE provides educational seminars and information services to those who design, develop, promote, sell, administer and operate motivational programs as an incentive to increase productivity in business. Currently SITE has over 1,800 members in 82 countries, with 28 local and regional chapters. Members represent airlines, cruise lines, corporate users, destination management companies, ground transportation companies, hotels and resorts, incentive houses, official tourist organizations, trade publications, travel agencies and supporting organizations such as restaurants and visitors attractions.
The Sustainable Communities Foundation through Tourism [SCF] promotes a programme of sustainable community tourism development in collaboration with a range of stakeholders, that emphasizes ecological impacts and focuses on the communities of the Caribbean with a demonstration project in central and south-west region of Jamaica. The programme revolves around three central themes: ecology, community and tourism, uniting the concepts of social development and ecological sustainability.
SYTA is the non-profit, professional trade association that promotes student and youth travel and promotes quality student/youth travel services that enhance social, cultural, and educational growth. SYTA members are tour operators, travel agencies and supplier organizations that are committed to professionalism and integrity in student and youth travel. The organization is run by an elected Board of Directors and a professional staff, with North American headquarters in the metro Detroit, Michigan area.
The International
Tourism Exchange
BIT is the largest exhibition in the world for the Italian tourist product alongside comprehensive, pre-eminent international representation. Its success is confirmed by the attendance of 5,000 exhibitors, including 1,600 from overseas, more than 100,000 professional visitor contacts and over 46,000 travelers from 120 countries.
Universal Federation of Travel Agents' Association
UFTAA, the Universal Federation of Travel Agents' Associations, represents national travel agents' associations of more than one hundred countries. It is the only world body representing the interests of travel agents worldwide. UFTAA negotiates on equal terms with international organizations representing other sectors of the travel industry - airlines, hotels, railways, other suppliers - and enjoys consultative status with the United Nations.
World Expeditions is one of the world's leading adventure travel companies offering sustainable small group adventure holidays which began with its first trekking holiday in Nepal in 1975. Today, with offices around the globe, they offer more than 500 stand alone itineraries, which have a strong focus on responsible and ethical travel. World Expeditions are IIPT Coalition Partners and help promote the The Credo of the Peaceful Traveler.
World Airlines
Clubs Association
The objective of the World Airlines Club Association is to promote and encourage friendship, good fellowship and mutual understanding among people of the world, no matter what social standing, race or religion. Many of WACA's goals are based simply on having fun together with no limitations to its differences of status, social standards, race, religion or politics.
Founded in 1949 in Switzerland, the World Association of Travel Agencies (WATA) is a non-profit organization registered in Switzerland. WATA has positioned itself as a truly respected name in the travel industry and is the leading association grouping Inbound Travel Agencies in the leisure (tourism) segment of our industry. WATA groups selected inbound travel agencies dedicated to the enhancement of the professionalism and profitability of member agents through mutual cooperation and global networking. Its members are committed to the highest standards of business ethics and quality of service to clients. Customers feel more confident in choosing our services as they recognize in the WATA logo a symbol of trust and professionalism - for the satisfaction of their clients.
The United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA) is a professional association representing the tour operator industry. We are composed of companies whose tours and packages encompass the entire globe and who conduct business in the U.S. USTOA members number among the top names in travel and represent the entire spectrum of vacation packages and tours available today. Our member companies are responsible for the majority of tours and vacation packages sold by travel agents in the U.S. moving more than 11 million passengers annually and accounting for an annual sales volume of more than $9 billion. This sales success story reflects the organization's pledge to encourage and maintain the highest standards of professionalism, integrity and service.
International Institute for Peace Through Tourism
685 Cottage Club Road, Unit 13, Stowe, VT 05672
Tel: +1 802 253 2658 • Fax: +1 802 253 2645
Email: firstname.lastname@example.com


text:
Meraki MS120-24P
The Cisco Meraki MS120-24P is a cloud managed layer 2 access switching ideal for branch and campus deployments.
Cisco Meraki MS120 switches provide Layer 2 access switching ideal for branch and campus deployments. The MS120 series features a variety of power options designed to meet the diverse needs of large enterprise networks.
• Gigabit Access switching with 24- and 48- port models and PoE+
• 4 x 1GbE SFP uplink interfaces on all models
• Non-blocking switch with up to 104 Gbps bandwidth support
• Fanless design on select models
• Lifetime hardware warranty and advanced replacement at no additional cost
• Up to 740 watt PoE budget with PoE+ support and dynamic power allocation for powering APs, phones, cameras, and other PoE-enabled devices
• 6 dedicated QoS queues for converged voice, video, and data applications
• Low power consumption, quiet acoustic design, and shallow rack depth options, enabling flexible deployment in wiring closets as well as offices and classrooms
• Integrated mounting brackets for rack mounting


text:
As members or flavors of the Ubuntu family of Linux operating systems, Ubuntu, Kubuntu and Xubuntu share the same project servers, development infrastructure and software repositories. Each can install and run software designed for all other flavors. In addition, all three flavors benefit from efforts by Ubuntu's parent, Canonical, to produce a Linux distribution that is easy to install, supports modern PC hardware and simplifies access to the software needed to play popular video and audio file formats.
Desktop Environment
Ubuntu, Kubuntu, and Xubuntu each use a different desktop environment to control the way their applications look and function as well as the way you access resources on your system or over a network. Ubuntu uses Unity, a recent fork or feature redesign of the Gnome desktop. Kubuntu, on the other hand, uses the KDE Plasma desktop, while Xubuntu has Xfce as its desktop environment. The Unity desktop is designed to provide a common user experience on Ubuntu users on PCs as well as smartphones, tablets and set-top boxes. Both KDE and Xfce, however use a familiar PC desktop metaphor that users of Windows 7 will recognize.
System Requirements
To install and run Ubuntu or Kubuntu, you need a 700 MHz or faster 32-bit Intel processor, at least 512MB of RAM, a minimum of 5GB disk or SSD space, and a 1024 by 768 pixel display. In addition, Unity requires an OpenGL 1.4 or higher-compatible video card with 3D hardware acceleration and at least 256MB video RAM. You need 256MB of system memory and 6.1GB free disk space to install Xubuntu's XFCE desktop. Nonetheless, Xubuntu's developers recommend you have at least 512MB RAM installed to run the desktop. Each Ubuntu flavor, however, runs better with more RAM and a faster single or multi-core processor.
Video of the Day
Default Programs Included
Each distribution ships with a selection of applications which distinguishes it from other Ubuntu desktops. For example, Xubuntu uses Risetto to view and organize photos, while Kubuntu and Ubuntu use Gwenview and Shotwell, respectively. Ubuntu and Kubuntu both ship with the LibreOffice Writer word processor, while Xubuntu comes standard with Abiword. You can listen to music files on Xubuntu with the Gmusicbrowser or Parole audio players. Amarok is the default music player for Kubuntu, while Ubuntu uses Rhythmbox. In addition, each desktop uses different tools to perform system tasks like adding or removing software, managing files or controlling system settings. For instance, Ubuntu uses the Nautilus-based Files, Kubuntu uses Dolphin and Xubuntu uses the Gigolo file manager.
Target Audience
There is no task you can do with Ubuntu that can't be done with either Kubuntu or Xubuntu. Nevertheless, each desktop has a target audience. Ubuntu targets users who want a modern desktop that is easy to use, complete with the tools you need to work or play, and has a user interface that resembles a smartphone or tablet device. Users who value the ability to customize their system to their hearts content may prefer Kubuntu. Xubuntu, on the other hand, targets users who want a simple, more conventional Windows-like desktop that is not too resource-heavy on new PCs and runs well on older, slower, less-powerful hardware as well.


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Database Design Studio Lite 2.21.0
This program performs ERD modeling, SQL script generation and forward engineering of relational databases.
Enhanced Entity Relationship Diagram modeling allows you to design a fully relational database, complete with Referential Integrity Constraints, indexes, checks, defaults and unique constraints. Diagrams show the complete table structure. The program supports all major databases including Oracle, DB2, SQL Server, Informix, Sybase, MySQL, PostgreSQL, Interbase, Access, SQLBase, Ingres, ANSI and MicroSQL. Cross-DBMS target compatibility allows you to design once and create for all. The program offers a project manager for managing the files that are used and generated by the application. Java source code can be created directly from the ERD to contain the DDL for any of the supported database targets. Source code can be compiled and executed from within the DDS-Lite environment.


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Create an Account - Increase your productivity, customize your experience, and engage in information you care about.
Through a series of short video clips, City of Goodlettsville employees will give insight into their departments and talk about what they do each day to serve the community and residents of Goodlettsville. In total there are 14 videos. A new video will be featured each month from November 2017 through December 2018. The goal of the project is to give the Goodlettsville community the inside scoop of its municipal government. We are people here to serve 'our people'.
This month we are highlighting the Police Department with Officer Rico Jones. Rico has served as an officer with the department since July 2013. He is assigned to Patrol and is a part of the frontline that works daily with our community and visitors. Rico was recognized by the Tennessee Highway Safety Office as the Middle Tennessee Police Officer of the Year for 2016 for his efforts to save lives and reduce traffic crashes through traffic enforcement. He is a valued member of the department.


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Friday, November 7, 2014
Alfred, prepare the Bat-Typer!
8 comments:
Yessiree, the M44 always looks like it's made from stretched rubber...until you try to lift it. How's it type, Ted?ReplyDelete
- AnonymousNovember 8, 2014 at 1:43 AM
Fine looking M44!ReplyDelete
Heh, I don't know how it types, you should ask Peter :DReplyDeleteReplies
Oh, No, Not Again! (heh, heh!)Delete
Dang, every now and then, I get somebody's name mixed up. I think we're all gonna have to wear name badges. Ahh well, that should be it for 2014.
Hey Peter, how does it type?
Man, that is a COOL machine. I like how it says "The" Olivetti M44. Happy noveling!ReplyDelete
It types very nicely. I still haven't found the serial no. One quirk is that the question mark is way over there under the color selector. And being British, it has all the eighths and quarters for the old money I assume.ReplyDelete
The fractions should come in more handy in your neck of the woods than over here in the UK since we went (well, most of us) over to metric. I have been delving into motorcycle owners group forums and all the American cousins talk about eighths and quarters and pints. It is an stunningly uncompromising 'look' the M44 has - you can see the heritage in the Lexikon.ReplyDelete
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'Vision Systems Design Innovators Award' for Allied Vision's Goldeye SWIR camera
The judging panel of esteemed experts from system integrator and end-user companies considered the Goldeye G-033 short-wave infrared (SWIR) camera to be one of the top innovations of the year in the machine vision industry.
The Goldeye G-033 SWIR is the smallest and fastest GigE Vision SWIR camera on the market. Its design combines high performance with a small form factor that allows for easy Vision Systems Design Group Publisher Alan Bergstein: "This competitive, unbiased program celebrates the most innovative products and services in the vision and image processing industry."
The Goldeye G-033 stands out of the crowd of infrared cameras with InGaAs sensors with its very high frame rate. The new camera delivers more than 300 frames per seconds (fps) at full resolution. Reducing the resolution to QVGA (320 x 240) allows for a frame rate over 950 fps. This makes the Goldeye G-033 the perfect choice for many demanding applications requiring high speed, such as inline inspection (e.g. hot-end glass inspection) or plastics sorting using hyperspectral imaging in the recycling industry.
"We are very proud and thank the jury for this award", said Frank Grube, President & CEO of Allied Vision. "This success demonstrates Allied Vision's expertise in high-performance infrared imaging for industrial and scientific applications".


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Tag: Good Friday
Jesus displays servant leadership by washing his disciple's feet (courtesy of Turn Back To God)
A carpenter's son born in a humble manger, Jesus of Nazareth could hardly be considered a superstar CEO by today's yardstick.
However, few others have inspired or influenced as many lives as He has.
Read More


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Another Juneteenth is just around the corner, June 19, 2013, and the babies in the womb are still not free.
Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration commemorating the ending of slavery in the United States. Dating back to 1865, it was on June 19th that the Union soldiers, led by Major General Gordon Granger, landed at Galveston, Texas with news that the war had ended and that the enslaved were now free. Note that this was two and a half years after President Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation – which had become official January 1, 1863. The Emancipation Proclamation had little impact on the Texans due to the minimal number of Union troops to enforce the new Executive Order. However, with the surrender of General Lee in April of 1865, and the arrival of General Granger's regiment, the forces were finally strong enough to influence and overcome the resistance.
Not until the Emancipation Proclamation were slaves considered persons for the purposes of rights. Yet, still today, 50 years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation and 48 years since Juneteenth, there are people that our country still considers non-persons.
Many babies in their mothers' wombs, human babies, human people, have been claimed as property by their mothers when they claim, "It's my body and I can do whatever I want with it." These babies have been claimed as property belonging to the mothers and can be disposed of as the mother so wished and our government condones it. No, the government champions that right. Usurping any rights that the babies have to life for the mothers' choice to kill their babies.
Just as in the 1800s there was a need for some people to fight for the rights of others, so it is today but in a more profound way. Today, the pre-born babies don't have the opportunity to run away from their 'masters.' Today, the pre-born babies can't ask for their life or rights be given to them. Today, the pre-born babies die in silence. Today, the pre-born die in excruciating pain. Today, the pre-born babies sometimes struggle to be born only to be killed seconds or minutes later or just left to drown in a toilet or die in a garbage can.
In a world where we must save and protect the ladybugs, the harbor seal, sea turtle and their eggs and countless others endangered animals; I would think that on top of that list would be all humans, born and pre-born, young and old, regardless of disabilities.
What does that say about our society? Or our country?
Get involved in the abolition movement of our day! Get involved and help Abolish Abortion!


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Chris Hemsworth Suits Up for Polo Match with Wife Elsa Pataky
Chris Hemsworth and his wife Elsa Pataky meet up with Emily Blunt at the Audi Polo Challenge held at Coworth Park on Sunday (May 31) in London, England.
The 31-year-old actor brought along his daughter India (not pictured), who got a chance to meet both Prince William and Prince Harry that day!
Also attending the event were Chiwetel Ejiofor, Douglas Booth with actress pal Millie Brady, Stanley Tucci and his wife Felicity (who is also Emily's sister!).
FYI: Emily is wearing a Jenny Packham dress, Sophia Webster shoes, and Jimmy Choo clutch. Elsa is wearing an Ulyana Sergeenko dress, Casadei heels, and carrying a Paula Cademartori clutch. Chris is wearing a Salvatore Ferragamo jacket.


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I wrote this early this morning with my belief that Nick Smith's position was untenable.
In geographical sequence, not in order of merit or endorsement by me in any way. This takes into account the PM can replace Nick with anyone and rejig portfolios at will.
National actually has some good local government people, with Nathan Guy, Nicky Wagner and Sam Lotu-Iiga all being former councillors and not first termers. Nathan would have to be the pick to take over the portfolio, with the environment much more problematic. Nicky Wagner has a strong track record on the environment and her win in Christchurch Central bought her a lot of credibility.
Nikki Kaye
Well known pinko, and got into a fight with Nick Smith over protecting Auckland's trees. Won a seat for National for the first time ever, and held it, but with a narrow margin and with a highly competent opponent.
Not naturally aligned to local government portfolio but is aligned to the environment.
Pros: Young woman from the socially and economically liberal wing of National, filling a gap for National. Appeals to the gay lobby by wanting to waste tax payers money on a gay pride event but wont stand up for gay marriage.
Been good at impressing senior guys in the party.
Cons: Would lose Auckland Central if she was a minister and couldn't spend every spare minute working in her electorate.
Not known for any tangible achievements apart from winning and holding Auckland Central.
Not liked by her peers who rate her as a lightweight intellectually and for her unwillingness to do the hard yards with things like reading select committee papers. Known as a drinker and a risk taker. Misses meetings due to being hungover.
Best described as the middle ranked monkey on a tree. The top monkey looking down sees a smiley face, the one under her just sees…ahhh…well you can imagine for yourself.
Sam Lotu-Iiga
Old school mate of Whale, and regarded as a prodigious talent. Former Auckland City Councilor where he did a good job on the Finance and Expenditure committee. Highly likeable guy with few enemies. Cambridge educated, lawyer and banker, and a genuine intellect.
Pros: Experience in local government and very good with people, so will likely to help push through changes if used in local government. Fiscally sound, and with a very large support base due to his likability.
National doesn't do affirmative action, but the ministry is white and doesn't reflect New Zealand's changing population. Promoting Sam on these grounds has political implications.
One of only three National MPs to increase his majority against a Labour list MP.
Cons: Didn't shine in his first term as much as expected, perhaps because he stayed on the Auckland council too long. Working two jobs was bloody hard, especially when he had to win his marginal seat.
Louise Upston
Very solid performer in her first term, with a work ethic and mastery of detail far in advance of most of her peers. Massively increased her majority to 14000 in a formerly Labour seat so very popular with voters. Has a very loyal team and a great reputation in her electorate.
Pros: Safe pair of hands, capable to pick up just about anything and work her way through it.
Sound on the environment as a long time Blue Greens member.
Cons: Was regarded as something of a plodder by her fast talking and flashy peers, but through hard work will out compete them.
Nicky Wagner
Career stalled by getting offside with McCully, which is a point in her favour in the eyes of this blogger. Exceptionally well liked in Christchurch, winning the ultra red seat of Christchurch Central for the first time ever. Brilliant on the ground, huge empathy and able to take people with her from all sections of society.
Former ECan councillors and known Blue Green. Most natural direct replacement for Nick Smith.
Pros: Knowledgeable in local government and very well up to play on environmental issues. Perhaps a little to the left of the party on the environment, but then so was Nick.
Not liked by McCully and his dying clique.
Has the softer skills to push local government reform through when dealing with patch protecting mayors and councillors.
Cons: Leading light in the Blue Greens and good friend of Nick Smith. Has been too focused on minor things like Green Business rather than the RMA, local government reform and big picture environment issues.
Michael Woodhouse
Well regarded in some circles but the only scum list MP in this list. Portfolios do not match his area of expertise but this doesn't matter if there is a reshuffle.
Pros: Comes with a good background and was highly regarded before he entered parliament. Hasn't made any major mistakes, and is a safe pair of hands.
Cons: Scum List MP.
Didn't do very well in Dunedin and has alienated some in National for not doing the hard yards on the ground during recesses to lift National's support. Apparently this is due to his devotion to his family, so this blog will not fault him for this.
Too short to have a real presence, though hasn't stopped Winston in the past.
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As much at home writing editorials as being the subject of them, Cam has won awards, including the Canon Media Award for his work on the Len Brown/Bevan Chuang story. When he's not creating the news, he tends to be in it, with protagonists using the courts, media and social media to deliver financial as well as death threats.
They say that news is something that someone, somewhere, wants kept quiet. Cam Slater doesn't do quiet and, as a result, he is a polarising, controversial but highly effective journalist who takes no prisoners.
He is fearless in his pursuit of a story.
Love him or loathe him, you can't ignore him.
To read Cam's previous articles click on his name in blue.


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I set up the laptop to connect to a wireless router and set WEP PSK security. All working fine, no problems.
One day the laptop was being used and the grandson bashed the keyboard. The wireless connection was lost and now it won't reconnect.
It sees the network but when he clicks on the Connect button it goes through the motion of connecting then goes back to the window with the Connect button still showing.
I got him to remove the network and try again and enter the network key, but the same thing happens.
Any suggestions?


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Friday, June 7, 2013
How Do You Prepare for the Unknown?
5 comments:
- e said...
cant wait to follow along on ALL of these options. Bangkok would be amazing. We are gearing up for three potential destination wedding trips; fall in Greece, winter in Thailand (Ko Samui) and spring in Kashmir. Its crazy that they are hitting so close together but its hard to say no to close friends (and travel!) A new baby (fingers crossed) could throw all plans into the air, but Im getting the travel bug big-time so hoping to live vicariously through your family!
- June 7, 2013 at 2:40 PM
- Strawberry said...
Good luck wherever things take you. This all seems very familiar right now, except our questions and scenarios are based in the US and our two options are basically: sell the house and move, or not be able to sell the house.
- June 7, 2013 at 2:53 PM
- Marcia (123 blog) said...
I am wayyyy too excited for you guys! Any travel would be good :)
Seriously, is Singapore as expensive as NYC?
My one friend's husband (in advertising) is looking for jobs there but the deal is she's got to be able to stay home.
- June 7, 2013 at 3:17 PM
- K J and the kids said...
I would love to know, and excuse me if you've talked about it before, what your wife does that will allow her job opportunities that span the world wide ?
Can't wait to find out where you decide to go.
- June 7, 2013 at 11:05 PM
- Tiffany said...
So awesome. So happy for you all. Whether it's travel or living, you will rock it. Congratulations!
- June 8, 2013 at 4:25 PM


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You feel some peace of mind that while your device and the network it connects to will not be totally obsolete for many years; however, just as the intervals between phone generations are shrinking, because of the need for speed and the shortage of spectrum to accommodate it, so too have the intervals been mobile network generations as operators and regulators search for "clean air" in which to go faster, faster.
Thus, the news that UK telecoms regulator Ofcom is preparing to support the release of spectrum for future mobile services, possibly 5G, is not surprising. The regulators are fully aware of the importance of ubiquitous mobile broadband to their country's future economic vitality and they want to be ready. Think of this as making sure there is a good seawall in place before the tsunami hits, rather paying for the damage after it has inundated "E"veryone and "E"verything.
Ed Richards, Ofcom chief executive, said: 'Within the coming months we will hold the UK's largest-ever auction of mobile spectrum for 4G. However, that may not be enough to meet consumers' future data demands, which is why we are already making significant efforts to prepare to go beyond 4G."
It turns out that Ofcom believes that by 2030, demand for mobile data could be 80 times higher than today. The reason it believes that being forewarned is validation for being forearmed can be seen in the statistics for just the past year. An estimated 20 million Gigabytes of data is consumed per month over mobile networks in the UK – more than twice (nine million Gigabytes ) the monthly consumption rate for just last year.
Since there is a general consensus, we are literally going to be swamped by bandwidth hungry apps in the hands of individuals with an exploding population of personal devices. What is Ofcom looking at?
A posting on the Ofcom plans on phys.org is revealing, and the idea is to re-farm spectrum. The 700MHz frequency band – currently used by digital terrestrial television (DTT) – is being looked at as a candidate for moving in order to free up the band for 5G use. The item quotes Richards as calling the change "a migration," rather than a fork lift.
Ofcom believe that in most cases, it would only require a re-tune of existing TV equipment. And, if you live in the UK and are concerned since 4G is just being rolled out, not to worry. Ofcom does not think a new spectrum plan would happen before 2018. The article also notes that the company likes the idea because using the 700 MHz band would align the UK with future harmonized spectrum planning across Europe, which based on economies of scale and scope, would make it easier and less expensive for network infrastructure providers to participate in the market, hopefully with less expensive services and handsets.
It should also be noted that while Ofcom is looking at the spectrum for mobile operators to increase their marco-cellular capacity, they also pointed out that there is also an "untapped opportunity" for public Wi-Fi to meet consumer data demands. Indeed, having just moderated the Wi-Fi Wireless Broadband Congress in San Francisco, while the estimates that about 25 times more data is currently downloaded over mobile networks than Wi-Fi hotspots today, it is only going to be a matter of a few short years rather than many before the tables are turned.
What this means for consumers is that it is safe to invest in that iPhone5 or Samsung Galaxy III, and whatever new 4G devices with Wi-Fi, or for that matter Wi-Fi only devices, appear as "must haves" for your holiday shopping this year and next. The regulators obviously have to look ahead, and even like with delight at the possibility of increasing the public coffers with auction revenues of licensed spectrum, but how all of this plays out in the market as things like Wi-Fi, 802.11 ac and Next Generation Hotspot (NGH) proliferate along with Wi-Fi roaming and increased Wi-Fi ubiquity in heavy traffic areas, makes thinking too much about 5G in 2018 a bit problematic.
That said, it is good to see regulators trying to be proactive rather than reactive, but the G force is most likely going to be part of the mix of how major operators evolve their business models to keep customers connected to their billing systems no matter the access technology.
The technology may be interesting, but at the end of the day, it is all about making money, and in this time of a perfect storm of economic and uncertainly and customer fickleness, this is going to be as much about which ecosystem prevails as it will be about G forces.
Senior Editor
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