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Learn About Independent and solo traveling in Iran
|copyrights: Elena Senao
:: Learn About Independent and solo traveling in Iran.
this section contains vital information as how to get to Iran from land, air , sea borders. How to leave Iran and get to neighboring countries. Here we talk about social norms, things to do and things not to do., what to wear, food…etc.
You are highly encouraged to read this section through for your information.
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Rates in July 2006
The rial (ریال) is the official currency of Iran, however to save time in a high-inflation economy prices are sometimes quoted in tomans (تومان). One toman is equal to ten rials.
As a general guide, written prices are given in rials and prices quoted in conversation are in tomans. To confuse you even further, shopkeepers will often omit the denomination of high prices, so you may be told a jar of coffee costs 2 tomans (meaning 2,000 tomans or IR 20,000) and that a fine rug will cost 3 tomans (meaning 3,000,000 tomans or IR 30,000,000). In conversation, 1 Chomejni denotes IR 10,000.
Most travellers spend the first few day of their trip coming to grips with this mind-boggling system, and money changers on the border will often exploit this confusion to rip you off. Be careful, and if in doubt, always ask a shopkeeper or moneychanger if they are quoting a price in rials or tomans.
:: Carrying money in Iran
Iran is still a cash economy, so bring enough hard currency for the duration of your stay. US dollars are the most useful, and new bills in good condition are preferred, even getting a better rate. Trade embargoes mean that banks will not forward cash advances on your foreign credit cards and they are only accepted by select stores for large purchases, such as Persian rugs. Most will be happy to forward you some cash on your credit card at the same time as your purchase. If you are desperate for cash, you can also try asking these shops to extend you the same favour without buying a rug or souvenir, but expect to pay dearly for the luxury.
Travelers' cheques Although in theory central banks in provincial capitals are able to cash them, the paperwork and time involved make them impractical for tourist use.
ATMs exist in major cities, and there are point-of-sale devices in some larger stores, but only local bank cards are accepted. Bank Tejarat is now providing aprepaid smart-card service for foreign tourists travelling to Iran. Using this service, you can buy a prepaid smart-card with foreign currency which can be used on the domestic ATM and point-of-sale network for withdrawing rials. You can apply for this service at some travel agents, if they support the service, or by visiting the special Tejarat Bank kiosk in Tehran's Mehrabad international airport. Before your departure, the remaining credit on the card can be changed back to foreign currency. Since the domestic ATM network is prone to malfunctions, and point-of-sale devices aren't common in stores, having a cash reserve (either rials or foreign currency) is still recommended.
:: Money and daily life in Iran
There is little point in risking the black market moneychangers who loiter outside of major banks and only offer marginally better rates than the banks. Central banks in most cities will change money for you, but the process can be a drawn out affair requiring signatures from countless officials and a fair deal of running around.
A better compromise are the private exchange offices (sarāfi) scattered around most large cities and major tourist centres. Although their rates are comparable to those of the banks, they are far quicker and, unlike their black market colleagues, they can be traced later on if something goes wrong.
The most widely-accepted currency is the US dollar, but euros and UK pound sterling can also be changed. $100 notes attract the highest prices, and you will be quoted lower rates for any old or ripped notes.
Bargain ruthlessly when buying handcrafts, rugs or big ticket items and modestly when hailing private taxis. In most other aspects of life prices are fixed. Tipping is generally not expected, but locals will generally round up the bill in taxis and add around 10% in classy restaurants. Porters and bellboys will expect IR 2,000 – 3,000. A discreet gift of a few thousand tomāns may help grease the wheels of Iranian society and serve to thank an extraordinarily helpful local, but bakhsheeh and bribing are not a major part of Iranian life.
You won't be able to escape the government-sanctioned dual pricing systemthat applies to accommodation and some tourist attactions in Iran; foreigners often pay up to ten times the price quoted to locals. However thanks to the government's recent commendable efforts to eliminate 'foreigner' prices from many tourist attractions, most notably Persepolis, low food and transport costs make Iran a cheap travel destination.
If you are prepared to stay in the cheapest guesthouses, travel only by bus and eat only at fast food outlets or kabābis, you can get by in Iran on a minimum of around IR 100,000 per day. If you want to eat a decent restaurant meal every now and then and stay in mid-range accommodation, a more realistic budget is around IR 250,000. If you want to eat and sleep in luxury and fly between major sights, you can easily chew through IR 700,000 per day.
:: Eating in Iran
The good news for travellers is that Iranian cuisine is superb. A wide range of influences from Central Asia, the Caucasuses, Russia and the Middle East have created a diverse, relatively healthy range of dishes that focus on fresh produce and aromatic herbs. The bad news, however, is that Iranians prefer to eat at home, rather than in restaurants, so decent eateries are scarce and stick to a repetitive selection of dishes (mainly kebabs). An invitation to an Iranian home for dinner will be a definite highlight of your stay.
:: Traditional cuisine in Iran
Fragrant rice (برنج, berenj) is the staple of Iranian food. Boiled and then steamed, it is often coloured with saffron or flavoured with a variety of spices. When served plain as an accompaniment it is known as chelo (چلو). The two most common meat / chelo combinations are kebab variations (chelo kabāb, چلو کباب) or rotisserie chicken (chelo morgh, چلو مرغ). Flavoured rice, known aspolo, is often served as a main course or as an accompaniment to a meat dish. Examples include shirin polo falvoured with orange zest, young cherries and honey glazed carrots, the broad-bean and herb heavy bāghli polo andsabzi polo laced with parsley, dill and mint.
The rice and kebab dish chelo kabāb (چلو کباب)and its half-dozen variations are the most common (and often the only) items on Iranian restaurant menus. A grilled skewer of meat is served on a bed of fluffy rice, and accompanied by an array of condiments. You can add butter, grilled tomatoes and a sour spice known as somāgh to your rice, while some restaurants also provide a raw egg yolk. Raw onion and fresh basil are used to clear your palate between mouthfuls. Variations in kabāb dishes come from the meats they are served with. You will commonly see:
Kabāb koobideh (كباب كوبيده) – a kebab of minced beef, shredded onion and spices.
Kabāb barg (كباب برگ) – pieces of lamb marinated in lemon juice and shredded onion.
Kabāb makhsoos (كباب مخصوص) – usually the most expensive option, this kebab uses the highest quality meat.
Joojeh kabāb (جوجه كباب) – a skewer of chicken pieces marinated in lemon juice and saffron.
Kabāb bakhtiāri (كباب بختارِي) – great for the indecisive eater, this is a skewer of alternating chicken and lamb pieces.
At home people most often eat rice with a thick stew (khoresht, خورشت) containing a modest amount of meat. There are dozens of khoresht variations such as the sweet and sour fessenjān made from ground walnuts and pomegranate syrup, ghormeh-sabzi based on fresh herbs, dired limes and kidney beans, gheimeh flavoured with split-peas and often garnished with French fries, and the sweet sib-āloo which uses apples and plums.
Hearty Iranian soups (āsh, آش) are meals in themselves. The most popular is the vegetarian āsh reshteh (آش رشته) made from herbs, chickpeas and thick noodles, and garnished with yoghurt and fried onions.
Flat bread (nān, نان) is another pillar of Iranian food. It is served at breakfast with herbs, feta cheese and a variety of jams, or as an accompaniment to meals. Sangak (سنگك) is a dimpled variety cooked on a pebbled oven whilelavāsh (لواش) is a thin and bland staple.
Most food outlets in Iran are either kabābis or fast food outlets serving a standard fare of burgers, sandwiches, felafels or pizza (پیتزا). A burger and a soft drink at a snack shop will fill you up at lunchtime for around IR 10,000, while pizzas start at IR 15,000.
Many teahouses (see Drink below) also serve traditional snacks and light meals. The most common of these is ābgusht (آبگوشت) a hot pot made from lamb, chickpeas and dried limes that is also known as dizi, also the name of the dish in which its served. You will be given a bowl (the dizi) containing theābgusht and another, smaller one. Drain the broth into the smaller bowl and eat it like a soup with the bread provided. Then pound the remaining meat and vegetables into a paste with the pestle provided and eat with even more bread, pieces raw onion and wads of fresh herbs.
:: Sweets and desserts in Iran
The never-ending demand for dentists in Iran lies testament to the country's obsession with sweets and pastries, known collectively as shirini (شیرینی).
Iranian baklava tends to be harder and more crystalline than its Turkish equivalent while the pistachio nougat called gaz (گز) is an Esfahan specialty.Sohan is an rich pistachio brittle popular in Qom, and freshly-baked pastries are often taken as gifts to people's houses. Lavāshak fruit leathers are delicious fruit leathers made from dried plums.
Honey-saffron and pistachio are just two local flavors of ice cream, whilefāloodeh (فالوده) is a deliciously refreshing sorbet made from rosewater and vermicelli noodles served with lashings of lemon juice.
:: Vegetarian food In Iran
Given that most travellers are stuck eating kebabs for much of their trip,vegetarians will have a particularly difficult time in Iran. Most snack shops sell felafels (فلافل) and garden salads (sālād-e-fassl, سالاد فصل) and greengrocers are common. Most ash varieties are meat-free and filling, as are most variations ofkookoo (کوکو), the Iranian take on the frittata. The phrases man giah-khor hastam (I am vegetarian) and bedoon-e goosht (without meat) will come in handy.
It's a safe bet that all food in Muslim Iran is halal, but those seeking a kosheror other diet may have some trouble. If in doubt, stick to vegetables.
:: Drink in Iran
Black tea (chāi, چای) is the national drink of alcohol-free Iran. It is served strong and with crystallised or cubed sugar (ghand, قند) which is held artfully between the teeth while tea is sipped through. You can try asking for milk in your tea, but expect nothing but strange looks in return.
Tea houses (chāi khāneh, چای خانه) are favourite local haunt for men (and less commonly families) to drink tea and puff away on a water pipe.
Lovers of coffee (ghahveh, قهوه) have little to cheer in Iran but their choices have increased recently. Where available, it is served Turkish style, French coffee or espresso. Imported instant coffee (nescāffe, نسكافه) and instant Cappuccino are available also.
A wide variety of fruit juices (āb miveh, آب ميوه) and drinks are available from shops and street vendors including cherry cordial (sharbat ālbāloo, شربت آلبالو) and banana milkshakes (shir moz, شير موز).
Very common refreshment is the ZamZam, an equivalent to traditional western non-alcoholic drinks as Cola, Sprite, Fanta.
Doogh (دوغ) is a sour drink made from yoghurt, salt, and water (sometimes gaseous) and sometimes flavoured with mint or other plants. It takes some getting used to, but will rehydrate you quickly in the heat of Iran's summer.
Drinking alcohol is illegal, and if seen by police may be met with punishment. Of course, you will not find any place in Iran that openly sells alcohol. Drinking is, however, common among people especially during parties and weddings.
:: Sleep and hotels in Iran
Accommodation in Iran ranges from luxurious, if a little weary, five star hotels (هتل) in major cities to the small, cheap mosāferkhuneh (مسافرخانه) andmehmānpazir (مهماﻧپذیر) guesthouses that are littered about most centres. Moreover, staff in mosāferkhuneh often are so happy to provide room for non-Iranians, as these facilities have a recommandation from local governments to serve all tourists.
:: Safety in Iran
Iran is still a relatively low crime country, although thefts and muggings have been on the increase in recent years. Keep your wits about you, and take the usual precautions against Pickpockets"> pickpockets in crowded bazaars and busses.
In particular, the tourist centre of Esfahan has had problems with muggings of foreigners in unlicensed taxis, and fake police making random checks of tourists' passports. Only use official taxis, and never allow 'officials' to make impromptu searches of your belongings.
Try not to travel in the southeastern area of Iran, meaning the provinces of Sistan and Baluchistan, and also to some degree Southern Khorasan province. Drug trade is very common with smuggling from Afghanistan and other crimes as robbery, killing and kidnapping. Some cities as Zahedan, Zabol and Mirjaveh are particularly dangerous but that doesn't mean that every place in this area of Iran is dangerous, Chahbahar which is close to the Pakistani border is a very calm and friendly city.
Anyone crazy enough to venture within firing distance of the trouble-plagued borders of Iraq and Afghanistan is asking for trouble.
Women travellers should not encounter any major problems when visiting Iran, but will undoubtedly be the subject of at least some unwanted attention. Perceptions of Western women among local men, fuelled largely by satellite television and Baywatch reruns, have led to the assumption that all foreign women like to dress and act like Pamela Anderson. A stern look should be enough to deter amorous locals.
Gay and lesbian travellers should err on the side of discretion in Iran. Under the strict Sharia law, sodomy is punishable by death and lesbian sex is punishable with lashes, though this law only applies to Iranian citizens and those who engage in such activities with Iranian citizens. While public displays of platonic affection between members of the same sex — such as holding hands, arms draped over shoulders and kissing on the cheek — are not uncommon, foreign visitors who are gay or lesbian probably should be very discreet considering the possibility of harassment by security forces. The vast majority of Iranians have unfavorable views of same-sex relationships, but this rarely manifests in personal, violent attacks against homosexuals. In the event that a gay or lesbian visitor is somehow "outed," they can be expected to be immediately deported.
Watch out for joobs (جوب), the open storm water drains that shoulder every road and are easy to miss when walking in the dark.
Ignore the media hype, your chances of facing anti-Western sentiment as a traveller are slim. Iranians make a clear distinction between the Western governments they distrust and individual travellers who visit their country. Americans may receive the odd jibe about their government's policies, but nothing more serious than that. However, it is always best to err on the side of caution and avoid politically-oriented conversations, particularly in taxi cabs.
Iranian traffic is horrendous. Drivers attack their art with an equal mix of aggressiveness and incompetence and view road rules as mere guidelines. Take care when crossing the roads, and even greater care when driving on them.
There are alot of military and other sensitive facilities in Iran. Photographynear military and other government installations is strictly prohibited. Any transgression may result in detention and serious criminal charges, including espionage, which can carry the death penalty. Do not photograph any military object, jails, harbours, or telecommunication devices, airports or other objects and facilities which you suspect are military in nature. Be aware that this rule is taken very seriously in Iran.
:: Stay healthy in Iran
Apart from being up to date with your usual travel vaccinations (tetanus, polio, etc) no special preparation is needed for travel to Iran.
Tap water is safe to drink in most of the country (and especially the cities), although you may find the chalkiness and taste off-putting in some areas (mainly Qom, Yazd, Hormozgan and Boushehr provinces). Bottled mineralwater (āb madani) is available everywhere. Also, on many streets and sites, public water fridges are installed to provide drinking water – quality comparable to bottled water.
:: Respect and social etiquette in Iran
Despite progress in recent years, the pace of liberalization in Iran remains slow and its legally-enforced Islamic codes of conduct dictate many aspects of public life. Respecting the dozens of unspoken rules and regulations of Iranian life can be a daunting prospect for travellers, but don't be intimidated. As a foreigner you will be given leeway and it doesn't take long to acclimatise yourself.
:: Dress code in Iran
Perhaps the most visible mark of Iran's Islamic leanings is the conservative dress expected of its citizens. Although normal, Western style clothing is acceptable in private homes, when in public women are required to cover everything but their face, hands and feet.
The most common uniform consists of a head scarf (roo-sari, روسری) to conceal the head and neck, a formless, knee-length coat known as a roo-poosh (روپوش) and a long dress or pair of pants. In and around holy sites, you will be expected to dress even more modestly in a chādor, a full-length swathe of black cloth designed to cloak everything but your face from view.
The dress code can be daunting during your preparation, but roo-saris, roo-pooshes and chādors can be bought cheaply in Iran. Watch or ask friendly Iranian women for guidance and marvel at how young women are pushing the boundaries of modesty with colourful head scarves that cover only a fraction of their hair and figure-hugging roo-pooshes that reveal every curve of their bodies.
Men have a slightly easier time of things. Short-sleeved shirts and t-shirts are acceptable for daily wear, but long sleeved shirts are still required for holy sites and formal occasions. Shorts and three-quarter length pants are only acceptable on the beach.
:: Code of Conduct in Iran society
Iran is a publicly segregated society. Many facilities such as transport and mosques are segregatated and extended social interaction between men and women who are not related or married is eyed with suspicion.
Greet people of the same sex with a handshake, three kisses or both, but avoid physical contact with unrelated people of the opposite sex. Place your hand over your heart and bow slightly to greet them instead.
You will struggle to find Iranians happy with the current regime, but be careful of initiating political discussions. Although political freedom has increased in recent years, vocal opposition can be more trouble than its worth.
:: Visiting holy sites in Iran
Although no trip to Iran would be complete without a glimpse at the stunning architecture and sombre environments of its mosques or holy shrines, many travellers are daunted by the prospect of walking into the foreign world of a mosque. Don't let these fears stop you; Iranians are welcoming and will understand any unintended breach of protocol.
Some mosques, and most holy shrines, require women to be wearing achādor before entering the complex. If you don't have one, there are sometimes kiosks by the door that lend or hire chādors. It is better for men to wear long-sleeved shirts inside a mosque or shrine, though this is not mandatory.
Shoes are not worn within prayer areas of a mosque or shrine. Busier mosques have free shoe repositories where you trade your shoes for a token. Also try to avoid mosques on the holy day of Friday and don't photograph a mosque while prayers are taking place.
Holy shrines, like those in Mashad and Qom, are usually off limits to non-Muslims, although the surrounding complexes are usually OK. Always ask first before you enter a room you are unsure of.
:: Contact phone in Iran
The number 110 is the police number without any code but you may also access emergencies via this number. Other Emergency Services are also available via 115 for Ambulances and 123 for the Fire Department.
Americans must go to the US Interests Section in the Swiss Embassy for assistance. Services are limited.
:: Phone Arai code in Iran
These are the area code for major cities Tehran(021) – Isfahan(0311) – Tabriz(0411) – Mashad(0511) – Shiraz(0711) – Ahwaz(0811)
:: Post and Internet in Iran
Conservative forces within the Iranian government have been wary connecting their country to the adult content and politically dissident views of the Internet. After a clampdown on unlicensed internet cafes a few years ago, cafe-net (کافی نت) facilities are popping across all major cities and tourist centres. Some (but not all) are double-signed in English, so you may want to memorise the Persian script. If in doubt, any young Iranian should be able to point you in the direction of the nearest coffee net.
Some websites are blocked based on words appearing in their URL, although savvy coffee net users may be able to show you how to circumvent these restrictions. You can expect to pay between IR 4,000 – IR 9,000 per hour and speeds range from acceptable in major cities, to the infuriatingly slow in small towns and rural areas. More recently, some facilities in major cities use broadband wireless or DSL connections. Most coffee net places will also have a CD burner for downloading photos from digital cameras.
You may also find the Internet connection in most of middle-class Iranian homes.
Highlight & Cities
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Your First Trip to Iran
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Traveling In Iran
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It looks like the other half of the "Wintel" monopoly is about to get the rug yanked out from underneath it as well. According to reports, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is preparing antitrust action against Intel Corporation, makers of the microprocessors used in 90% of the world's computers. The suit, which could be launched as early as Friday, will charge that Intel is illegal abusing its monopoly power in microprocessors by withholding hardware and CPU designs from customers that it is in disputes with. A later suit, which the FTC may bring by the Fall, will focus on Intel's practice of integrating features into its chipsets that were originally created by its competitors.
Sound familiar?
Though Intel has gotten FTC approval in the past for its purchases of Chips & Technologies and the Digital semiconductor business, the company suffered a legal defeat last month when a federal judge ruled that it could not withhold production information and hardware from Intergraph. Intel and Intergraph were involved in a patent dispute at the time. Interestingly, Intel and Digital were also involved in a patent dispute when the two companies settled, giving Intel the Digital semiconductor business.
The FTC was responsible for the original probe of Microsoft, which occurred in the early 1990's. Eventually, the group deadlocked over whether to pursue legal action, so it took the unprecedented step of moving the investigation over to the Justice Department, which has twice brought charges against Microsoft

subset: commoncrawl


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According to Matt Ford at The Atlantic, the Charleston, South Carolina, church where a white gunman murdered nine people was
The oldest black church south of Baltimore, and one of the most storied black congregations in the United States, Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church's history is deeply intertwined with the history of African American life in Charleston. Among the congregation's founders was Denmark Vesey, a former slave who was executed in 1822 for attempting to organize a massive slave revolt in antebellum South Carolina. White South Carolinians burned the church to the ground in response to the thwarted uprising; along with other black churches, it was shuttered by the city in 1834. The church reorganized in 1865, and soon acquired a new building designed by Robert Vesey, Denmark's son; the current building was constructed in 1891. It has continued to play a leading role in the struggle for civil rights.
Denmark Vesey is one of the most prominent names in America's long history of racial terror. And the killer didn't choose just Vesey's church but his anniversary. Based on fragmentary evidence, white Charlestonians in 1822 came to believe that Vesey's revolt "would begin at the stroke of midnight as Sunday, June 16, turned to Monday, June 17." And they identified Vesey's church as the center of the conspiracy.
White militia began to arrest both freemen and slaves, 10 that weekend, and many more in the days that followed. Vesey, a freeman, was captured on June 22. It's not just the executors of the "war on terror" who have used euphemisms to describe torture. A Charleston official referred to the interrogations the captured men were subject to like this: "No means which experience or ingenuity could devise were left unessayed to eviscerate the plot."
Then, after a quick trial and guilty verdict, Vesey and five others were hung on July 2. More arrests were made, and more executions followed, 35 in total, often in front of immense crowds.


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CISM - A non-profit helicopter emergency medical service for south Texas.
Annually, HALO-Flight responds to a variation of medical and traumatic emergencies; many of which make local headline news and occasionally, national news. Stress is a common response to our work environment and is shared by other emergency personnel and healthcare professionals. How we manage our stress is dependent upon a multitude of factors involved. Each event is unique and each person's response to stress varies, as well. The stress becomes problematic when the affected individual is unable to manage their stress by means of their usual coping mechanisms. In such instances, the unmanageable stress can affect the individual's work performance, home environment, social relationships and health; essentially, every aspect of the person's life.
Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) is an intervention protocol developed specifically for dealing with traumatic events. It is a formal, highly structured and professionally recognized process for helping those involved in a critical incident share their experiences, vent emotions, and learn about common stress reactions and symptoms. If required, persons are given a referral to a mental health expert for further assistance. While it is not psychotherapy; it is sometimes referred to as 'psychological first aid'. The process is voluntary and confidential.
CISM was first developed for use with military combat veterans. It has now been adapted and used in numerous areas where there is a need to address traumatic impact in people's lives, such as police, fire, ambulance, emergency workers and disaster rescuers. Such critical incidents in which people benefited from intervention include the following events: Columbine High School Shooting (4/19/1999), World Trade Center (9/11/2001), Hurricane Katrina (08/25/2005), Newtown School Shooting (12/14/2012). These heinous events not only affected the victims and their families but also emergency personnel and other rescue workers that had to deal with the acute nature of the emergency.
The purpose for hosting these courses is to be able to provide CISM to people affected by critical incidents. We are in the process of collaborating with the CBRAC and other agencies in order to establish a Multi-Disciplinary Regional CISM Team for South Texas.
Future course offerings for CISM Interventionist training and subspecialty training are currently in the planning phase. For more information about HALO-Flight's Educational Offerings, please contact Angelica Requenez at firstname.lastname@example.com or call 361.265.0509.
Our Executive Director, Tom Klassen, has been nominated as a finalist in the Caller-Times' Healthcare Heroes program. Over 100 entries were submitted for the six categories in this first-time event. We are happy to announce that Tom is one of the three finalists in the administrative category.
Health Care Heroes Program
Health Care Heroes is a program of the Corpus Christi Caller-Times that recognizes excellence in care and service and educates the community about best practices to enhance the value and quality care in the Coastal Bend Area.
An independent panel of judges will select the winners from each category.
Tom and the other finalists will be honored at a luncheon on Tuesday, April 30, 2013
For the last 25 years, HALO-Flight has been providing emergency air medical transport to the citizens of our South Texas service area. More than 15,000 patients have been transported by our flight crews.
Often times, costs associated with being "HALO-Flighted" are not considered.
An air medical transport can easily exceed $10,000 and medical insurance alone does not always cover the entire cost. Our patients are responsible for the remaining balance after insurance payout.
The Guardian Subscription Plan totally eliminates out-of-pocket expenses for a transport deemed medically necessary.
If a Guardian Member has insurance, HALO-Flight will file a claim with the member's insurance company and accept that as payment in full. Members without insurance do not receive a bill. Coverage extends to all family members who live in the same household (includes dependent, custodial and non-custodial children).
HALO-Flight has formed reciprocal agreements with non-profit air ambulance services in San Antonio (AirLIFE) and Dallas (CareFlite). If a Guardian member is flown by one of these services, they would be covered under that organization's membership plan.
On the worst day of your life, you can take comfort in knowing that your financial freedom is protected.
Business and Ranch Plans are available for a low, annual rate. Contact Hillary Reyna, Membership Director, at 361.265.0509 to get enrolled today!
HALO-Flight is so happy to launch this new blog to connect to the medical community, donors, volunteers, members and supporters of our organization. Here, we will share topics to help educate our readers, introduce ourselves to you, and give you some insight into our fundraising and special events, membership and much more!
We will update you weekly with a new blog post with useful content that we hope will impact you. HALO-Flight values your feedback! Tell us what you want to know about.
Thank you for making HALO-Flight your First Choice!


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A senior Vatican official on Saturday attacked US President Barack Obama for "arrogance" for overturning a ban on state funding for family-planning groups that carry out or facilitate abortions overseas. It is "the arrogance of someone who believes they are right"
Accusations of arrogance?
Accusations of arrogance from the people who think that only the Pope can talk to god and everyone else just has to take cues from him?
Accusations of arrogance from the people who tell you birth control is a sin while the world overpopulates?
Accusations of arrogance from the people who protect paedophiles?
Accusations of arrogance from the people who tell you that the Catholic way is the only way to god and everyone else is going to hell?
Yeah, right. We'll get right on that. Meanwhile, in our considered opinion, we'll just say that moral decisions should stay in the hands of people making them. Abortion's not a nice thing, but a necessary thing. It's also not the sort of thing a bunch of celibate priests should be dictating to the world.
Stick to your holy wafers and stay out of our bedrooms.
It's not arrogance, you idiots, it's a willingness to believe that women are smart enough to make their own decisions. That's the opposite of arrogance. That's liberating. Arrogance would be either forbidding abortion or making it mandatory. Giving women the freedom to choose is humility.
I know we haven't seen humility from a president in a while, but there it is.


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Bocanegra dropped from US roster for qualifiers
The United States heads into World Cup qualifiers against Costa Rica and Mexico with an inexperienced defense after dropping captain Carlos Bocanegra and learning eight players are injured or ill.
Already without goalkeeper Tim Howard, the shaky U.S. back line got even weaker Monday when coach Jurgen Klinsmann said Timmy Chandler, Fabian Johnson and Danny Williams will miss the matches.
The 33-year-old Bocanegra, the American captain since 2007, has lost his starting job with Racing Santander, a Spanish second-division team on its fourth coach of the season. Bocanegra, on loan from Glasgow Rangers, has not appeared in a game since Feb. 2.
Klinsmann said he's had several conversations with Bocanegra and expects him to switch clubs at the end of the season.
"He's simply not playing. He's not getting any minutes ... so he has no flow. He has no rhythm, and he understands that situation," Klinsmann said. "Carlos is still in our picture. This is not the end of his national-team career, but he understands that he is right now behind other players."
With Bocanegra dropped after 110 international appearances and Howard recovering after breaking two bones in his back on Feb. 26, Michael Bradley and Jermaine Jones become the leading candidates to take over as captain. Klinsmann planned to announce his choice Tuesday, after telling the team.
The U.S., which lost 2-1 at Honduras last month in its opener of the 10-game final round, plays Costa Rica on Friday at Commerce City, Colo., then is at Mexico City on March 26. The group also includes Panama and Jamaica, and the top three teams qualify for next year's tournament in Brazil, with the fourth-place finisher advancing to a playoff.
"Every home game in a hexagonal is a must-win situation," Klinsmann said.
Among those missing from the 23-man roster are Edgar Castillo (triple facial fracture March 2), Chandler (injured hamstring Saturday), Steve Cherundolo (knee surgery Feb. 6), Johnson (sidelined by hip injury since March 3), Jonathan Spector (injured ankle Saturday), Jose Torres (injured hamstring Saturday) and Williams (stomach virus).
Brad Guzan takes over in goal in his first qualifying appearance since 2009. The new central defense tandem of Omar Gonzalez and Geoff Cameron was shaky in the Honduras loss on Feb. 6, and the Americans have no experienced options at outside back.
"Definitely a challenge," Klinsmann said.
Just six defenders are on the roster, with Cameron and Gonzalez joined by Tony Beltran, Matt Besler, Clarence Goodson and Justin Morrow. Cameron has played right back for Stoke, DaMarcus Beasley has played left back at times and Maurice Edu played in central defense in last summer's exhibition win at Mexico, where the Americans had been 0-23-1 against El Tri in 75 years.
Beltran, Besler and Morrow made their national team debuts during a January exhibition against Canada.
In addition, Landon Donovan remains on an extended offseason break before rejoining the Los Angeles Galaxy in late March.
"If he will be become part of our plans again, that depends on how he comes back and how I look at the whole picture and how I look at the development of this team," Klinsmann said. "The door is always open."
Clint Dempsey, who has been sidelined by a calf strain since Feb. 21, returned Sunday to play the second half in Tottenham's 1-0 loss to Fulham. Bradley has struggled for playing time of late for Roma and has not gone a full 90 minutes since Feb. 24, three weeks after Aurelio Andreazzoli replaced coach Zdenek Zeman.
"I'm just curious to hear his side of it," Klinsmann said.
Beasley, a 30-year-old midfielder who is a veteran of three World Cups, rejoins the team for the first time since the Mexico exhibition. Midfielder Brek Shea also was picked despite being limited to two appearances, both as a substitute, since joining Stoke in January.
"We want to see where he is right now," Klinsmann said. "We are pretty confident that he can add another element to our group here."
The roster:
Goalkeepers: Brad Guzan (Aston Villa, England), Sean Johnson (Chicago), Nick Rimando (Salt Lake)
Defenders: Tony Beltran (Salt Lake), Matt Besler (Kansas City), Geoff Cameron (Stoke, England), Omar Gonzalez (Los Angeles), Clarence Goodson (Brondby, Denmark), Justin Morrow (San Jose)
Midfielders: DaMarcus Beasley (Puebla, Mexico), Kyle Beckerman (Salt Lake), Michael Bradley (Roma, Italy), Joe Corona (Tijuana, Mexico), Maurice Edu (Bursaspor, Turkey), Jermaine Jones (Schalke, Germany), Sacha Kljestan (Anderlecht, Belgium), Brek Shea (Stoke, England), Graham Zusi (Kansas City)
Forwards: Jozy Altidore (AZ Alkmaar, Netherlands), Terrence Boyd (Rapid Vienna, Austria), Clint Dempsey (Tottenham, England), Herculez Gomez (Santos Laguna, Mexico), Eddie Johnson (Seattle)


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WHEN the Winston Murray 'break away faction' headed by Carl Greenidge was forced to unite with his adversary to prevent the weakening of the People's National Congress -PNC as they contest the 2011 General Election, the PNC newly elected leader, David Granger, faced the real danger of a coup d'état by the ambitious Greenidge.There have been rumours from sources close to the party that a more radical approach is needed to sustain the pressure on the government. The more rational, statesman-like approach employed by Granger, they say, is not producing the required results. These PNC/APNU hardliners are believed to have influenced Region 10 Chairman Sharma Solomon's decision to organise the recent protest action aimed at shutting down the bauxite mining town of Linden on February 3, when His Excellency President Ramotar visited Linden to officially commission the PPP/C's office there. That building was burnt down by arsonists in July 2012 during the deadly protest led by Chairman Solomon that cost the lives of three "peaceful" protesters. Fortunately, this Inciter's plan to create yet another violent showdown with the authorities was soundly rejected by the people of Linden, who must be commended for allowing commonsense to prevail.
The recent inconsistencies on the budget debate issue within the PNC/APNU camp, further demonstrates Greenidge's determination to expose Granger as a weak leader.
According to PPP General Secretary Clement Rohee, "Due to its antics, the APNU has been offering a plethora of excuses for the 2014 budget. First they were not invited, then when the APNU leader [David] Granger directed Member of Parliament [Carl] Greenidge to engage, he said he needed more information and then finally, to save face, Granger said it was too late for consultations. It is evident that Granger had instructed Greenidge to engage in consultations, but Greenidge chose to disobey him… a high act of indiscipline."
And most recently, Greenidge's "no show" at the meeting of the Special Select Committee considering the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (Amendment) Bill, cast further doubt on whether Granger has any control over Greenidge. The official statement by PNC/APNU clearly states that, "APNU is committed to amending the current Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Act of 2009 to ensure that it is effective." Yet Greenidge, APNU's Shadow Minister of Finance in clear defiance, boycotted these meetings. How can APNU be committed to amending this Act when they fail to turn up at the meetings to contribute to the discussions?
The question must now be asked, who is really in charge, Granger or Greenidge? As a highly trained professional soldier that understands the importance of having his instructions obeyed, how can Granger tolerate such behaviour from a senior member of his team? It must be very frustrating for the retired Brigadier General to have Carl Greenidge disobey a direct command. Rohee is right… Greenidge should be disciplined for insubordination, if only to clip his wings.
I am reminded of a statement by another former general, Alexander Haig who, in 1981, following the March 30 assassination attempt and hospitalization of US President Ronald Regan, asserted before reporters "I am in control here". Indicating that while President Reagan had not "transferred the helm", Haig was in fact directing White House Crisis Management until Vice President Bush arrived in Washington to assume that role.
It is time for Granger to assert his leadership position in the PNC/APNU and work to ensure that 2014 is indeed the "Year of the Workers" as he had earlier declared. If Greenidge is allowed to bully his way and undermine Granger's authority, he will evoke painful memories of a sad era in our nation's history under the dreaded PNC rule. The very reason that caused that political party to change its name to A Partnership for National Unity -APNU before contesting the 2011 polls.
No doubt, Greenidge's stubborn refusal to even attempt budget consultations with Finance Minister Ashni Singh cannot possibly be in the best interest of the workers the PNC/APNU claims to be so concerned about. And APNU's determination to cut the budget again in defiance of Chief Justice Ian Chang's ruling will only take away the ability of parents to provide food, clothing and shelter for their dependants. The Government creates jobs for its citizens, and the Opposition takes them away. Every time this happens, desperate people are likely to do desperate things to survive, giving Attorney Nigel Hughes more young criminals to defend, courtesy of the obstructionist policies of the PNC/APNU.
By Harry Gill


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Most pitchers around the Cape League are easing their way into the fold after long college seasons. Pitch count limits for most hurlers started around 70 and have been increased by five or 10 pitches each outing.
Most pitchers around the Cape League are easing their way into the fold after long college seasons. Pitch count limits for most hurlers started around 70 and have been increased by five or 10 pitches each outing.
For that reason, most starters still aren�t going beyond the fifth or sixth inning.
But things are a little different in Cotuit. Kettleers manager Mike Roberts doesn�t believe in pitch counts to limit the length of his pitchers� outings.
�I just don�t do pitch counts. Period,� Roberts said.
Cotuit�s Nick Hernandez (Tennessee) powered through seven innings in the Kettleers� first game on June 14. Hernandez allowed just one run on seven hits and struck out eight Brewster batters in a 4-1 win. For his effort, Hernandez was named the CCBL Pitcher of the Week.
Hernandez was successful by getting ahead in the count and locating his fastball.
In his second start against Chatham, Hernandez pitched six strong innings, and could have gone longer � but Roberts wanted some of his relievers to get work.
Roberts said that just one starting pitcher has missed a turn in the rotation during his four seasons at the helm in Cotuit.
CAPE LEAGUE IN BROCKTON: The Cape League is moving off-Cape for tomorrow�s City of Champions Cape Cod Hall of Fame Classic.
Falmouth will take on Yarmouth-Dennis at Campanelli Stadium in Brockton tomorrow at 6 p.m.
Campanelli Stadium is the home of the Brockton Rox of the Canadian-American Association of Professional Baseball. The Rox franchise was founded in 2002.
The new Cape League Hall of Fame in Hyannis will receive all the proceeds from ticket sales. Activities before and during the game will raise money for the Jimmy Fund.
AROUND THE BASES: One of the teams in the College World Series final won�t be sending any players to the Cape this summer, but that doesn�t mean the Cape wasn't being represented.
Five players on Georgia�s roster are listed on Cape League rosters. They are: Justin Grimm, RHP, Bourne; Joey Lewis, C, Cotuit; Alex McRee, LHP, Hyannis; Justin Earls, LHP, Orleans; and Rich Poythress, 3B/1B, Orleans.
The Bulldogs� roster also features four former Cape League players, including shortstop Gordon Beckham, the eighth overall pick in this year�s MLB draft.
Fresno State reached the best-of-3 championship series with no Cape Leaguers.


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A handful of friends find their love lives criss-crossing unexpectedly in this comedy set in San Francisco. Adam (Josh Charles) is a struggling artist who makes ends meet by driving a cab. Adam can't stop thinking about his ex-girlfriend Kate (Joanna Going) ever since she left him for Anne (JoBeth Williams), a...more
All Little City cast + crew photos
Movies.com, the ultimate source for everything movies, is your destination for new movie trailers, reviews, photos, times, tickets + more! Stay in the know with the latest movie news and cast interviews at Movies.com.
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Essential Scrum: A Practical Guide to the Most Popular Agile Process (Addison-Wesley Signature Series (Cohn))
A Practical Guide to the Most Popular Agile Process
The Single-Source, Comprehensive Guide to Scrum for All Team Members, Managers, and Executives
If you want to use Scrum to develop innovative products and services that delight your customers, Essential Scrum is the complete, single-source reference you've been searching for. Leading Scrum coach and trainer Kenny Rubin illuminates the values, principles, and practices of Scrum, and describes flexible, proven approaches that can help you implement it far more effectively.
Whether you are new to Scrum or years into your use, this book will introduce, clarify, and deepen your Scrum knowledge at the team, product, and portfolio levels. Drawing from Rubin's experience helping hundreds of organizations succeed with Scrum, this book provides easy-to-digest descriptions enhanced by more than two hundred illustrations based on an entirely new visual icon language for describing Scrum's roles, artifacts, and activities.
Essential Scrum will provide every team member, manager, and executive with a common understanding of Scrum, a shared vocabulary they can use in applying it, and practical knowledge for deriving maximum value from it.
- Addison-Wesley Professional
By: Kenneth S. Rubin, Published 2012-08-05 by Addison-Wesley Professional
Related Products
- Coaching Agile Teams: A Companion for ScrumMasters, Agile Coaches, and Project Managers in Transition (Addison-Wesley Signature Series (Cohn))
- Scrum: a Breathtakingly Brief and Agile Introduction
- Scrum: The Art of Doing Twice the Work in Half the Time
- Learning Agile: Understanding Scrum, XP, Lean, and Kanban
- User Stories Applied: For Agile Software Development
- Agile Retrospectives: Making Good Teams Great
- Scrum Mastery: From Good To Great Servant-Leadership
- Succeeding with Agile: Software Development Using Scrum
- The Great ScrumMaster: #ScrumMasterWay (Addison-Wesley Signature Series (Cohn))
- Scrum Field Guide, The: Agile Advice for Your First Year and Beyond (Addison-Wesley Signature Series (Cohn))
Certain content that appears here comes from Amazon Services LLC. This content is provided 'as is' and is subject to change or removal at any time. Pricing and availability accurate as of 2018-10-19 05:17pm CDT; please follow the links for current pricing.


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Crumb Apple Pie
- Prep: 30 min
- Cook Time: 35 min
- Total: 1 hr 5 min
- Serving: Makes 8 servings
Here's a family favorite, crumb-topped apple pie.
- 1 cup flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup solid vegetable shortening
- 1/4 cup ice water
- 7 medium Granny Smith or golden delicious apples
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
- 3/4 cup flour
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/3 cup chilled butter or margarine, cut into pieces
- Place oven rack on lowest position. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. To prepare crust: in a medium bowl, mix together flour and salt.
- Using a pastry blender or two knives (I also use my fingers), cut shortening into flour mixture until course crumbs form. Add water 1 tablespoon at a time, tossing with a fork, until a dough forms. Shape into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap and chill for 30 minutes.
- On a floured surface, using a floured rolling pin, roll dough into a 12-inch circle. Fit into a 9-inch pie plate. Trim dough, leaving a 1-inch overhang; pinch a decorative edge.
- To prepare filling, peel, core, and very thinly slice the apples. Mix together with other filling ingredients. Spoon into crust.
- For topping: in a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Cut butter into mixture until course crumbs form. Sprinkle apple filling evenly with topping. Bake pie until topping is lightly browned and filling is bubbly, about 35 minutes. If pie is over-browning, cover loosely with foil. Cool on a wire rack.
Filed Under:
Dessert Recipes, Vegetarian Recipes, Family Recipes, Christmas Recipes, Halloween Recipes, Thanksgiving Recipes, Valentine's Day Recipes


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Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho insists he can handle the criticism coming his way.
Both local media and fans are turning on the former Chelsea manager this season.
"You can applaud and whistle at me," he told reporters at a press conference. "If you want to, I will be in the dugout at 21:00 [CET].
"Football won't force me out just yet. I hope the fans support the team and help us win the game. Giving people stick is the national sport here, but it's okay.
"A match is meant to be enjoyed. If you win, you enjoy the experience a lot.
"If you lose, you still enjoy [being on the pitch]. We play every three days so there is not much time to be happy or sad.
"The point tally is finalised at the end of the season. People don't have to be mathematicians to know that 14 points or eight are not the same as 11.
"They should go game by game. We always play with the intention of winning. I do not care what my players have to say.
"What I want is that, on the pitch, they all share the same mentality as me and go all out. You have to give everything. That's better than words."


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My body is a vehicle of love!
All of my life, I have been looking through my big "baby blues" wondering, how did I get stuffed into this body? Who did this to me? I know exactly "who" did it and "why."
I'm writing this article, on my blog, on my birthday. Today, I'm 57 and more grateful than yesterday. That means I have more grace in my life too! '
YES, gratitude = grace. What a wonderful concept is it not? This is also how manifestation happens; it's cosmic law; what you put out is what you get back in return. Your body works the same way.
I want you all to realize that the body of yours; your vessel, is a living being of it's own. You body does not define you; your spirit does this all by itself. Your body is along for the ride with your spirit, so please take good care of it; you only get one body this go-around.
This is going to be a VERY special year for me; life-changing "they" tell me. I'm starting a "new" life in my body; my Earth vehicle. I'm finally starting to live my life for me; not others. Of course, they say that is impossible, but I'm hoping to play a little in the "new" energies.
Our bodies should be treated with respect. This "custom" vehicle was divinely created for our experiences here on this planet we call Earth. Yes, the body you are currently "living in" was a custom vehicle, one required for your "custom" Earth experience.
Would you disrespect a friend? I think not! Treat that body of yours with respect and you will receive respect from others.
Treat your body as a friend and it will treat you; your spirit in "like." Once again, it's cosmic law, and a very simple rule; if you choose to follow it.
If we put nutritious things in our bodies; it results in a happy, content body. If we put in junk; it puts out junk. Who would have ever thought it was that simple!
Both of my parents had a LOT of health issues. Many of them were the same; they were genetic. I DO NOT have these problems; no arthritis at all. The remainder of my family has health problems of various degrees. The doctors say that these are genetic; I tell you these are spiritual. They have been living from their bodies and NOT spirit.
So, you ASK, "How did I overcome these genetic defects?"
Most of it comes from this one "mental" technique. It's a three-fold one called, STOP, PAUSE, and BREATHE; before I react. It saves a LOT of wear and tear on our cells, atoms, and electrons. You're expelling the negative BEFORE it becomes "attached" to you.
You need to decide what is your's and what is someone else's energy before you take it on as your own. If you have tried and tried, perhaps it is time to "tear up the contract." Get off the Merry-Go-Round and free yourself; NEXT!
If you push your body to the very edge; thank it. Don't whine about how it hurts; you did that to it. Thank it and tell it you're sorry for pushing it to its limits; tell it how much you love it. You'll be surprised how you feel the next morning by doing this very simple thing.
Healing occurs at a spirit level; not a physical level. EVERYTHING is love and spirit.
If you have INTENT for healing when you sleep; you'll get it. Sincerity is an amazing gift that we all have; if we choose to use it.
If you stub your toe, apologize for your carelessness; pain gone! That's called "compassion;" show some to your own body.
Don't live from your body; live through spirit and it will be life-changing.
Some day, when your vessel has had enough abuse and it's time for you to live eternally; without it, thank it for it's loving care of your spirit. Don't cast it aside like trash. You have asked a LOT of it; I know I have done just that myself.
May you follow these simple rules of "the body" and have a wonderful, healthful life! From, My Body; My Vessel, to yours!


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Common chickweed (Stellaria media)
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How will Harry deal with a car crash that might change...
Hellos and Goodbyes (Harry Styles)
- by Clare Tomlinson
- Rating:
- Published: 22 Sep 2013
- Updated: 29 Nov 2013
- Status: In Progress
Harry is Alex's new partner for a project at school. What will happen when they start hanging out with eachother and become very close. Will it become more or will Alex's dads new job ruin things?
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10:30 pm
Simply Ming "Fish Sauce & Lemons" Guest Chef: Ken Oringer. One of the main sources of flavor in Southeast Asian cooking is fish sauce with lime. Instead of using limes, Ming pairs fish sauce with lemons to create unique and flavorful dishes. D
11:00 pm
Joanne Weir's Cooking Confidence "Spain On My Mind" Joanne shares with us her emotional connection to Spain. She begins by preparing Salmorejo, a cold tomato and bread soup she first discovered in Southern Spain, and then works with her student Joan to overcome his fear of cooking lamb by preparing a hearty lamb, white bean, and chorizo stew with a spicy infused olive oil drizzled over the top. Recipes: Salmorejo and Spanish Lamb Stew. D
11:30 pm
Rick Steves' Europe "Burgundy: Profound France" Rick takes time to enjoy the region's edible, drinkable, scenic and floatable delights. He travels on a canal barge, visits a medieval hospice and a modern monastery, builds a barrel, appreciates fine Burgundy wine, slurps escargot and eats well.G


text: This quilt was the 2014 Block of the Month (BOM) for the Wolf Hills Quilt Guild. I am in love with the "on point" setting triangles and the way it all comes together in the end. I deviated from the pattern when doing the multiple borders, only because I decided to make it totally from fabric I already had and I came up short to make the borders as directed in the pattern. I tried out some new longarm quilting on this quilt. I learn more with each one I quilt. This is a Debbie Mumm pattern and available on her website. http://www.debbiemumm.com/Projects/QuiltBlocks/2010/


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Earlier this year I got to accomplish a major life goal. I had always wanted to train Muay Thai in the birthplace of this amazing martial art, Thailand. In March, I spent a month at a Muay training camp training six days a week. I lived at the camp, all my basic needs were taking care of, and all I had to do was train.
It was one of the best experiences of my life. I met amazing people from all over the world, focused on something I love, and improved so much more than I ever could have imagined.
The experience left me with a true belief in the power of immersion and focusing solely on one thing for a brief but intense amount of time. I had trained in Muay Thai in the states for many years on and off, but even the times when I trained very hard I never reached the level I was by the end of that one month in Thailand.
In my prior training, I would get on average 4 sessions per week. At an hour to an hour a half per class, that works out to roughly 6 hours per week. In Thailand the morning class alone was two and half hours long. My first week in Thailand I put in 15 hours of class time. Then there are private lessons on top of that. I was able to condense what would have normally been 3 to 4 months of training into a month.
But the hours don't tell the whole story because I think there is something special about the reinforcement you get from doing something everyday. It is like your brain and body submit to the idea that this is now something it really has to adapt to. On top of that you see progress so quickly it make you want to keep going. Progress is addictive.
Trying to learn something new, especially something as complicated as programming, can be very overwhelming. Those benefits I had in Thailand, are the same benefits a bootcamp brings. You devote a relatively short amount of time, but in an intense and focused way, to leverage a large reward. It is not just about curriculum, it is about habit and human nature.
For example, if you learning part-time, you don't see progress quickly, so it is easy to get discouraged. By being with experienced teachers and get instant feedback on something you are stuck on, you are able to accelerate through the learning curve. This something the online classes haven't been able to solve yet.
I think the immersive learning model is not just applicable to Muay Thai or programming, but so many more fields. It is truly exciting to be a part of this industry.
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Whiter Teeth In About One Hour
We are proud to offer the Zoom!™ Teeth Whitening system in our Baltimore dentist office. With Zoom whitening, you can whiten your teeth up to eight shades lighter in about one hour.
In virtually all cases, the results of teeth whitening are dramatic. Professional teeth whitening is one of the easiest and most affordable cosmetic dentistry treatments to transform your smile and help you regain your confidence.
Teeth Whitening That Lasts
We have developed a teeth whitening system that delivers longer lasting, whiter results compared to standard teeth whitening treatment.
A special hydrogen peroxide whitening gel is applied to the teeth. When activated by the Zoom light, this gel penetrates the teeth to lighten stains and discoloration. After teeth whitening treatment, a fluoride gel is applied to minimize tooth sensitivity.
Zoom Teeth Whitening FAQs
Who is a candidate for Zoom teeth whitening?
Practically anyone will benefit from professional teeth whitening. Zoom teeth whitening is suitable for teenagers and adults 13 years and older. The cosmetic dentist will complete an examination prior to treatment to ensure that Zoom whitening is right for you.
How long does Zoom teeth whitening last?
The long-term results of professional teeth whitening depend on the individual. Certain habits, such as the use of tobacco products, drinking a lot of coffee, tea or soft drinks can work against the results. Regular professional care and use of the touch-up whitening gel will help maintain the results indefinitely.
Does Zoom teeth whitening hurt?
Some patients report mild tooth sensitivity following Zoom teeth whitening treatment. Our cosmetic dentistry team takes steps to minimize sensitivity during and after treatment through the use of special pastes. Generally, tooth sensitivity subsides in 1 to 3 days following professional teeth whitening.
How much does Zoom teeth whitening cost?
Zoom teeth whitening costs vary somewhat based on the individual patient. We offer competitive prices for Zoom teeth whitening compared to other Baltimore dentist offices. Before your treatment begins, we will discuss zoom whitening costs.
Schedule A Consultation
Are you looking for a cosmetic dentist that offers Zoom!™ Teeth Whitening in the Owings Mills, MD and Baltimore, MD area? Find out how you can get a whiter brighter smile with Zoom!™ teeth whitening. We gladly welcome new patients. Call our office at 443-252-2982 to schedule your appointment or request an appointment online.


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Looking for some advocacy advice on a specific topic? We have a range of resources available, including the Advocacy Checklist below. E-mail us at firstname.lastname@example.com if you're looking for more!
Print out a copy of this Checklist here: Effective Advocacy Checklist
Effective Advocacy Checklist
Confused about the process of communicating with Congress? Use this handy checklist to make sure you're on the right track.
Is my Congressional Office the Best Place to Start?
I have figured out that I want:
_ Casework: I need help with a particular federal program (social security, or the IRS, for example)
_ Policy Representation: I want my representative or senator to take a position on a certain federal (not state or local) issue.
Background Research
Think about the following questions:
_ Who are my representative and senators?
_ What is their legislative record and general philosophy?
_ What issues are they passionate about?
_ What committees are my representative or senators on?
_ Is my representative or senator newly elected, or more senior?
_ What party does my representative or senator belong to?
Message Development
_ Tell a compelling story — you have something of value to contribute!
_ Know your facts
_ Make your message your own
_ Be positive
General Message Delivery
These tips apply to all communications — letters, phone calls, and meetings.
_ Decide which method of communication suits you and your purpose
_ Develop a thoughtful, well-argued message
_ Ask your member to take a specific action
_ Ask your member to respond to the request
_ Make it clear what your priorities are
_ Tell your congressional office how you can be an ongoing resource
_ Make your message targeted and forceful without being rude or threatening
_ Tell the truth
_ Be reasonable about opposing points of view
_ Be prepared to answer questions about opposing arguments
Effective Meetings
_ Determine whether a meeting is needed to deliver the message
_ Decide where you want to meet, after looking at the congressional calendar
_ Decide who you want to deliver your message (preferably someone from the district)
_ Limit the number of people you bring to the meeting
_ If you're in DC for a national meeting, try to coordinate with others from your state
_ Check your legislators' website to see how they like to receive requests.
_ Send the request, including a list of issues and attendees
_ Follow-up with a phone call to the scheduler after sending a written request
_ Schedule carefully to assure you will be on time, but not too early, for each meeting
_ On voting days, try to schedule meetings with members before 11:00 A.M.
_ Be prepared to meet anywhere — standing up in the hallway or on the run to a vote
_ Be prepared to deliver your message in five minutes
_ Make sure you have short, concise, and consistent information to leave behind
_ Leave your information in a file folder with your organization's name on the label
Effective Written Communications
_ Make your communication stand out by making it personal, thoughtful, and accurate
_ Ask for a response
_ Confine each written communication to one topic
_ Double check office numbers, fax numbers, and e-mail addresses
Effective Phone Calls
_ If you want someone to think about what you're saying, ask for a response
_ Have the basic facts about the issue on hand
Following Up
_ Send a thank you note to the staff and the member soon after a meeting
_ Wait at least three weeks for a response before checking back
_ Report on your meeting in a non-threatening way


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Bata Library can be a big, confusing (and sometimes intimidating) space. Our 20-minute tours explain how the Library works, what services we offer, and where things are.
Missed the in-person tour? Take our Virtual Tour.
While it's great to be able to find your way around our building, it won't help you locate the thousands of online resources we offer. Your research always starts at the Library website, where you find links to resources (e.g. Databases A-Z), starting points (Library Guides), tutorials, and help.
Library workshops are offered as part of courses, on the request of the instructor. We can also accomodate requests from small groups of students.
If you would like a tour or workshop, contact email@example.com to request it. Provide preferred dates and times, and an instructor will reply.
Remember that the Subject Guides are the best starting points for your research.


text:
French independent Cotty Vivant Marchisio & Lauzeral is launching a Japan office with the hire of former Gide Loyrette Nouel partner Laurent Dubois.
Dubois and a team of six associates, who are all registered to practise in Japan and are trilingual, speaking French, English and Japanese, are joining Cotty Vivant to set up the new Tokyo office.
The hire is also the catalyst for a Japan team based in Paris, led by partner Fabrice Marchisio, who previously worked as an associate in Gide's Toyko office. The firm is planning to enable lawyers to move between the two offices.
Marchisio said the decision to hire Dubois and his team was not taken lightly, as the Tokyo office is Cotty Vivant's first overseas venture. He added that being a part of Cotty Vivant would enable Dubois to grow his Japan offering.
"It's hard to recruit when you're alone," Marchisio said.
Dubois was instrumental in running Gide's Japan operation between 1995 and 1999, when the firm decided to close Tokyo down. Since 1999 he ran his own firm, Laurent Dubois Foreign Law Office, which had a joint venture with Japanese firm TMI Associates.
Cotty Vivant's Tokyo office will advise clients on corporate and M&A, restructuring, IP work and employment law.
Dubois is Cotty Vivant's fifth partner and joins the firm three years after it was established through a merger between two smaller independent firms.


text:
Architectural Heritage Society of Scotland
The Architectural Heritage Society of Scotland is concerned with
the protection, preservation, study and appreciation of Scotland's
buildings. The Society has about 1100 members
throughout Scotland and beyond, and six regional groups organising
local activities and carrying out casework.
Architecture Centre Network
Architecture Centre Network is the national development and
advocacy organisation for 20+ independent architecture centres in
UK; working together to promote engagement with architecture and
the built environment. SCT is an affiliated member.
Architecture + Design Scotland
Architecture and Design Scotland (A+DS) is Scotland's champion
for excellence in placemaking, architecture and planning. It is an
Executive NDPB of the Scottish Government. A+DS aims to support the
creation of places that work, which provide people with real
choices and, are ultimately, places where people want to be.
Archaeology Scotland
Archaeology Scotland supports local archaeological initiatives
and campaigns for the best possible conservation and management of
our heritage. Archaeology Scotland coordinates Scottish Archaeology
Month nationwide.
Association for the Protection of Rural Scotland
APRS works to protect Scotland's world renowned landscape and
the amenity of the countryside.
Environment Forum Scotland (BEFS)
Performing an intermediary role, BEFS supports its members by
raising awareness of, and facilitating joint working on, strategic
issues of common interest. BEFS is the only
membership forum operating in Scotland that brings together
voluntary and professional bodies in the built environment
Civic Trust for Wales
The Civic Trust for Wales promotes civic pride as a means to
improving the quality of life for all in the places where we live
and work, and encourages community action, good design, sustainable
development and respect for the built environment amongst people of
all ages.
Civic Voice
Civic Voice is the national charity for the civic movement in
England. They aim to make places more attractive, enjoyable and
distinctive and to promote civic pride.
The Garden History Society in Scotland
The Garden History Society is the oldest society in the world
dedicated to the conservation and study of historic designed
gardens and landscapes. Through the society's interventions, advice
and casework it has helped save or conserve scores of important
gardens since it was founded by a small but dedicated band of
garden-lovers in 1966.
Historic Scotland
Historic Scotland is the executive agency of the Scottish
Government charged with safeguarding the nation's historic
environment and promoting its understanding and enjoyment on behalf
of Scottish Ministers.
Institute of Historic Building Conservation
The IHBC is the principal professional body for
building conservation practitioners and
historic environment specialists working in England,
Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
of England Civic Trust
For over 40 years NECT has been active in conservation and
regeneration across the North East of England, North Yorkshire and
Cumbria. As a civic trust NECT champions public involvement in the
processes that shape the environment, often working with local
Planning Aid for Scotland
Planning Aid for Scotland is a unique, independent, charity that
helps people shape their communities by engaging with the planning
Planning Democracy
Planning Democracy is campaigning for a fair and inclusive
planning system in Scotland. Planning Democracy advocates for
transparent accountable decision making based on a level playing
field between the public and other stakeholders.
SURF - Scotland's independent regeneration
SURF provides a neutral space for those concerned with community
regeneration in Scotland to share knowledge and experience with a
view to improving policy and practice.
Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of
Scotland (RCAHMS)
RCAHMS is one of Scotland's National Collections. It has a
unique responsibility to gather information on the built heritage
of the nation, to safeguard the resulting archive to the highest
standards and to make this information as widely available as


text:
Buddhadeb's reply to Chidambaram's letter
The highly publicised spat between the Left and home minister, P Chidambaram opened another front with West Bengal CM, Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee responding to Chidambaram's letter, terming it "a fitting reply".india Updated: Dec 29, 2010 19:34 IST
The highly publicised spat between the Left and home minister, P Chidambaram opened another front with West Bengal CM, Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee responding to Chidambaram's letter, terming it "a fitting reply".
The West Bengal CM shot back at Chidambaram, accusing him of towing Mamata Banerjee's line and questioning his assessment of the state's law and order situation. Claiming that Chidambaram's letter was politically motivated, "surprising and far from impartial", Buddhadeb, instead placed the blame squarely on the Trinamool, alleging non co-operation in dealing with the deteriorating law and order stituation in the run up to the state assembly elections.
Chidambaram had written to the the CM on December 24, in which he was extremely critical of the ongoing violence, use of cetral paramilitray forces and the arming of local cadres in the state. In a curious twist, the letter was made available to the media before reaching Buddhadeb.
The CM has now taken the issue head on. This is the text of Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee's reply.
Dear Sri Chidambaram,
Kindly refer to your secret letter dated 21/22 December, 2010 which had been published in the media before it reached my office on 27.12.2010 at 11 AM.
Your assessment of the situation in the State of West Bengal is surprising and is far from an impartial overview of the situation. Maoists have spread from across the bordering states and with the help of a small section of the local people are creating problems mostly in 28 police stations in three districts of West Bengal. They are trying to create their own area of dominance. They are indiscriminately killing political opponents and even innocent people. They are attacking police stations, police camps and looting arms. They are also engaged in large-scale extortion and also other unlawful activities.
You are fully aware of these activities of the Maoists. The greatest challenge is how to contain the Maoists and defeat them finally both administratively and politically.
In recent times States and Central Police through their joint efforts have achieved major success. Peace and normalcy have been restored in vast areas. People who were evicted earlier are going back to their home. Govt./ Panchayat offices are functioning normally and so are the schools, market and shop. Life is gradually coming back to normalcy in these areas but still we have problems in the areas bordering our state. Trinamool Congress, which was earlier maintaining secret contacts with the Maoist leaders and outfits are now openly organizing meetings with them.
CPI(M) and its allies are trying their best to resist the Maoists by mobilizing people against them and in the process they have lost more than 170 of their workers and leaders. Unfortunately, you are now blaming them for the present state of affairs. I am afraid it will divert the attention of all concerned who are struggling against Maoists, the greatest threat to our internal security.
As regards political clashes mentioned in your letter, I would like to correct your figures. 32 Trinamool Congress supporters have been killed and 601 have suffered injuries, while CPI(M) have lost 69 of their cadres and another 723 have been injured. Indian National Congress has lost one of their supporters and 111 have been injured during the period mentioned in your letter. I, however, agree that it is not a happy situation and I am trying my best to stop these senseless killings. I have repeatedly appealed to all the opposition parties to co-operate. All the parties except Trinamool Congress have come forward to cooperate. Trinamool Congress has refused to talk to the administration. I am trying to disarm and demobilize all armed groups engaged in violence in some pockets in the state.
I strongly object to your using the word "Harmad" to mean the CPI(M) party workers without knowing the actual meaning of this nasty word coined by the Trinamool Congress leaders.
More when we meet,
With regards,
Your sincerely,
(Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee)
First Published: Dec 29, 2010 19:13 IST


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Fatty acids US prices, markets & analysis
Whichever regional Fatty acids markets you work in, ICIS offers the thorough pricing information you need to operate with confidence.
Our insights into regional Fatty acids markets are provided by our network of reporters based locally in those markets.
Use ICIS information to:
- See what's driving prices
- Understand fluctuations
- Feed into your own analytical models
- Confidently negotiate deals
- Underpin settlements and contracts
Our products
Fatty acids news and market information products from ICIS
We offer the following regional Fatty acids coverage to keep you informed of factors and developments affecting prices in the US Fatty acids marketplace.
Price reporting
Price Reporting – More information about the price reports we publish on Fatty acids
Independent price assessments and market coverage
Price history
Price History – More information about the historical price data we publish on Gas
Track historical price data
News & analysis
News & Analysis - News & market analysis specifically relating to Fatty acids
Breaking news of latest developments affecting the markets.
Insight and analysis of factors driving prices.
Regional overview
Regional overview
Updated to Q2 2014
Oleochemical producers in the US remain running at high rates and tallow-based fatty acids prices have move up in recent months, as many buyers' contracts are formula based. Formula-based buyers use the bleachable fancy tallow (BFT) average for the previous month a key component for the calculation. Since February, BFT prices have moved up by almost 13 cents/lb.
At least one tall oil fatty acid (TOFA) price increase of 5 cents/lb for 1 July implementation is on the table while sources in the sector said no increase announcements have been noted from other TOFA producers. A large buyer said it did not expect to see higher prices for at least another month.
The reason behind the increase is because of increased tightness in tallow and other competitive chemistry products and strong demand for TOFAs. In some end-use segments, C18:1 oleic acids can be used instead of TOFA. There is generally a 5-cent difference between TOFA and C18:1 oleic acids, according to a source in the sector. Meanwhile, TOFA supply remains long as producers are said to be running at higher rates to maximise co-product rosin production.
Price reporting
Price reporting
ICIS provides pricing information, news and analysis for all major petrochemical and chemical markets, including Fatty acids.
We offer unbiased and independent price reporting, with our price assessments being widely quoted as benchmarks in contracts.
Our information is collected from market participants by our global network of reporters, delivering unrivalled coverage of established and emerging markets, including China and Asia.
ICIS price assessments are based on information gathered from a wide cross section of the market, comprising consumers, producers, traders and distributors. Confirmed deals, verified by both buyer and seller, provide the foundation of our price assessments, giving you a robust reference for your negotiations.
Price history
Price history
ICIS collects pricing data on a wide range of chemical, energy and fertilizer products, including Fatty acids. Our extensive experience in price reporting means we can offer you access to historical data dating back more than 20 years for certain commodities.
Our time series of pricing data enables you to build and model trends, to get a view of where markets might be heading. The data service includes charting functionality, allowing you to chart and download multiple data series for manipulation in your own internal models. You can also export data to Excel via the ICIS dashboard service.
ICIS price assessments are based on information gathered from a wide cross-section of the market, comprising consumers, producers, traders and distributors from more than 250 reporters world-wide. Confirmed deals, verified by both buyer and seller, provide the foundation of our price assessments.
Our in-depth market knowledge drives our specialist focus, as we recognise the importance of individual market dynamics and not a one-size-fits-all approach.
Over 25 years of reporting on key chemicals markets, including Fatty acids, has brought global recognition of our methodology as being unbiased, authoritative and rigorous in preserving our editorial integrity. Our global network of reporters in Houston, London, Singapore, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Mumbai, Perth and Moscow ensures unrivalled coverage of established and emerging markets.


text:
|30 Jan 2009
Windows 7 Ultimate x64 SP1
Introducing *Chirp
If you've ever used Twitter, you've probably tried a few desktop clients that allow you to tweet without opening your web browser. Thirteen23.com, a company that focuses on delivering customers rich interactive experiences, launched it's twitter desktop client called *Chirp.
|My System Specs
|30 Jan 2009
windows 7
I started using this a few days ago when I also started using Twitter. It's a very well done app, functional and pretty.
|My System Specs
|Thread Tools
|Similar help and support threads
Introducing myself
Hello ntmu all I just joined.
|Chillout Room
Uhh hello. I am introducing myself
My name Lucifer Q. R. N. I mainly came because I encountered a problem, but now its fixed. My birthday is Feb.29 1992. Note I have a 1st name, 2 middle names, and a last name. My real 1st name really is Lucifer. I hope to be in psychology one day with a doctorate. I am cooler and more awesome...
|Chillout Room
Just Introducing Myself...
Hello, SevenForums! My name is Harvey and I've recently joined SevenForums. I've been lurking at SF for quite a while now, and I have to say that I really like the site. Not only is it stunningly beautiful to look at, but the quality of content is at its best. So, finally, I decided to join...
|Chillout Room
Just introducing myself
Hello, This is my first post to this forum so I kinda wanted to start out by introducing myself a bit. Seems like its quite a nice knowledgeable forum about Windows 7. I just switched from XP x64 to this RC release of the OS and I am quite impressed. I stumbled on to this website by accident...
|Chillout Room
Introducing Windows 7
Hi there, Mike Nash here. For me, one of the most exciting times in the release of a new product is right before we show it to the world for the first time. And that time is right now. In a few weeks we are going to be talking about the details of this release at the PDC and at WinHEC. We...
|Our Sites
|Site Links
|About Us
|Find Us
Windows 7 Forums is an independent web site and has not been authorized, sponsored, or otherwise approved by Microsoft Corporation. "Windows 7" and related materials are trademarks of Microsoft Corp.
© Designer Media Ltd
All times are GMT -5. The time now is 14:40.


text:
In our Reader Stories series, Unstuck readers share personal stories about getting stuck — and unstuck. Here, multimedia journalist Alma Bahman shares a story about confronting old friends who knew the old her she'd tried to leave behind.
I've started over many, many times. Moving somewhere new has given me a clean slate on which to reinvent myself. The potential for a better iteration of myself is tantalizing, hopeful. With each move, I shed the old, hide the scars, buff and shine the pretty parts, and try to build a me that's more me than ever.
Amidst all this change, I've managed to keep in touch with three of my best friends from elementary school. Every couple of months, someone will send out a group email asking for updates. We emoji, we catch up, we "ha-ha, I miss you guys!"
Then, last year, they decided to visit me.
These people, who knew the me I'd worked so hard to leave behind, were about to be here in the flesh. I felt that a glint of light off the surface would be all it took for one of them to see a part of my old self and drag her out, exposed. We would fall into our old patterns and ways of being with each other.
I wanted to tell them not to come. I even considered pretending to be sick.
Somewhere in this avalanche of regression, it occurred to me: If I've changed this much, then maybe, just maybe, they're not the same people they were years ago, either.
So, I approached my old friends as new friends. We met. I asked them questions about their lives, and they asked me about mine. And I was thrilled to introduce myself and to learn about who they've become.
Come to find out, they've always been thrilled to learn about who I'm becoming.
I can't wait until their next visit.


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Cauliflower and Leek Soup
- Prep: 10 min
- Cook Time: 25 min
- Total: 35 min
- Serving: 4 Servings
Cauliflower and leeks make a creamy, mild and delicately aromatic soup, while the lemon juice and peel add bright flavor and citrusy freshness.
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, mashed
- 1 pinch of chili powder
- 1 cauliflower
- 2 leeks
- 3 cups water
- 1 lemon juiced and peeled, peel shredded
- fresh thyme
- sea salt and freshly ground pepper
- toasted sliced almonds
- Place the olive oil in a soup pot over medium heat. Once the oil begins to shimmer, add the onion, garlic and chili and sauté for 5 minutes.
- Stir in the cauliflower and leek, cook for 2 minutes, and then pour in the water and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-low and simmer the mixture until the vegetables are tender.
- Remove 1/4 cup of the liquid from the pot and set aside. Using a stick blender, puree the mixture until smooth and then add in the lemon juice, shredded peel, thyme and a few pinches of salt and pepper to taste.
- Thin the soup out to desired consistency with the reserved cooking liquid if desired and then serve garnished with the toasted almonds.
Filed Under:
Vegetarian Recipes, Soup Recipes


text:
Venera 14
Seal of Venera 14
|Mission type
|Venus flyby / lander
|Soviet Academy of Sciences
|SATCAT no.
|Mission duration
Travel: 4 months and 1 day
Lander: 57 minutes
|Spacecraft properties
|Spacecraft type
|4V-1 No. 761
|NPO Lavochkin
|Launch mass
|4,394.5 kg (9,688 lb)
|Landing mass
|760 kilograms (1,680 lb)
|Dry mass
|1,632.71 kilograms (3,599.5 lb)
|2.7 m × 2.3 m × 5.7 m (8.9 ft × 7.5 ft × 18.7 ft)
|Start of mission
|Launch date
|November 4, 1981, 05:31:00 UTC
|Launch site
|Baikonur 200/39
|Orbital parameters
|Reference system
|0.71 Astronomical units
|0.99 Astronomical units
|2.3 degrees
|286 days
|Flyby of Venus
|Spacecraft component
|Venera 14 flight platform
|Closest approach
|March 3, 1982
|26,050 km (16,190 mi)
|Venus lander
|Spacecraft component
|Venera 14 descent craft
|Landing date
|March 5, 1982, 07:00:10 UTC
|Landing site
|13°15′S 310°0′E / 13.250°S 310.000°E (east of Phoebe Regio)
Venera 14 (Russian: Венера-14 meaning Venus 14) was a probe in the Soviet Venera program for the exploration of Venus.
Venera 14 was identical to the Venera 13 spacecraft and built to take advantage of the 1981 Venus launch opportunity and launched 5 days apart. It was launched on 4 November 1981 at 05:31:00 UTC and Venera 13 on 30 October 1981 at 06:04:00 UTC, both with an on-orbit dry mass of 760 kg (1,680 lb).
Each mission consisted of a cruise stage and an attached descent craft.
Cruise stage[edit]
As the cruise stage flew by Venus the bus acted as a data relay for the lander and then continued on into a heliocentric orbit. It was equipped with a gamma-ray spectrometer, UV grating monochromator, electron and proton spectrometers, gamma-ray burst detectors, solar wind plasma detectors, and two-frequency transmitters which made measurements before, during, and after the Venus flyby.
Descent lander[edit]
The descent lander was a hermetically sealed pressure vessel, which contained most of the instrumentation and electronics, mounted on a ring-shaped landing platform and topped by an antenna. The design was similar to the earlier Venera 9–12 landers. It carried instruments to take chemical and isotopic measurements, monitor the spectrum of scattered sunlight, and record electric discharges during its descent phase through the Venusian atmosphere. The spacecraft utilized a camera system, an X-ray fluorescence spectrometer, a screw drill and surface sampler, a dynamic penetrometer, and a seismometer to conduct investigations on the surface.
List of lander experiments and instruments:[1]
- Accelerometer, Impact analysis - Bison-M
- Thermometers, Barometers - ITD
- Spectrometer / Directional Photometer - IOAV-2
- Ultraviolet Photometer
- Mass spectrometer - MKh-6411
- Penetrometer / Soil ohmmeter - PrOP-V
- Chemical Redox indicator - Kontrast
- 2 color telephotometer cameras - TFZL-077
- Gas chromatograph - Sigma-2
- Radio / Microphone / Seismometer - Groza-2
- Nephelometer - MNV-78-2
- Hydrometer - VM-3R
- X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometer (Aerosol) - BDRA-1V
- X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometer (Soil) - Arakhis-2
- Soil Drilling Apparatus - GZU VB-02
- Stabilized Oscillator / Doppler Radio
- Small solar batteries - MSB
After launch and a four-month cruise to Venus the descent vehicle separated from the bus and plunged into the Venusian atmosphere on March 5, 1982. After entering the atmosphere a parachute was deployed. At an altitude of about 50 km the parachute was released and simple airbraking was used the rest of the way to the surface.
Venera 14 landed at 13°15′S 310°00′E / 13.25°S 310°E (about 950 km southwest of Venera 13) near the eastern flank of Phoebe Regio on a basaltic plain.
The lander had cameras to take pictures of the ground and spring-loaded arms to measure the compressibility of the soil. The quartz camera windows were covered by lens caps which popped off after descent. Venera 14, however, ended up measuring the compressibility of the lens cap, which landed right where the probe was to measure the soil.[2]
The composition of the surface samples was determined by the X-ray fluorescence spectrometer, showing it to be similar to oceanic tholeiitic basalts.
The lander functioned for at least 57 minutes (the planned design life was 32 minutes) in an environment with a temperature of 465 °C (869 °F) and a pressure of 94 Earth atmospheres (9.5 MPa). Telemetry had been maintained by means of the orbiting bus that carried signals from the lander's uplink antenna.[3]
Fictional references[edit]
- Venera 14 is visited by a Russian cosmonaut in BBC's Space Odyssey: Voyage To The Planets.
Image processing[edit]
American researcher Don P. Mitchell has processed the color images from Venera 13 and 14 using the raw original data.[4] The new images are based on a more accurate linearization of the original 9-bit logarithmic pixel encoding.
See also[edit]
- ^ Mitchell, Don P. "Drilling into the Surface of Venus". Retrieved 13 April 2013.
- ^ Images available at http://www.donaldedavis.com/2003NEW/NEWSTUFF/DDVENUS.html
- ^ http://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraftDisplay.do?id=1981-110D
- ^ The versions currently available on Mitchell's website
External links[edit]
|Wikimedia Commons has media related to Venera 14.


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What if the monster isn't out in the woods? What if he's not in the basement? What if you don't have to open the door or answer the phone to let the monster in? What if he makes no sound, is invisible, can't be felt? What if, all of a sudden, while you're lying in your bed, he just has you?
This is the thought that makes The Exorcist such a scary, creepy movie. A lot of monster movies are about a menace that you run from, that you have to outwit; this one just takes over before anyone knows what's happening.
The Movie
Released in 1973, The Exorcist is the story of a 12-year-old girl who is possessed by a demon, and the efforts of her mother, a psychiatrist/priest, and finally an "exorcist" to purge the demon from her body. It is such a startling, thought-provoking film, and subject to so many different interpretations, that it was a sensation when released and is even banned in the U.K. to this day. All of the performances are very good, but 12-year-old Linda Blair is amazing as Regan, the possessed child. Her facial contortions and body movements are so chillingly evil and beyond the concievable experience of any 12-year-old you really believe that she has become a puppet for another intelligence.
The Video
Warner Brothers' The Exorcist: Special Edition DVD is an excellent presentation of the film. It restores the color and dynamic feeling between brightly lit and ominously dark scenes in the film that had been lost in the old prints we've all seen on TV, cable, and VHS. I don't know how many times I've seen this movie, but this was the first time that it didn't look gray, washed out, or too dark.
It's presented in anamorphic widescreen, 1.85:1 format, and except for very few minor scratches on the film, it looks fantastic. Understandably, the picture quality on the included theatrical trailers, and particularly the TV spots, is not as good-- there is lots more grain and flaws on the film. But who cares? That they were included at all is cool enough.
9 out of 10
The Audio
The audio mix, in Dolby 5.1, is very good. This is a movie with a lot of quiet scenes and a lot of very loud ones, and the balance between the two is just right. There is a lot of ambient music and noise as well, and it's kept at just the right level. The scene where Father Karras listens to the many voices coming out of Regan on an audio tape sounds scarier than ever.
9 out of 10
The Extras
I would recommend this DVD solely on the strength of the movie, video and audio, but its supplements put it way over the top. The extras provided on side 2 of the disc are excellent: as mentioned, all of the theatrical trailers and television promos for the film are included. There are two feature-length audio commentary tracks, one by director William Friedkin and one by screenwriter (and author of the novel) William Peter Blatty.
Interviews with all of the principals are included, as are deleted scenes (including one with Regan walking upside-down on her hands down the steps), storyboards, and the film's original (and wisely cut) ending. One thing that's particularly amusing is the inclusion of several excepts from a joint interview with both Friedkin and Blatty, who to this day continue to disagree on the omission of certain scenes, and the ending of the film. Watching them argue over the film's message and how it should have been conveyed, while trying to be civil (it has been 25 years, after all) is pretty funny.
Best of all there's a 75-minute documentary, The Fear of God: The Making of the Exorcist that explains all aspects of the film's production, including how that little girl was able to spew pea soup 20 feet. (As it turns out, this movie was inspired by true events that occurred in 1949, in Silver Spring, Maryland.)
10 out of 10
-- Alex Castle can spew pea soup 9 or 10 feet... but who's counting?


text:
Blackout Poem #8
The following blackout poem was created using a randomly chosen page out of Stephen King's Joyland. In this case, I used page 43.
His hard-wearing routine
was the only friend he had.
Too bad the Thought Police
ride that dark tunnel,
that graveyard track.
I'm writing a post a day in November for BlogHer's NaBloPoMo.


text:
Academic Programs in Cairns
Students may choose from the following Academic Program options:
Academic Year
Semester + Semester options are available for certain programs in this city. In these instances, students will receive a discount off of the second term. ISA support services, housing and insurance are not included during the interim period between sessions but may be added for an additional charge.
To see if this option is available for your specific program of interest, please review that program's semester pages or contact ISA for more information.
Semester / Trimester
An ISA Cairns semester/trimester programs allows students to select courses from a wide variety of fields of study allowing their study abroad experience to fit their individual academic needs. ISA Cairns semester/trimester programs are conducted through James Cook University with courses taught in English by host university professors. ISA students will enroll in courses alongside Australian and international students.