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Neuigkeiten rund um arbeitslehrer.de sowie Konstruktives und Anregungen Ihrerseits gehören hier hinein
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In my opinion Justin Coleman Color Rush Jersey , the biggest move of the Pete Carroll and John Schneider era was the trade acquisition of tight end Jimmy Graham. Coming off of back-to-back Super Bowl appearances and a loss to the New England Patriots in which things like "They have no red zone threat like Rob Gronkowski" were uttered constantly, the Seahawks gave up Pro Bowl center Max Unger and a first round pick for Graham and a third round pick from the New Orleans Saints.The NFL's most successful team en total from 2012-2014, which had tried and failed to find a franchise tight end after signing Zach Miller and drafting the athletic Luke Willson, and whom were led in receiving yards by Doug Baldwin at 825 with second-place Jermaine Kearse only clocking in at 537, added a player with three Pro Bowls in the previous four years and 51 touchdowns in five seasons. The most touchdowns scored from 2012-2014: Marshawn Lynch at 43. The fourth-most: Graham, at 35.How could it fail? Apparently by not knowing what you had or not knowing what you really wanted.Graham's inability to block anyone was and is well known, but on the day of the trade Carroll and Schneider focused on what he could do in the red zone as a "complementary" piece of the offense:It was a high price to pay for someone who only complements your offense, especially when you weaken the blocking at both center and tight end in a single move. And the reality seemed to be that even if Graham was only a "complementary" piece, Darrell Bevell still didn't really ever find the groove of if he was a piece or the centerpiece to the offense. Nobody was happy when he received only two targets in his second game with the team, a 27-17 loss to the Green Bay Packers. And it didn't really seem to matter when he was the focus of the offense in a 27-23 loss to the Carolina Panthers in which he had 12 targets, eight catches, and 140 yards.After Graham tore his patellar tendon and went on injured reserve, Russell Wilson went 109-of-158 for 1,301 yards, 16 touchdowns and one interception, with a rating of 125 and a Y/A of 8.23. Wilson was hot with Graham too, but maintaining that same level of heat without him put a stamp on the note that says, "Jimmy Graham doesn't matter."That's not to say that Graham isn't a good player or the right player for the right team, but his lack of meshing with a Pete Carroll offense in Seattle made the move all the more confusing and could imply that not all in the front office are always on the same page. "Add a Pro Bowl tight end to the NFL's best team and they need a red zone threat" makes the most sense in the world, but "Add a blocking liability to an offense with a head coach who has said since day one that he wants to run the football more than any team in the league" is a head-scratcher.Carroll even admitted that they knew Graham couldn't block when they acquired him: during a 2017 offseason "We swear, this is improved" type quotable moment, which come on we all knew wasn't true, Carroll says that Graham had become a much more complete football player that year:Graham's 2016 season seemed to be his most effective, but he was perhaps most effective everywhere but the red zone, where he caught six of 17 targets for four touchdowns. Want to add Graham so that you have a big threat to throw to when you're at the 1-yard line hint hint? Graham received three targets inside the opponents' 10-yard line and he caught one of them, which was a touchdown.In 2015, those numbers were three of eight in the red zone and two of four inside the 10.Now compare that to Doug Baldwin, who is rarely mentioned as a "red zone threat" because we spend all of our time believing — as Carroll and Schneider clearly do — that bigger is better if you're inside the 10:Baldwin caught 9 of 15 red zone targets for six touchdowns in 2015 and two of five for two touchdowns inside the 10. In 2016, he caught 11 of 15 red zone targets for six touchdowns and four of seven inside the 10 with three scores. Over that two year span since acquiring Graham, Graham caught nine of 25 red zone targets with five touchdowns, while Baldwin caught 20 of 30 for 12 touchdowns.Did Graham's presence alter Baldwin's ability to be open or to make those scores? I can't say without going over each play Russell Wilson Color Rush Jersey , but in general we still know this: Graham was absent when Baldwin caught eight touchdowns in a four-game span in 2015, Graham still only caught nine of 25 targets himself which is very bad for a player you acquired to do red zone things, and Baldwin is still doing it.He's caught 5 of 11 red zone targets this year with three touchdowns and he's been injured for most of the year. Graham has caught three of eight with the Packers for two touchdowns. He's only one of five inside the opponents' 10.What Baldwin does have this season that he didn't in the previous three is a combination of tight ends who are both adept at blocking and capable of providing production in the passing game as receivers. This is probably thanks to a combination of things: the addition of Brian Schottenheimer as offensive coordinator, the addition of Mike Solari as offensive line coach, Russell Wilson being one of the NFL's best quarterbacks, tight ends coach Pat McPherson because why not shout out the TE coach in a TE article, and of course the offseason moves to acquire Ed Dickson and Will Dissly.Who unfortunately never got to play together but who have picked up the slack in the absence of the other.Last season, Graham caught 57 of 96 targets for 520 yards and 10 touchdowns. His 5.42 Y/Target was the ninth-worst in the NFL for any player with at least 50 targets, and four of the players who were worse than him are running backs. Only Zay Jones, Austin Seferian-Jenkins, Cole Beasley, and Corey Coleman were worse at WR or TE.On the road last season, Graham averaged only 4.55 Y/Target. In the all-important NFC West games, he averaged 4.21 Y/Target.But finally there was the red zone "complement" we were promised. Wilson went to Graham 24 times in the red zone and he caught 15 of them for 10 touchdowns. Inside the 10, he had 16 targets, eight catches, all of which went for scores. It came in handy in the shootout against the Houston Texans, in which two scores gave Seattle the lead when they were trailing, both in the fourth quarter.However, what we're seeing in 2018 is that Wilson doesn't need Graham in order to score touchdowns. Not in the red zone, not anywhere on the field. With one more touchdown, Wilson will break his own single-season record and he'll do it having potentially thrown a career-low in interceptions with a career-high in sacks taken.And it's with a group of tight ends that cost a total of $3.2 million, 5th-cheapest in the NFL. Graham is the league's highest-paid tight end at $10 million annually.Graham's catch rate in 2017: 59.4%. The Seahawks' tight ends catch rate in 2018: 71% with 8.44 yards per target.The lead man is Nick Vannett, Seattle's third round pick in 2016. Thanks to injuries to the other two, Vannett has received the most snaps and 40 targets, catching 27 for 252 yards and three touchdowns. He has caught four of five targets in the red zone, with two going for scores. Both of those touchdowns came on targets inside the 10.Whereas Graham is 22nd in DYAR and 25th among tight ends in DVOA in Green Bay, Vannett isn't far behind at 30th in each.Dickson returned to the team in Week 8 after starting the season on NFI and he's gained more snaps over Vannett as the year goes on. Against the Kansas City Chiefs, Dickson had 64 snaps compared to 33 for Vannett. It was a similar ratio the week prior against the San Francisco 49ers. Renowned for his blocking, Dickson too has had some pretty poor Y/Target times in his career (5.93 with the Baltimore Ravens in 2011), but the Seahawks are putting him in position to succeed when he does get a target.He's caught 12 of 13 for 143 yards and three touchdowns. He's had four red zone targets Brandon Marshall Color Rush Jersey , catching three, with two touchdowns. Dickson hasn't had enough qualified targets yet, but his DYAR would rank 13th and his DVOA would rank first by a significant margin.And Will Dissly, the team's fourth round pick this year, was Seattle's star during their 0-2 start, catching six of 10 targets for 147 yards and two touchdowns. He caught just one of three for four yards in Week 3 against the Dallas Cowboys, then like Graham before him, tore his patellar tendon in Week 4. Dissly caught both of his red zone targets, both of which were touchdowns.Add it up: Wilson has targeted his tight ends 11 times in the red zone and they've caught nine of them, scoring six times. And they can block. And it costs the Seahawks $3.2 million.(The other two tight end targets: One to George Fant for nine yards and one to Tyrone Swoopes for 23.)In addition to that, Jaron Brown has caught six of six red zone targets with five touchdowns and Tyler Lockett has caught five of six for three touchdowns.Certainly there's also some contribution there to the run game, which has gone from 23rd in DVOA in 2017 to eighth this season. "Jimmy Graham's on the field" was a pretty big tell in 2015-2017 that they were going to pass it and not ask Graham to block anyone. "Ed Dickson or Nick Vannett is on the field" is not. Maybe that's a reason why RPO is pretty much only Run-In-Shotgun now because there doesn't have to be as much deception before and just after the ball is snapped. "Yeah, we are going to give it to Chris Carson and run him behind George Fant, we believe in that."Even if you don't, Carroll does, and it seems to be so much more in line with who he's been as a coach for most of his career.Meanwhile, Wilson's looking down the barrel at something new in his career: With a red zone touchdown on Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals he'll be at 22 for the season, a new career high. Maybe he'll target a tight end.Maybe he doesn't need to. The Seahawks haven't used the franchise tag since 2010 when they tagged kicker Olindo Mare. Green Bay and Houston are the only teams not to use the franchise tag since then, according to Brady Henderson of ESPN.After getting early extensions done with Richard Sherman, Earl Thomas (in 2014), Russell Wilson, Bobby Wagner and Kam Chancellor, the Seahawks haven't had a need to exercise the tag. But it appears more and more likely by the day that the Seahawks will use the franchise tag on defensive end Frank Clark before the March 5 deadline.The tag for defensive ends projects at $18 million. Clark made $944,000 last season.He instantly would become one of the most coveted of free agents if he hit the open market next month. Clark, 25, had a career-best 13 sacks last season.His 33 sacks since 2016 rank ninth in the league, according to Henderson, and Clark's 2,045 defensive snaps in that span are fewer than the eight players ahead of him.
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Welcome back to Hayley Lately. Each month, this is where I chat about my life and what I've been up to in Melbourne. Keep reading to discover the book I couldn't put down, my new favourite show and the best Melbourne eats.
Life lately
Man, did September fly by for anyone else? The most exciting thing I did this month was spend a long weekend in Adelaide. I did a lot with my three days in the city, which you can read about in my recent post. But from Glenelg and Henley Beaches to East End to Hahndorf, I now know why Adelaide is nicknamed Radelaide.
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What a stunner of a sunset I captured on Friday night from Glenelg Beach 🌅 Today's was just as good as well. • I head home to Melbourne in the morning, but this trip to Adelaide has been great. I only have good things to say about the city: from the friendly people to the public transport to the free attractions, I kinda get why it's nicknamed Radelaide. • I see many latergrams in my future! • • • • • #passionpassport #culturetrip #teamkaptainkenny #theeverygirltravels #ichosetowander #prettylittletrips #darlingescapes #expediapic #iamatraveler #lppathfinders #openmyworld #guardiancities #goopgo #wheretofindme #fodorsonthego #beautifuldestinations #condenasttraveler #traveldeeper #speechlessplaces #cntraveler #mydomainetravels #suitcasetravels #mytinyatlas #natgeotravelpic #tlpicks #seeaustralia #southaustralia #adelaide #australiagram #travelstoke
Back in Melbourne, the weather has been all over the place this month. I've been able to get away with not wearing a jacket on a few occasions, but I've also had to put my little heater on a few times. Let's hope my shorts get to come out and play in October.
In other news, I started a new job in September. I'm now working at AAMI Park as well as Etihad Stadium. They both have similar setups and my first shift was Billy Slater's last game for the Storm. I enjoy working at events and being (paid to be) a part of the action 😉
Eating lately
Well, I did brunch this month, which is an improvement on boring August. My friend and I headed back to Proud Mary in Collingwood. I tried their chocolate French toast dish, which came with a caramel drizzle, honeycomb and a potato crisp topping. Yes, it was as good as it sounds. I also celebrated another friend's birthday at The B.East, a really cool (and delicious) burger bar in Brunswick East. The best part though was the fact Zero Gradi was next door and they had a NUTELLA FOUNTAIN. Best gelato I may have ever had.
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Hey look, it's a current photo of me 👋🏻 I don't show my face around here often, but when I saw this wall in Collingwood after brunch on Saturday, I had to get @lalalightning to take a photo! • • • • • #passionpassport #culturetrip #teamkaptainkenny #theeverygirltravels #ichosetowander #prettylittletrips #darlingescapes #expediapic #iamatraveler #lppathfinders #openmyworld #guardiancities #goopgo #wheretofindme #traveldreamseekers #beautifuldestinations #sheisnotlost #traveldeeper #speechlessplaces #globelletravels #mydomainetravels #suitcasetravels #mytinyatlas #dametraveler #tlpicks #visitmelbourne #melbmoment #wandervictoria #seeaustralia #melbourne
Reading lately
I've now read over 30 books so far this year. Not bad! At the beginning of September I finished Circe, which didn't bowl me over. It's based on Greek mythology, which isn't something you learn about at school in Australia, so I was pretty clueless. Then I read Ghosted, which was a great romantic novel set in both LA and England. It features a very unexpected twist! During my trip to Adelaide, I started and finished China Rich Girlfriend, the sequel to Crazy Rich Asians. It's a shock, but I may have liked this novel more than the first one. I can't wait to read the last book in the trilogy.
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My PSA for the day: if you like romance novels, you will LOVE The Hating Game. It's written by an Australian author (@sallythorneauthor), though I picture it being set in NYC. I'm halfway right now, and both can't wait to finish it and also don't want it to end 🤷♀ • Before this I finished Far from the Tree, which is a really good YA read, and next is… What to Say Next! What have you been reading lately? • • • • • #flashesofdelight #thehappynow #thegirlgang #darlingmoment #livethelittlethings #postitfortheaesthetic #abmathome #artofslowliving #pursuepretty #darlingmovement #visualsoflife #lovelylittlesquares #inspiremyinstagram #teamkaptainkenny #happyselves #thelifestylecollective #chooselovely #shinyhappybloggers #beautifulmatters #interiorinspo #littlestoriesofmylife #lcdotcomloves #bookstagram #theeverygirl #melbblogger #lifestyleblogger #britstagram #melbourne #chattycaptioncommunity #thisdelightfullife
Speaking of trilogies, I also read Still Me, which is the last book in the Me Before You series by Jojo Moyes. The book didn't progress in the way I expected, which just made me like it even more. I hope there's more books in the series, but I am also satisfied if this is the end. Then there was a YA read called Far from the Tree. It was about three siblings who only meet each other as teenagers, and it's told from each of their perspectives. I thought it was a great contemporary YA novel.
Writing lately
Over on The Culture Trip, I wrote a comprehensive solo traveller's guide to Australia (they picked the right person to write that article). I also got the chance to write about all the interesting things you can do in Arnhem Land.
Blogging lately
My blog hit a milestone at the end of of August, which I forgot to mention. I reached 20,000 page views for the month, which is a big deal to me. Although blogging is still a hobby, I love being able to help other people plan their overseas adventures. I get so excited every time I get a message or email from someone who's read my blog and been inspired in some way.
In September, I published a post detailing how I meet people when I travel solo. I also wrote a review of my Bitemojo food tour in Singapore and my bumper post on Bali travel tips. And like I mentioned before, last week I wrote my guide to a weekend in Adelaide.
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Guys, I would just like to report that I went outside today WITHOUT MY JACKET. It was just me and my jumper (sweater) for a sunny stroll to the supermarket ☀ • I took this photo yesterday on my walk to work. It is a struggle to get up before 7am on a Sunday, but this view made it better. Are you a morning person? Tell me how you do it! • • • • • #passionpassport #culturetrip #teamkaptainkenny #theeverygirltravels #ichosetowander #theprettycities #darlingescapes #lifewelltravelled #iamatraveler #lppathfinders #openmyworld #goopgo #wheretofindme #fodorsonthego #beautifuldestinations #travelblogger #traveldeeper #speechlessplaces #cntraveler #mydomainetravels #suitcasetravels #mytinyatlas #travelblogger #tlpicks #melbourne #visitmelbourne #wandervictoria #seeaustralia #melbourneiloveyou #melbmoment
Watching lately
Man, am I excited for all of my favourite shows to be back! But I still spent September catching up on more TV shows. I finished the last season of This Is Us, which is such a tear jerker. I was a weepy mess watching a couple of episodes of season two. If you haven't watched it, believe me when I say it's worth the hype. I've also been watching iZombie, which is filmed in Vancouver and features such a good cast. Finally, my friend convinced me to watch Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan. I don't usually go for action/thriller shows, but I'm curious to see where it goes. John Krasinski is also fantastic as the lead.
October is another Melbourne month, but hopefully there's a few adventures thrown into the mix.
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subset: commoncrawl


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Wheat stubble burning is set to rise in Haryana and Punjab, where rain had brought relief in the recent days.
Officials say that stubble burning has come down by almost 60% in Punjab in April while such incidents are 30% less in Haryana so far as per data evaluated from Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS), Suomi NASA. But experts are anxious as the stubble burning prevails till May 15 in the states as farmers prepare fields for Kharif crop.
While burning of paddy in kharif poses graver concern in winters due to concentration of toxic residue, the pollution is well distributed in summers due to higher temperature.
This week the rains has brought down the stubble burning incidents. "Fire is more prevalent in districts of Kaithal, Karnal, Rohtak, Kurukshetra, Ambala, Panipat compared to Southern districts," chief scientist Haryana Space Applications Centre, Dr RS Hooda told ET. As many as 1465 fire incidents have been assessed in Haryana so far compared to 2027 in the last year by this time of the year, he said.
Hooda said that the latest ground situation on stubble burning is send through SMS to over hundred officials stationed across districts every day.
In Punjab the number of fire incidents has come down to 1030 from April 21-29 this year compared to 3333 in the same period last year, as per data from VIIRS. "There is noticeable decrease in stubble burning so far," says chief environmental engineer, Punjab Pollution Control Board Krunesh Garg.
The impact of stubble burning is less in wheat season as much of the stubble is used as fodder and also mixed with soil while paddy stubble is high silica content.
"It not just lead to poor quality of ambient air but affects soil quality," Manmohan Kalia, joint director Punjab agriculture department said.


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Good morning and welcome back to Generate! You can see an iconic moment between Jennifer Grey and the late Patrick Swayze below. So let's get going . . .
Quantifying coal's decline
Columbia University's energy think tank is out with a new study Tuesday on the forces behind coal's U.S decline and why Trump's promised resurgence probably won't happen.
Why it matters: The Center on Global Energy Policy analysis arrives as the Trump administration has begun unwinding Obama-era environmental restrictions.
The details: One key section attempts to quantify the influence of different forces that have driven coal's once-dominant share of U.S power generation downward for years.
- 49% of the decline in U.S. coal consumption stems from competition from cheap natural gas; 29% from lower power demand thanks to more efficient buildings, lights and appliances; and, 18% due to the rise of renewables.
- Environmental rules account for only a low-single-digit percentage of coal's decline (though the study acknowledges it's a tricky thing to measure).
Global markets hold sway too: "A slow-down in Chinese coal demand, especially for metallurgical coal, depressed coal prices around the world and reduced the market for U.S. exports."
Reality check: "If natural gas prices remain at or near current levels or renewable costs fall more quickly than expected, U.S. coal consumption will continue its decline despite Trump's aggressive rollback of Obama-era regulations."
The latest on Saudi Aramco's IPO
You're hired: HSBC has joined the ranks of financial institutions advising Saudi Aramco on its planned IPO of 5% of the state oil giant next year, according to Reuters. It's slated to be the biggest offering ever.
- "Europe's biggest bank joins peers including JPMorgan Chase & Co (JPM.N) and Morgan Stanley (MS.N) on the deal, which is expected to raise some $100 billion and is the centrepiece of the Saudi government's ambitious strategy to diversify away from oil," they report.
For what it's worth: The Wall Street Journal looks at Aramco's valuation of the Saudi state oil giant ahead of its massive IPO. It cites insiders who are valuing the entire company at $1.5 trillion, which is $500 billion less than the government has estimated.
Why it matters: "The valuation discrepancy raises new challenges for a deal that is already fraught with complexity and facing opposition within the ranks of the kingdom's government bureaucracy, according to people familiar with the matter," the WSJ reports.
Climate research corner
Stormy: Mashable explores what it calls an "ambitious" new paper, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, on the global connection between climate change and extreme weather events like heat waves and intense precipitation.
- What's new: "[T]his study differs from many other so-called 'climate attribution' studies by looking at how climate change is tipping the scales in favor of unprecedented events worldwide, rather than focusing on one or two extreme occurrences in particular."
Signal and noise: A new paper in Environmental Research Letters on global temperatures makes the case that recent fluctuations — like the seeming "pause" from 1998-2014 and the recent string of three hottest years on record — are wholly consistent with the underlying warming trend, plus the usual 'noise.'
- In their words: "We find that the public discussion of time intervals within the range 1998–2014 as somehow unusual or unexpected, as indicated by terms like 'hiatus', 'pause' and 'slowdown', has no support in rigorous study of the temperature data. Nor does recent talk of sudden acceleration based on three record-hot years in a row and the exceptional value in 2016."
From Amy's notebook: Greens soften anti-nukes stance
In reaction to Amy's latest Harder Line column on the nuclear industry, experts pointed out how some environmental groups, including the Environmental Defense Fund and the Sierra Club, are beginning to cautiously back the idea that existing nuclear reactors should not close prematurely.
Why it matters: Longstanding environmental opposition to nuclear power is one of the many obstacles facing this fuel in the U.S., so the softening opposition to existing reactors closing early could help on the margins of an industry besieged. The trend to close the reactors early also has been accelerated by cheap natural gases.
The latest: The Environmental Defense Fund is by far the most explicit in its backing: Its lead lawyer, John Finnigan, wrote a blog post last week with the headline, "Why We Still Need America's Nuclear Power Plants — At Least For Now."
Action > Words: Sierra Club and the Natural Resources Defense Council aren't saying publicly that they're backing the idea, but their state chapters are supporting state deals, like this one in New York, to keep reactors open longer.
The big picture: This shift is coming just as Westinghouse, which is constructing the first new U.S. reactors in almost 40 years, is going through bankruptcy.
- "After fighting with environmental organizations for the past three decades, it's ironic that Westinghouse's problems are happening at the same time the environmental movement is coming around to support nuclear power as a solution to climate change," Jeff Navin, partner at Boundary Stone Partners and former acting chief of staff at the Energy Department under Obama, told Axios in an email.
A new emissions roadmap
A broad coalition called the Energy Transitions Commission — which includes a range of energy and investment companies to figures like Al Gore — is out with a new roadmap for cutting global carbon emissions in half by 2040 while "stimulating economic development and social progress."
How to get there: Bloomberg explains the analysis by the coalition. "The declining costs of wind, solar and batteries will make it possible within 15 years to build power networks that get as much as 90 percent of their power from renewable sources while providing electricity at a cost that's competitive with fossil-fuels."
- They're pushing policies like carbon pricing, phasing out fossil fuel subsidies, boosting R&D, and raising public spending.
Reality check:
According to
the Financial Times, the authors are warning that in order to hold the rise in global temperatures below two degrees Celsius, "the pace of improvement in energy efficiency and in cutting carbon emissions from energy production must be 'far higher' than that achieved over the past 30 years."
On tap today
Rick Perry: The energy secretary is appearing at the Bloomberg New Energy Finance summit in New York City.
- Context: The appearance at the cleantech-focused event arrives as the White House is pushing for steep cuts in Energy Department programs.
Paris drama: GOP Rep. Kevin Cramer will join energy experts and advocates at a Capitol Hill panel discussion on U.S. involvement in the Paris climate change accord. They will discuss whether staying in the 2015 pact creates "legal responsibilities" for the U.S.
Cramer, who advised Trump on energy during the campaign, is a prominent member of the group that advocates staying in the pact but altering the conditions of U.S. involvement.
- For weeks he has been circulating a sign-on letter that says the U.S. should soften its emissions pledge, promote its fossil fuel industry, and push for greater focus on tech to trap carbon emissions from coal.
Tesla update: charging and production plans
A couple of items about Tesla caught my eye.
The Silicon Valley electric automaker says that it plans to double its network of charging stations this year, our tech reporter Kia reported yesterday.
The goal:
- 10,000 Superchargers (fast-charging stations that can provide 170 miles of charge in half an hour), up from current 5,000
- 15,000 Destination Charging connectors (stations at hotels, restaurants, etc.)
- North American Superchargers will increase by 150%, including an additional 1,000 in California
Why it matters: One of the biggest drawbacks to electric vehicles is the fear that it won't have enough charge to reach the driver's destination and there won't be a charging station nearby.
One level deeper: Chris Nelder, an EV expert with the Rocky Mountain Institute, tells your Generate host that Tesla's plan to build stations that support a few dozen vehicles at a time is consistent with his group's view that the future will bring well-sited "charging hubs." These will be particularly useful for autonomous EVs used as taxis.
Even more on Tesla: Of course, this plan to double its charging networks will not help with a different challenge facing Tesla — the backlog of drivers who just want to purchase the company's new and less expensive car. Reuters has an interesting look at how the company is using a "risky" plan to get the upcoming Model 3 sedan into assembly line production by skipping the "relatively cheap, prototype tools" and instead starting with permanent, more expensive equipment.
Some interesting thoughts from appearances yesterday at Bloomberg's two-day energy finance summit.
Politics: "The people who voted for President Trump are not the CEOs of Exxon Mobil, BP, Shell and Conocophillips. The people who voted for Trump and elected him think that those CEOs are part of the problem," Myron Ebell of the Competitive Enterprise Institute, who wants Trump to pull out of the Paris climate change accord, said in response to major fossil fuel companies urging the White House to remain in the accord.
Candor: "Carbon capture is total bullshit," Michael Bloomberg, who opposes coal-fired power and doesn't see much potential for commercial deployment of emissions-trapping tech, told the summit. The Associated Press has more on the former New York mayor's climate work here.
Lightning round
French election: Platts is out with a detailed report on the energy policy and market stakes in the runoff between Emmanuel Macron and Marine Le Pen. Click here to read about their differences on nuclear, wind and more.
Banks: Credit Suisse has positioned itself strongly in the "brutally competitive energy advisory business," according to a new look at the bank's energy practice in Bloomberg.
Budget: Foreign Policy got their hands on an internal document showing the specifics of how deeply the White House wants to cut State Department programs.
- Includes a steep reduction at Bureau of Energy Resources and a "sweeping 94.5 percent cut in funding for the State Department's Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs," a major office that works on climate change.
Transportation: Reuters explores a new report on which cities worldwide are doing the most to curb greenhouse gas emissions from transportation. Oslo, London and Amsterdam are leading the way.
ClearPath, a group that pushes for "conservative clean energy solutions," has plucked Jeremy Harrell from Capitol Hill to be its policy director. Harrell comes to the group from the office of Sen. Dean Heller, who he advised on energy (among other things), and he has also worked for House lawmakers.
Thanks for reading! Do you think your friends might want Generate in their inboxes each morning? Or maybe the other Axios newsletters on tech, health care, finance and politics? They're all breezy, informative reads. For free. The sign-up page is here. And your feedback and confidential tips are always welcome at firstname.lastname@example.com


text: The company, which delivers electricity to eight million customers across the East of England, London and the South East, has given the club a £250 grant as part of its Team Sport Award programme.It donated the money through employee Mark Edwards whose children Barney, 13, and Ruby, 8, are both members of the St Ives club, while his wife, Sarah, is on the clubs committee. Mark, who lives in Fenstanton, had previously applied for the award on behalf of St Ives badminton club, where he is the chairman, but wanted to pool the companys resources towards swimming this time. The donation will be used to purchase new swimming aids, such as fins. Mark, who works for the power firms connections team, said: My son Barney swims competitively, but my daughter Ruby is pretty competitive with him. They both really enjoy the sport and are progressing well. Training is three times a week which can mean some early starts, but the whole family is committed to it with my wife volunteering to do timekeeping and judging at events. My main role is as supporter, but Im pleased to have contributed by applying for this funding. Swimming aids are vital for youngsters as they develop and enhance their speed and technique in the water so the money will help ensure enough kit is available to youngsters without their families having to invest in it themselves. Liz Taylor, chairperson of St Ives swimming club, said: The award is greatly appreciated and will be used to help replace some of our swimming aids, which are well used and ready to be replaced. We have many fins where it is hard to find a matching pair. Through this kind support, the new swimming aids will help our younger swimmers develop their technique without parents having to pay for kit at an early stage in their development. The Team Sport Award scheme is designed to encourage staff to volunteer in the community and is aimed at promoting healthy living, teamwork and development of sporting opportunities. Hundreds of community and sports groups have benefited from grants since the scheme was set up. Last year £15,750 was donated to sporting groups connected to UK Power Networks staff.


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Explore Buffalo ® is a non-profit organization providing tours and other opportunities to discover Buffalo's great architecture, history, and neighborhoods. Explore Buffalo is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
Our Mission Statement:
Explore Buffalo® promotes Buffalo and Western New York history, architecture, and neighborhoods through quality education to learners of all ages.
Our Vision:
A public that is knowledgeable and engaged in the history, architecture, and neighborhoods of Buffalo and Western New York.
Annual Report:
Board of Directors:
Cindy Gorski, President
Thomas Mudra, Vice President
Robert Wetter, Treasurer
Ann Palmer, Secretary
Hadar Borden
Ron Eaton
John Fagant
Paul Gorski
Gerri Kozlowski
Wayne Minear
Barb Peterson
Kathy Pollack
Gary Szakmary
Brad Hahn, Executive Director
Olivia McCarthy, Deputy Director
Mack Barker, Education Coordinator
Cheryl McDonald, Administrative Coordinator
Colleen Kwiatkowski, Accountant


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3 Day Jokulsarlon Tour | Boat Ride, Golden Circle, South Coast & Glacier Hike
Experience the very best Iceland has to offer on this extensive tour of the South Coast and the Golden Circle. Witness lava fields, rift valleys, volcanoes, mighty rivers, powerful waterfalls, grand glaciers and the world-famous Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon.
This is a tour not to be missed by anyone looking to experience the vast array of Iceland's wonders in only three days.
The ever-popular Golden Circle route encompasses the National Park, continental rift valley and UNESCO World Heritage site Þingvellir; the spouting geysers in Haukadalur at the Geysir Geothermal Valley; the king of all waterfalls in Iceland, Gullfoss; and the additional treat of visiting the ancient volcanic crater lake Kerið.
Once your adventure reaches its second day, prepare to behold the wonders of Iceland's South Coast. Its many magnificent waterfalls are sure to amaze, as well as the black pebble beach Reynisfjara and the one and only Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon—one of the most sought-after attractions in the country—where icebergs gather to float on a still lake inhabited by seals.
One of the many highlights of the tour is a boat ride of the lagoon itself, where you can get up close and personal with the massive icebergs. Another adventure included is an exhilarating glacier hike of Sólheimajökull's blue ice sheet. The scenery from the top is indescribable, so remember to pack your camera for all the exceptional photo opportunities.
You'll spend two nights in a comfortable local accommodation. This is a minibus tour for no more than 19 passengers, which makes the trip all the more personal and enjoyable.
This is a very popular tour, so reserve your spot now as to not miss out on this incredible opportunity to witness the wonders of two of Iceland's most traversed routes. Check availability by choosing a date.
Quick facts
- Available: May. - Oct.
- Duration: 3 days
- Activities: Glacier Hiking, Sightseeing, Boat Trip
- Difficulty: Easy
- Minimum age: 10 years.
- Languages: English
- Attractions: Jökulsárlón,
Jökulsárlón is Iceland's most famous glacier lagoon. Conveniently located in the southeast by Route 1, about halfway between the Skaftafell Nature Reserve and Höfn, it is a popular stop for those travelling along the South Coast or around the Ring Road of the country.
As a glacier lagoon, Jökulsárlón is a lake that is filled with the meltwater from an outlet glacier. In this case, it is Breiðamerkurjökull, a tongue of Europe's largest ice cap, Vatnajökull.
It stands out, however, due to the fact that it also fills with icebergs breaking from the glacier, some of which tower several stories high.
These icebergs, other than their scale, are notable for their colouration. Although they are, as expected, largely white, most are also dyed electric blue in part, with black streaks of ash from eruptions centuries past.
When the icebergs finally make it across the lagoon, they either drift out to sea or wash up on the nearby shore. Because of the way they glisten against the black sands of Breiðamerkursandur, this area has been nicknamed 'the Diamond Beach'.
In spite of being a rather recent formation, Jökulsárlón is the deepest lake in the country, with depths of 248 metres (814 feet). With a surface area of 18 square kilometres (7 square miles), it is also growing to be one of the largest.
Jökulsárlón has not been around since Iceland's settlement; it only formed around 1935. This was due to rapidly rising temperatures in the country from the turn of the twentieth century; since 1920, Breiðamerkurjökull has been shrinking at a dramatic rate, and the lagoon has begun to fill its space.
Today, the expansion of Jökulsárlón is accelerating. In 1975, it had less than half its current surface area.
In the relatively near future, it is expected that the lagoon will continue to grow until it becomes a large, deep fjord.
Though a dark omen for Iceland's glaciers and ice caps in general, the retreat of Breiðamerkurjökull has resulted in an incredibly beautiful, if temporary, site. This has not been overlooked by Hollywood.
Jökulsárlón has been featured in the James Bond films A View to Kill in 1985 and Die Another Day in 2002, 2001's Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, and 2005's Batman Begins.
In 2017, Jökulsárlón was enveloped into the Vatnajökull National Park, thus it is now fully protected by Icelandic law.
Because of the wealth of herring and capelin that the tides bring into the lagoon, Jökulsárlón is somewhat of a hot-spot for Iceland's wildlife.
In summer, it is a nesting site for Arctic Terns; stay well away from their nesting area, as these birds are notorious for the fierceness with which they protect their eggs, dive-bombing the heads of any they see as a threat. Skuas also nest on the lake's shores in this season.
Seals can be reliably spotted here throughout the year, swimming amongst or else hauling out on the icebergs. Jökulsárlón provides them with a safe haven to rest and socialise, especially considering the waters of southeast Iceland are renowned for their population of orcas.Vatnajökull,
Vatnajökull glacier is the largest glacier in Europe, covering 8% of Iceland's landmass.
It is the central feature of the Vatnajökull National park, found in the south west of Iceland, a popular spot for activities like glacier hiking from Skaftafell, boat tours in the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, and ice caving tours between November and March.
Facts about Vatnajokull
Vatnajökull has a surface area of approximately 8,100 square kilometres (3127 square miles); though it is rapidly shrinking due to climate change, its recession is not quite as advanced as at other glaciers, such as Langjökull and Mýrdalsjökull. In parts, it is a kilometre deep (over three thousand feet), and its average thickness is around half of that.
Vatnajökull also holds the tallest peak in Iceland beneath its ice; Hvannadalshnjúkur is 2,200 metres tall (7,218 feet). It also conceals some of the most active volcanoes in the country, the most notable being Grímsvötn, Öræfajökull and Bárðarbunga.
Volcanic activity in the region has occurred on and off throughout the centuries, and many geologists believe that several eruptions are overdue. If their calculations are correct, it would mean significant volcanic activity for Vatnajökull over the scope of the next half-century.
Depending on winds, this could result in worldwide consequences in terms of air-travel, agriculture and the general climate.
The glacier boasts over 30 outlet glaciers, which are channels of ice that flow out of ice caps but remain constrained on the sides of the valley. The major outlet glaciers of Vatnajökull include Dyngjujökull in the north, Breiðamerkurjökull, and Skeiðarárjökull to the south. To the west, one can find the outlet glaciers Síðujökull, Skaftárjökull and Tungnaárjökull.
Numerous rivers run out of Vatnajökull, making up some of the greatest glacial rivers in Iceland. The most notable are:
Tungnaá (west)
Köldukvísl (west)
Þjórsá (west)
Jökulsá á Fjöllum (north)
Skjálfandafljót (north)
Jökulsá á Brú (northeast)
Jökulsá í Fljótsdal (northeast)
Jökulsá í Lóni (south)
Hornafjarðarfljót (south)
Jökulsá á Breiðamerkursandi (south)
Skeiðará (south)
Núpsvötn (south)
Hverfisfljót (south)
Skaftá (south)
Vatnajokull National Park
Vatnajökull National Park was established in June 2008 and has slowly grown to include more and more areas. The park now covers an area of 14,141 square kilometres (5,460 square miles), 14% of the country. It is the second largest national park in Europe.
Rivers divide the highland plateau to the north of the park. The volcanic table mountain Herðubreið towers over this particular region, along with volcanoes Askja, Snæfell and Kverkfjöll.
The canyon Jökulsárgljúfur was carved out by glacial floods centuries ago. At the upper end of the canyon, you'll find Dettifoss, the most powerful waterfall in Europe. Further north, the horseshoe-shaped canyon Ásbyrgi is believed to have formed when Óðinn's eight-legged horse, Sleipnir, stepped his foot down from the heavens.
East around Snæfell, one can find wetlands and ranges, home to roaming herds of wild reindeer and abundant birdlife. Steep mountain ridges make up the south side of Vatnajökull, where outlet glaciers crawl onto the lowlands. The sandy plains of Skeiðarársandur also lie to the south, and the glacial river Skeiðará runs through this vast desert.
One of Iceland's most visited landmarks in the National Park is the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, which sits at the base of the outlet glacier Breiðamerkurjökull. Here, large icebergs that have broken off the glacier float across a vast lake before ending up in the Atlantic Ocean, or washed ashore on the nearby Diamond Beach.
This is one of the best seal-watching spots in the country.
The Future of Vatnajokull
The volume of Vatnajökull reached its peak around 1930 but has since been in a steady process of decline. Because of rising levels of global temperature, Vatnajökull has on average lost about a metre (three feet) of its thickness annually over the past 15 years.
If temperature levels continue to rise, the glacier could be all but gone nearing the end of the next century, leaving only small ice caps on top of the highest mountain summits.
Efforts are being made to prevent what some say is the inevitable, with reforestation projects going on all around the glacier, a proven method of cooling the area. Time will tell how successful they are.
Vatnajokull and Jokulsarlon in Popular Culture
The beauty of Vatnajökull National Park has not gone unnoticed by those in film or television. Many famous scenes have been shot here, starting with James Bond: A View to Kill in 1985. Other notable films with scenes here include Batman Begins, Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, and James Bond: Die Another Day.
Most famously, however, many places in Vatnajökull have been used in the HBO Series Game of Thrones, north of the Wall. The Wall itself is constructed with CGI using shots of the glacier.Skógafoss,
Skógafoss is one of Iceland's biggest and most beautiful waterfalls with an astounding width of 25 meters (82 feet) and a drop of 60 meters (197 feet).
Due to the amount of spray the cascade produces, at least one rainbow is present any time the sun emerges from behind the clouds.
Located on the Skógá river, this mighty cascade is clearly visible from Route 1 and is an excellent place to stop and stretch the legs while travelling Iceland's South Coast. The river below Skógafoss holds a large char and salmon population and is thus a favourite spot for fishermen in the summer.
The land underneath the waterfall is very flat, allowing visitors to walk right up to the wall of water. This will get you drenched, although, on a summer's day, it can be quite tempting.
Skógafoss can also be viewed from the top as a steep staircase leads to an observational platform above the cascade. Many nesting seabirds can be found on the route up.
Skógafoss is located near the small village of Skógar, south of the Eyjafjallajökull glacier volcano. There you'll find the Skógasafn folk museum, an open-air museum with both old wooden houses and turf houses, as well as a regional museum with various artefacts from this area.
A part of the Skógasafn Regional Museum is the Museum of Transportation, which showcases the history and evolution of transportation, communication and technologies in Iceland. There, you can see how this nation evolved from the age of the working horse to the digital communications of the 21st century.
The Skógasafn museum also includes a café and a museum shop, and in the village of Skógar, you will find both a hotel and a restaurant.
At the eastern side of Skógafoss, you will find one of Iceland's most famed hiking routes; the Fimmvörðuháls pass. The 22 kilometre (14 miles) trail takes you along Skógá river, between two glaciers, Mýrdalsjökull and Eyjafjallajökull, before ending in the beautiful Þórsmörk valley.
Skógafoss is often visited alongside the waterfall Seljalandsfoss, which is just a little further along the South Coast. Both fall from cliffs of the same height, and while Skógafoss is much more powerful, Seljalandsfoss has a cave behind it, which means it can be fully encircled. It is also next to a much lesser known but still awe-inspiring waterfall, Gljúfrabúi.
A gold ring is on display at the Skógasafn museum. According to legend, the ring is from a chest that was owned by Þrasi Þórólfsson, one of the first Viking settlers in the area, who by some accounts was a giant. Folklore states that before his death in 900 AD, Þrasi buried a chest filled with gold in a cave behind Skógafoss waterfall.
Many attempts were made to retrieve the chest after Þrasi's death, and years later, locals managed to grasp a ring on the side of the chest. As they pulled, the ring broke off, and the treasure was lost forever. The ring was then given to the local church before it made its way to the museum.Seljalandsfoss,
Seljalandsfoss is a waterfall that can be fully encircled, situated on the South Coast of Iceland with a drop of 60 metres (200 feet).
Due to the waterfall's close proximity to the Ring Road and impressive natural features, it is one the country's most famous and visited falls. Majestic and picturesque, it is one of the most photographed features in all of Iceland.
Geology and Surroundings
Seljalandsfoss waterfall, part of the river Seljalandsá, has its origins underneath the glacier Eyjafjallajökull. The volcano beneath this ice cap was the one that erupted in 2010 and caused havoc at airports across Europe.
The cascade of the falls is relatively narrow but falls from a tall cliff that once marked the country's coastline, the sea is now located across a stretch of lowlands and is visible from the site.
The most distinguishing feature of Seljalandsfoss is a pathway that stretches all the way around it. The cliffs behind the falls have a wide cavern, and rocks and paths allow guests to fully encircle it in summer.
Though a mesmerising opportunity, visitors should be prepared to get dampened due to the perpetual mist of the falls, which also tends to make the rocks of the pathway slippery.
Floodlights have been set up on both sides of the waterfall, which impressively illuminate the scene during the night when the midnight sun is not out. The lights were installed in 2001 due to the growing popularity of the falls as a tourist destination.
After visiting Seljalandsfoss, it is common for visitors to continue north to the waterfall Gljúfrabúi, which is found partially hidden behind a rock face. Because of Seljalandsfoss extreme popularity, Gljúfrabúi is widely considered the hidden gem of the scene, as it is too often overlooked.
Seljalandsfoss is also usually visited alongside the nearby Skógafoss. The waterfall falls from the same height, and while it cannot be encircled, it is much more powerful and steeped in the legend of a giant's hidden treasure.
Visitor Centre Controversy
In 2017, it was announced that a visitor's centre was to be constructed near the falls. The design of the building indicated that it would be seven metres (23 feet) high and 2,000 square metres (21,500 square feet) in size. Landowners in the area opposed to the idea, proclaiming that the centre would greatly alter the natural appearance of the waterfall's renowned scenery.
The project has neither been fully approved nor wholly cancelled, with ideas surfacing of either significantly reducing the size of the construction, or moving the visitor centre's location further away, for instance to the nearby farmstead Brekkuhorn.
Seljalandsfoss in Popular Culture
Along with a multitude of South Iceland's most famous natural attractions, Seljalandsfoss can be seen in Justin Bieber's music video for his song 'I'll Show You'. Please enjoy the video without emulating any antics that will endanger yourself or the environment.
The waterfall was also a featured waypoint during the first leg of the sixth season of The Amazing Race, an American reality TV series.Geysir,
Geysir is a famous hot spring in the geothermal area of Haukadalur Valley, found in south-west Iceland.
Making up just one of the attractions along the world-renowned Golden Circle sightseeing route, alongside Þingvellir National Park and the mighty Gullfoss waterfall, Geysir is most well-known for having lent its name to geysers all around the world.
Though Geysir itself is rarely active these days, Haukadalur Valley boasts a plethora of hot springs and geysers, including the powerful Strokkur, Smiður and Litli-Strokkur.
Strokkur is, arguably, the country's most famous hot spring, shooting vast jets of boiling water from 20 metres (65 feet) up to 40 metres (130 feet) high. Don't worry about missing this incredible spectacle of nature, as Strokkur erupts every five to ten minutes; just make sure to have your camera ready.
Geysir is much larger, but years can go by between eruptions here; it is currently in an inactive phase. When it does erupt, the water can shoot up in the air as high as 70 metres (230 feet).
Just a few minutes walk north of Geysir are a wealth of fumaroles emanating steam and gas into the cool Icelandic air. Aside from watching the hypnotic pillars of steam, you will also be able to observe the yellow sulphuric stains along the fumaroles themselves, a result of the earth's minerals crystallising around the rock bed.
At the southern part of the valley, Þykkuhverir, you'll find various bubbling mud pots. These spooky brown cauldrons are actually fumaroles that boil up through the loose ground; after a dry spell, these mud pools are likely to transform into a hardened fumarole.
Nearby Attractions
About two kilometres (one mile) from Geysir is a preserved natural pool called Kúalaug. It has room for three to five people at a time, but care should be taken, as the area around the pool is very delicate. The temperature is 39-43°C (102-109°F), depending on where you are positioned in the pool.
The water is slightly muddy, as the pool is built on soil, and the bottom is slippery due to algae, so caution is advised when relaxing here.
Haukadalur has also seen a rise in reforestation in recent times thanks to continued experiments and research in the area. Today, Haukadalsskógur is one of the largest forests in south Iceland, boasting accessible walking paths (also for wheelchair users), fascinating vegetation and The Tree Museum, built in the memory of forester Gunnar Freysteinsson.
Haukadalur has been inhabited and used as a church site since the Age of Settlement. Given its historic value, it should be noted that scholar, Ari "The Wise" Þorgilsson, grew up here; it was also where the first pastoral school in Iceland was built.
The current wooden church was last rebuilt in 1938 but its architectural style dates back to 1842, making it well worth a visit to see how Iceland looked before industrialisation.
For accommodation, Hotel Gullfoss is approximately 7 kilometre from the Geysir area, and closer still is Hotel Geysir on the other side of the road from the attraction, where you will also find a restaurant, café and a souvenir shop.Gullfoss,
Gullfoss (translated to 'Golden Falls') is one of Iceland's most iconic and beloved waterfalls, found in the Hvítá river canyon in south-west Iceland.
The water in Hvítá river travels from the glacier Langjökull, before cascading 32 meters (105 feet) down Gullfoss' two stages in a dramatic display of nature's raw power. This incredible site is seen by most visitors, as it is on the Golden Circle sightseeing route.
Because of the waterfall's two stages, Gullfoss should actually be thought of as two separate features. The first, shorter cascade is 11 metres (36 feet), whilst the second drop is 21 metres (69 feet). The canyon walls on both sides of the waterfall reach heights of up to 70 metres (230 feet), descending into the great Gullfossgjúfur canyon. Geologists believe that this canyon was formed by glacial outbursts at the beginning of the last age.
In the summer, approximately 140 cubic metres (459 cubic feet) of water surges down the waterfall every second, whilst in winter that number drops to around 109 cubic metres (358 cubic feet). With such energy, visitors should not be surprised to find themselves drenched by the waterfall's mighty spray.
As mentioned, Gullfoss makes up a part of the highly popular Golden Circle sightseeing route, alongside Geysir geothermal area and Þingvellir National Park. Many Golden Circle tours include additional activities that can be taken from Gullfoss, such as ascending the mighty nearby glacier Langjökull and entering its ice tunnels, or snowmobiling along its gleaming surface.
In the early days of the last century, Gullfoss was at the centre of much controversy regarding foreign investors and their desire to profit off Iceland's nature. In the year 1907, an English businessman, Howell, sought to utilise the waterfall's energy and harboured ambitions to use its energy to fuel a hydroelectric plant.
At the time, Gullfoss was owned by a farmer named Tómas Tómasson. Tómas declined Howell's offer to purchase the land, stating famously "I will not sell my friend!" He would, however, go on to lease Howell the land without the knowledge of a loophole that would allow him to proceed with his plans.
It was Tómas' daughter, Sigríður Tómasdóttir, who would lead the charge to stop Howell's ambitions. Having grown up on her father's sheep farm where she helped pave the first road to Gullfoss, she sought to get the contract nullified, hurriedly saving her own money to hire a lawyer.
The ensuing legal battle was an uphill struggle; the case continued for years, forcing Sigríður to travel many times by foot to Reykjavík, a distance of over 100 kilometres (62 miles). Circumstances became so difficult that Sigríður threatened to throw herself into the waterfall if any construction began.
Her tenacity, however, resulted in success. In 1929, Howell's withdrew from the lease, unable to keep up with the costs and difficulties of his plan. The waterfall fell back into the hands of the Icelandic people.
Today, Sigríður is recognised for her perseverance in protecting Gullfoss and is often hailed as Iceland's first environmentalist. As such, she is one of the most famous figures in Iceland's history. Her contribution is forever marked in stone; a plaque detailing her plight sits at the top of Gullfoss.
Interestingly, the lawyer who assisted Sigríður, Sveinn Björnsson, went on to go down in history too; he became the first president of Iceland in 1944.
Restaurant / Cafe
Besides Gullfoss, visitors can enjoy the views from Gullfoss Cafe, a locally run delicatessen that serves a wide variety of refreshments and meals. The menu has options to tantalise everyone's taste buds: hot soups, sandwiches, salads and cakes. There is also a shop on site where visitors' can browse and purchase traditional Icelandic souvenirs.Þingvellir,
Þingvellir National Park is the only UNESCO World Heritage site on the Icelandic mainland and one of the three stops on the world famous Golden Circle sightseeing route, alongside the Haukadalur Geothermal Valley (Geysir) and Gullfoss Waterfall. Just to the south of the park is Þingvallavatn, Iceland's largest natural lake.
The first thing that visitors to the National Park notice is its sheer aesthetic beauty; dried magma fields, covered in Icelandic moss, sit carved by glacial springs and surrounded by a bowl of ancient mountain peaks.
Two of the greatest attractions in the park are the exposed North American and Eurasian tectonic plates; it is one of the only regions in the world where you can see geology such as this on land.
Visitors are encouraged to walk along the North American tectonic plate, where they can read more about the area's fascinating formation and history, before descending into the valley below.
Þingvellir can be anglicised to 'Fields of Parliament', a nod to the area's fascinating history and relevance to Icelandic culture. It is here, after all, that the world's first democratically elected parliament that remains functioning, Alþingi, was formed in 930 AD.
It may seem unlikely that Vikings would want to be under such an uncombative government, but the thirty or so clans that lived in Iceland at the time sought to prosper in their harsh new environment.
The first gathering was such a success that the meetings became annual, and it became a place where disputes were settled, criminals were tried, and laws to the benefit of all were laid down.
This saw the birth of the Icelandic Commonwealth, a time of independence and freedom for the Icelandic people before they became constituents of the Norwegian monarchy. Sessions would continue to be held at Þingvellir until 1798.
Though the parliament was removed by the Danish at this time, it returned 1845 to Reykjavík.
Another major reason as to why Þingvellir is considered so important to Icelanders is the fact that this is where the decision was made to abandon the belief of Paganism and the Norse Gods; the people adopted Christianity in 1000 AD under threat of invasion from Norway.
This turning point in history was left to the pagan lawspeaker, Þorgeir Þorkelsson, who rested on the choice for one day and one night before reappearing to share his decision.
To symbolise the country's change, he threw idols of his old deities into the northern waterfall Goðafoss, the name of which translates to 'Waterfall of the Gods'.
Silfra Fissure
Þingvellir is one of the most widely visited attractions in Iceland, in large part due to the fact that it is home to the glacial spring, Silfra fissure, one of the top ten sites in the world for snorkellers and scuba divers.
Silfra (meaning 'Silver') is a submerged ravine within the park, boasting visibility of up to 100 metres (328 feet) and a temperature just above freezing. Participants in these tours will be attired at the Silfra carpark in neoprene hoodies and gloves, as well as an undersuit and drysuit for thermal protection.Skaftafell,
Skaftafell is a nature reserve located in Vatnajökull National Park in the south-east of Iceland. It is an oasis of this nation's diverse landscapes and features, so beautiful it was once a national park in its own right.
Nature of Skaftafell
Skaftafell is notable for its rich flora, growing between sands and glaciers, and for its amazing, contrasting scenery. Visitors will find a wealth of natural attractions, from cascading waterfalls to glacier lagoons, geological formations to black sand deserts.
The rugged region is known for its fantastic photo opportunities, with many awe-inspiring panoramic views.
Like many areas along the South Coast of Iceland, Skaftafell Nature Reserve is known for its glorious hiking trails, often called a 'hiking paradise'. Unlike in the Highlands, where hikes tend to go on for multiple days, here there are far shorter. There are easy treks that lead to diverse sites such as the waterfall Svartifoss which is surrounded by bizarre and beautiful basalt columns, as well as to glaciers such as Svínafellsjökull.
With a qualified guide, it is an excellent region to try your hand at a spot of either ice climbing or glacier hiking; both activities are two of the most authentically Icelandic experiences you can partake in whilst in the country.
The nature reserve is also the perfect base camp for those seeking to climb Iceland's highest peak, Hvannadalshnúkur, or for those wishing to spend a number of days exploring the region's attractions, including Vatnajökull glacier, Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon and the nearby Diamond Beach.
Getting to Skaftafell
Just off the Ring Road in the south-east of the country, it takes approximately four hours to reach Skaftafell from Reykjavík. The South Coast, however, is one of the regions most popular sightseeing routes, so the journey usually takes much longer, as visitors will want to make several stops along the way.
Examples of the beautiful natural features found en route to Skaftafell include the waterfalls Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, the glaciers Mýrdalsjökull and Eyjafjallajökull, the black sand deserts of Sólheimasandur and Skeiðarársandur, as well as the dramatic coastal rock formations at Dyrhólaey and Reynisdrangar. The villages of Vík and Kirkjubæjarklaustur are also along Route 1 if you need to stop and refuel on refreshments.
Those who have made it all the way to Skaftafell will want to be sure to check out the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, a giant lake filled with enormous icebergs breaking from a glacial tongue, and slowly drifting to sea. At the nearby Diamond Beach you can watch them wash upon the shore, and in both the sea and lagoon are many seals which can routinely be spotted.
Skaftafell Visitor Center
You will find a Visitors Centre at Skaftafell which acts as the main information and meeting point for tour operators and independent travellers. At the Skaftafell Visitor Centre, you will find answers to virtually any questions you might have about the greater Skaftafell area, including its history and geology. The Visitors Centre also contains information about nearby hiking trails, recreational options and accommodation.
There is also a hotel at Skaftafell, though it tends to book up very early. Luckily, the south-east is dotted with hotels, cabins and cottages in which you can stay, and the area is not far from the settlements of Höfn or Kirkjubæklaustur.Vík í Mýrdal,
Vík í Mýdral, or just Vík, is the southernmost village on the Icelandic mainland, located 186 kilometres (110 miles) from the capital Reykjavík.
Often visited by those travelling the popular sightseeing route along the South Coast, it is a wonderful place to stop, recharge, and if you are taking your time, rest for the night. Though it only has around 300 residents, the village is very popular amongst tourists for its convenience and beautiful surrounding landscapes.
Features near Vik
Reaching Vík from Reykjavík takes approximately two and a half hours, and en route, there are many marvellous features to admire. Two of the country's most famous waterfalls, Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss, lay between the two destinations; the former has awe-inspiring power, whereas the latter can be fully encircled.
The glaciers Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull can also be seen on clear days; both of these cover volcanoes which are particularly explosive, with Eyjafjallajökull famously disrupting European air travel in 2010. Out to sea in especially good weather, the Westman Islands can also be seen on the horizon.
Just before Vík are the popular birdwatching cliffs of Dyrhólaey, where you can also find an enormous rock arch curving out into the ocean. This is one of the best places for birdwatching in Iceland, with thousands of puffins nesting here from May to August.
The village itself sits opposite one of the country's most famous features: Reynisfjara black sand beach. Considered one of the world's most beautiful non-tropical beaches, it boasts incredible geology.
Particularly of note are the Reynisdrangar sea-stacks, said to be two trolls frozen in the light of the morning sun as they tried to pull a ship into shore.
Though this beach makes for a lovely walk, particularly for those staying in Vík overnight, as they can see it under the midnight sun or northern lights, it has its dangers. Sneaker waves can be notorious here, so visitors should stay far from the water's edge, and never go for a swim. Lives have been lost here before.
The route to Vík from Reykjavík is beautiful and continues to be so as you travel further along the South Coast, through the Skeiðarásandur black-sand-plains into Vatnajökull National Park. This beautiful region is often the final destination of those passing through Vík, as it is home to the largest glacier in Europe, the Skaftafell Nature Reserve, and Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon.
Of course, ambitious travellers will carry on from here to encircle the full country.
Wildlife around Vik
Vík, due to its closeness to the Reynisfjall and Dyrhólaey cliffs, has a rich birdlife. Short walks from the village will take you to the nesting grounds of gulls, fulmar, guillemots, and in summer, puffins.
Due to its coastal location, visitors to Vík have a decent chance to see seals on the shore. There is also a slim chance to see whales or dolphins; the twenty or so species that live in Iceland's waters can appear at any time.
Services in Vik
Vík has a wide variety of public services, due to its remoteness and its importance in connecting the east and west of Iceland. There are gas stations, shops and cafes, a swimming pool, a wool factory that can be visited, and a wide range of accommodation options for all budgets.
Please note, however, that as the village has such a small year-round population, those with special dietary requirements should purchase their food from Reykjavík before departing.Kerið,
Kerið is a volcanic crater lake in the Grímsnes area of South Iceland. It is close to the three major sites that comprise Iceland's world-famous Golden Circle sightseeing route and thus makes for the perfect detour for those on visiting these landmarks.
Kerid and the Golden Circle
The Golden Circle is Iceland's most popular tourist route. Its three main highlights are Gullfoss, or the 'Golden Waterfall'; the Haukadalur Geothermal Valley, with its many springs and geysers; and Þingvellir National Park, the only UNESCO World Heritage Site on Iceland's mainland and the birthplace of the country's parliament.
There are several tour operators who offer trips to the Golden Circle. Many of those define their tours from others with extra stops, and Kerið crater is the most popular of these. It is approximately 40 minutes drive from Þingvellir and Haukadalur in different directions, providing visitors with two routes by which they can return to Reykjavík.
If travelling to Kerið crater alone, please be aware that there is a small entrance fee, of 400 ISK (about two Euros, or three US dollars). This is only to help the landowners preserve and protect the crater; after all, it is on privately owned land.
Other sites you may want to detour on when travelling the Golden Circle are the Sólheimar ecovillage, the Fontana Spa in Laugarvatn, the Secret Lagoon in Flúðir, and the Friðheimar tomato and horse farm.
Geology of Kerid
Kerið is approximately three thousand years old, making it roughly half the age of most volcanic calderas found in Iceland. This is the major reason as to why Kerið's slopes are red in colour, rather than a volcanic black; the iron deposits are, geologically speaking, fresh.
This vivid redness is part of the appeal of visiting this crater. The crimson rocks contrast dramatically with their surroundings, particularly the intense azure colour of the waters within the crater lake, and the verdant bursts of vegetation.
Kerið is approximately 55 metres (180 feet) deep, 170 metres (558 feet) wide and 270 meters (886 feet) in circumference. It is possible to take a path right to the crater's edge, to fully encircle it, and to descend down to the pristine waters of the crater lake.
Many crater lakes can be found in nearby, a region known as Iceland's Western Volcanic Zone. The area surrounding it is of barren, stark lava fields, further illustrating the volcanism of the region.
Scientists believe that Kerið was once a cone-shaped volcano. Upon eruption, it is widely believed that the volcano depleted its magma reserve, causing the foundation to fall in upon itself and result in the formation it has today. Of course, this was two thousand years before settlement, so no one is quite certain.
At some point in the centuries following the collapse, Kerið crater filled with water. The resulting lake is between seven and fourteen metres deep, depending on the time of year and the amount of rainfall.
The reason why the lake is so vividly coloured is that of the minerals from the rocks, seeping into and dyeing the water the aquamarine colour for which it is renowned.Reynisdrangar,
Reynisdrangar are impressive rock formations situated near the shore of Reynisfjara beach by the coastal village Vík on the South Coast of Iceland.
The formations are the remains of large and imposing sea cliffs, made up of basalt, that serve as a vital part of the area's allure; they shoot dramatically out of the ocean under the looming cliffs of Mt. Reynisfjall, making for a beautiful site, and have a folklore that is equally impressive.
More modern visitors will be excited to know that these pillars also feature in Season 7 of Game of Thrones, at Eastwatch by the Sea.
Dangerous Waves
Before getting into the wonders of Reynisdrangar, it is important for potential visitors to be aware of the dangers at the site.
These majestic rock pillars rise from the sea just off of Reynisfjara, a famous black sand beach on the South Coast, by the village of Vík. Though incredible due to its diverse and dramatic geology, Reynisfjara is gaining a notorious reputation for its sneaker waves.
There are no significant landmasses between Antarctica and Reynisfjara, giving waves the entire length of the Atlantic Ocean to build strength. This means that even on still, summer days, they can rise from seemingly nowhere and chase far further up the sand than would ever be expected.
It is absolutely imperative, therefore, that guests stay at least 30 metres (98 feet) from the water's edge. Those who flout these rules put their lives and the lives of others at risk; people have died here before.
As with almost all bizarre features in this country, there is an Icelandic folk tale that explains the origin of the Reynisdrangar pillars and their eerie appearance.
According to legend, a couple of trolls saw a ship out to sea by night, and waded out to reach it. They got hold of it, and began to drag it to shore, but as so often happens in troll stories, they got their timing wrong.
Before they were even close to getting to the shade, dawn broke. The trolls and ship were instantly frozen into stone, and they have remained immortalised since, as a warning to their kin.
This is not the only folk tale in this area. According to local legend, two other trolls murdered a woman, whose husband hunted them down, tricked them into coming out at night, and ensured they too were turned to stone. Their remains can be found inland.
Surroundings & Wildlife
Most visitors will only see the Reynisfjara sea-stacks from the shore of Reynisfjara, although there is an incredibly rewarding alternative view of them from above. Those with a reasonable level of fitness can venture up the bewitching cliffs of Mt. Reynisfjall, by a road to the west of Vík.
The mountain furthermore holds thousands of puffins every summer, from May to August. These adorable creatures have very little fear of people, and can be approached within metres (although you should never try to touch them). Other birds can be seen gliding around the cliffs such as Arctic terns, fulmars and seagulls.
The oceans of Iceland are pregnant with life, so lucky visitors may also see seals in the water, or even one of Iceland's twenty species of whale and dolphin.Foss a Síðu
Foss á Síðu is a historic farm in southeast Iceland, renowned for its folklore and natural beauty.
Credit: Wikimedia, Creative Commons. Photo by Debivort
History and Folklore at Foss a Sidu
The farm of Foss á Síðu has been inhabited since Iceland's Settlement Era, between 874 and 930 AD. It is mentioned in one of the earliest pieces of Icelandic literature, the Book of Settlement, which has been a vital tool for historians in understanding the story of Iceland and the lineages of its people.
The site has also had one of Iceland's mysterious legends surrounding, which goes back to the 16th Century. It is said that because of the wicked ways of one man, a family was cursed for nine generations. The spectre that haunted them was a dog, Móri, whom many still claim to see in the area. In spite of his ruthlessness to this particular family, he has never been reported to have harmed any others.
As it is just 10 kilometres east of the village of Kirkjubæklaustur, which was historically a centre of religion and piety, this legend was most likely exaggerated as a fear-mongering technique, warning the untoward of God's potential wrath.
Why it has been inhabited so long, in spite of the curse, becomes apparent when you see it. The farm is on a verdant hillock, against a dramatic set of cliffs that hold a beautiful waterfall. The word 'Foss' means 'Falls in Icelandic, and the literal translation of the name is 'the Falls at Siðú'.
Getting to Foss a Sidu
Foss á Síðu is hard to miss, being directly on the Ring Road of Iceland en route to Jökulsárlón from Reykjavík. It is, however, past the major sites of the region, such as the waterfalls Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss, the black-sand-beach of Reynisfjara, and the puffin-watching cliffs and sea-arch of Dyrhólaey.
It takes around three and a half hours to reach, driving directly from Reykjavík. Plan your journey with extra time, as you will no doubt also want to stop at some of the landmarks above.
Pickup time : 08:30.
Pickup takes place between 08:30 - 09:00. Please be at your pickup location in time for your departure. Should your pickup location be at a bus stop and you need assistance finding it, seek guidance in your Hotel's reception or contact your tour provider directly.
Professional English speaking guide
Minibus tour for maximum 19 passengers
Guided blue ice hiking tour with all necessary safety equipment supplied
Accommodation for 2 nights incl. breakfast in a cozy guesthouse in double rooms with shared bathrooms
Boat tour on a glacier lagoon
Free Wi-Fi on the bus
Entrance fee for Kerid Volcanic Crater
Lunch and dinner
What to bring:
Warm, wind & waterproof clothes
Good hiking shoes are necessary for the Glacier Hike. If you do not have appropriate footwear then we offer these for rent.
Good to know:
Meals other than breakfast are not included but we do make lunch and dinner stops where guests can buy meals. The maximum number of passengers are 19 which gives a better atmosphere while travelling
A Single Room supplement of 15.000 ISK is mandatory for single travelers.
Only small carry on luggage such as backpacks are possible. Please check with your hotel if they can store your luggage during the tour if you are staying again at the same hotel after the tour. Otherwise, you can use luggage lockers that are located in the centre Reykjavík. We can also offer you to store your luggage for free at NiceTravel office. Click 'Inquire about this tour for more information.
IMPORTANT: It can happen that the ice caving tour is cancelled because of weather and/or safety reasons. Then we will find other activities when possible and refund the price difference. We reserve the right to change the order of the activities and sightseeing of the itinerary.
Daily itinerary
Day 1 - The Golden Circle with Kerid Volcanic Crater Lake
After getting picked up from Reykjavík City in the morning, you will be whisked away to Iceland's primary attractions belonging to the Golden Circle route.
First up is the historically and geographically fascinating valley of Þingvellir. This National Park was the site at which Vikings and chieftains of old would gather to declare the law and settle their bloodiest feuds. The park is also located on the continental divide of the Eurasian and North-American tectonic plates, creating stunning and clearly visible cracks and fissures between two worlds.
Up next is a trip to Haukadalur geothermal valley, where the mighty geysers Geysir (the very namesake of the phenomenon) and Strokkur (still active and puts on a display every few minutes) call their home amongst bubbling hot pools.
Then, it is on to what granted the Golden Circle its name, the mighty waterfall Gullfoss, the Golden Waterfall, a dazzling display of unharnessed power plunging down two tiers into a deep gorge. The day concludes with a visit to the crater lake Kerið, where azure water contrasts with different shades of red inside a dormant volcano.
Come nightfall; your minibus will make its way to the start of the South Coast, where you'll stay in a local accommodation close to the waterfall Seljalandsfoss.
Day 2 - South Coast, Waterfalls and Glacier Hike
Welcome to the South Coast. You'll start by visiting the two greatest waterfalls of the area, Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss. Both have a cascade of 60 metres, and their raw power is something incredible to behold.
You'll also get to visit the lesser known, but equally alluring, waterfalls of Gljúfrabúi and Írafoss. After seeing no less than four waterfalls in one morning, there will be a lunch stop in a charming local village, where the scenery at hand includes the volcanic ice cap Eyjafjallajökull, that last erupted in 2010, infamously putting a halt to international air travels.
Another glacier looming over the area is Mýrdalsjökull, where you will embark on the adventure of hiking across one of its outlet glaciers, Sólheimajökull. There's no better way of grasping a glacier's power than by walking on its icy surface. Your experienced guide will provide you with all the equipment necessary, such as ice crampons and a helmet. The scenery from the top is out of this world, and the air incredibly crisp and restorative.
As you arrive back with both feet on the ground, your journey continues as the bus will take you to the coastal village Vík and its black pebble beach Reynisfjara. Mt. Reynisfjall towers over the beach, seasonal home to nesting puffins. The eerie sea stacks Reynisdrangar nest just offshore, steadfast against the crashing waves of the Atlantic Ocean.
Come nightfall; you will return to your South Coast accommodation to rest for the last day ahead.
Day 3 - The Jokulsarlon Glacier lagoon and Skaftafell National Park
On the third and final day, you will make a quick stop in the village of Vík, before heading further along the coastline, reaching the stunning Skaftafell Nature Reserve. The area is part of the greater Vatnajökull National Park, home to the largest ice cap in Europe, as well as countless scenic hiking trails and beautiful waterfalls.
After visiting the waterfall Foss á Síðu and enjoying lunch, your destination is set for Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon. This incredible site consists of large chunks of ice, broken off of Breiðamerkurjökull Glacier, that gather to float in still, azure waters.
Some of these icebergs wash up on shore, on a strip of black sand known as the Diamond Beach. A boat ride in the lagoon is included, where you will venture so close to the icebergs that you can almost touch them. Remember also to look out for the residents of the water, the adorable and curious seals.
After all of these icy adventures, it is time to head to the city lights of Reykjavík, where you can take in the sceneries en route one more time, with wonderful new memories to bring back with you. Book this adventure now for the ultimate Iceland journey.


text: It's been a while since our last blog about the Vuforia4Unreal plugin. One year, two months and two days to be exact… And it took exactly one year for us to get it out of its drawer, dust it off, get it up to scratch and expand it a little bit in order to be able to publish it as an open source project. Today, we would like to tell you what's new with our Vuforia4Unreal plugin and present a few of our many ideas for its future. I hope you're as hyped as we are right now.


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Twitter has acquired Bengaluru- based mobile value-added service (VAS) firm ZipDial to mark its first acquisition in India , as the microblogging firm aims to expand its presence in India, one of the world's largest Internet markets.
Though the deal size was not disclosed, reports suggest the monetary value is between $30-40 million (between Rs 185 crore-Rs 247 crore).
The Indian startup, which was already working as a partner with Twitter, offers services like missed calls for user verification and alerts to its customers.
"India is one of the fastest growing countries for us. We have been focussed on growing our audience here and this acquisition will dramatically accelerate that strategy," Twitter Market Director (India and Southeast Asia) Rishi Jaitly told PTI.
He added that the acquisition will also help Twitter strengthen its engineering efforts in the country.
"Millions of people are coming online for the first time in countries like Brazil, India and Indonesia. For many, their first online experience will be on a mobile device, but the cost of data may prevent them from experiencing the true power of the Internet. Twitter, in partnership with ZipDial, can make great content more accessible to everyone," he said.
He said the ZipDial platform is a "perfect match for India", which is a mobile-first country.
Founded in 2010 by Valerie Wagoner and Amiya Pathak, ZipDial has built a mobile platform that lets people follow and engage with content across interfaces, combining SMS, voice, mobile web, and access to mobile apps to bridge users from offline to online.
ZipDial allows users to make a "missed call" to a brand, following which the caller begins receiving inbound content and further engagement on their phone in real time through voice, SMS or an app notification.
"Only one in 3 phones in India have active Internet connections and even the average consumption is very low at an average of 60 MB per month compared to 1.38 GB consumed each month by users in the US. Our technology allows brands to interact with the audiences, especially in areas where people aren't always connected to data or only access data through intermittent WiFi networks," Wagoner said.
ZipDial's platform has engaged nearly 60 million users with hundreds of marketer clients, including leading brands and media companies, including Procter & Gamble, Cadbury, Unilever, Colgate, Disney, KFC, and MakeMyTrip.
Over the past two years, ZipDial and Twitter have collaborated on a variety of campaigns, including the Indian elections, Bollywood film promotions and @MTVIndia's #RockTheVote "Dial the Hashtag" campaign.
Twitter has more than 284 million monthly active users.
It, however, does not disclose country-specific user numbers.
ZipDial has about 50 employees. Its investors included Blume Ventures, AngelPrime, Sunil Goyal of YourNest Ventures, Mumbai Angels, Jungle Ventures, Unilazer Ventures, and 500 Startups.


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"I will stress that we consider France as one of Russia's key partners in Europe and seek to develop dialogue with your country on the entire range of issues relating to bilateral and international agenda on a pragmatic and equal basis," Putin said at a meeting of the Franco-Russian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Russian and French companies also have experience in working together on energy projects.
French energy giant Total and Russian energy company Novatek are jointly implementing the Yamal LNG liquefied natural gas project.


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Schwalbe Marathon Mondial 26" x 2.0" Puncture Resistant Touring Tyre
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- 26" x 2.0" c (50x559) Schwalbe Marathon Mondial tyre.
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All goods are in stock and delivered within 2 working days of cleared payment. Smaller items are sent by Royal mail 1st Class and do not require a signature, larger items are delivered Monday to Friday between 9am and 6pm by our couriers, a signature is required upon receipt of goods.
When your order is despatched our system will automatically send you an email. We only use premium next day delivery services, so you can expect your order the following day.


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Does George Lucas Still Own His Personalized Star Wars Arcade Cabinet?
September 22, 2011 5:00 PM | Danny Cowan
Video Game Ephemera curator Chris Bieniek showcases a 1983 back issue of Atari's Coin Connection newsletter in his latest site update, sparking an investigation into the whereabouts of a one-of-a-kind Star Wars arcade cabinet that was once presented to George Lucas.
The cabinet, which bears a plaque that reads "A special thanks for creating THE FORCE behind so much fun," was presented to Lucas in August of 1983. Curious about its current whereabouts, Bieniek contacted Lucasfilm's public relations department, only to be told that Lucas himself likely has no idea of whether the game is still in his possession.
Lucasfilm's PR department speculates that the game currently resides in Lucas' secret "posterity collection," which I can only imagine is a mammoth treasure trove of Star Wars and Indiana Jones memorabilia, if it still exists.


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If making your workspace accessible and comfortable for all employees is important to you, it could be time to start making some changes. The ultimate goal is to create a barrier-free, inclusive work environment where employees don't have to request special treatment. But how do you achieve this, especially with the restrictions of finances and the building itself to overcome?
Here are some useful design tips to help you get started:
Call in an accessibility expert
This is by far the easiest and best way, although perhaps not the cheapest, to get tailored recommendations for improvements that you can feasibility implement. An experienced accessibility expert will spot things you may not even have considered. Unless you're trained or have experienced disability yourself, it can be difficult to put yourself in a disabled visitor or employee's shoes. Enlisting the help of a specialist can be an eye-opening experience, and one that can only be beneficial for someone wanting to make their workspace more accessible.
Choose height-adjustable office furniture
This is another easy win, as there are lots of options for height-adjustable desks and chairs to choose from. Height adjustable desks can be used by anyone and adapted to suit their needs. This not only improves accessibility, it also improves ergonomics and comfort for everyone. Sit and stand desks such as this Moreno desk allow you to create a mix of different workspaces, creating a more flexible office that is ready for everything and everyone.
Start outside
This is a good a place to start as any. Take a close look at how disabled workers and visitors will actually get into the building. Make sure that disabled parking spaces are wide enough and close enough to the entrance, and are kept clear for people who need them. What is the surface and lighting like around the paths leading up to the entrance? You should have at least one accessible entrance if your main door is not.
Get ramp steepness right
Where possible, you should avoid steps within a floor in your building, opting for a ramp instead if floor heights differ. All ramps should be carefully considered and correctly designed. It's a good idea to seek professional advice when it comes to the gradient of the ramp as it needs to be safe and right for the length of the ramp.
Round tables are best for meetings
Many people believe that round tables are the best choice for meetings anyway, as all participants can see everyone else more clearly than at a long rectangular boardroom table. However, round tables are also good for improving accessibility as they allow easier lip-reading and eye contact.
Look closely at the 'flow' of the office
Is there enough room for everyone to navigate around the office safely and comfortably? You want to be removing pinch points, particularly those which could be difficult for wheelchair users, as much as possible. Extra-wide walkways and minimal clutter mean that everyone can use the space without obstruction.
Put powerpoints on top of desks and tables
This is so simple to implement, especially when you choose desks and boardroom tables with power modules built in, but a real nightmare for disabled employees if you neglect to do it. Eliminate the need to kneel down under the desk to plug in equipment by putting powerpoints on the surfaces of desks. This is particularly important in offices which have desk sharing or hot desks. There are other small changes just like this that are easy to achieve, such as replacing regular monitors with designs that have flexible arms so that anyone can adjust them to suit their needs.
Improve or replace doors
Where possible, doors should be replaced or modified to make them wide enough and easy for everyone to use. Automatic doors are ideal, but you can also make changes such as installing lever rather than twist handles. You can look into leaving doors open or removing internal ones altogether, but you'll also need to balance this against the requirements of fire safety regulations.
Pay close attention to communal areas
It isn't just in working areas that accessibility is important. Disabled visitors and employees often find that communal spaces such as toilets and break rooms throw up numerous barriers. Making communal spaces is really important, as your disabled staff members need to feel as much a part of the working community as everyone else does. Look at how you can integrate an accessible toilet within existing toilet facilities (rather than having a separate one). Another consideration is creating an open-plan kitchen and break room to prevent problems with access in the small kitchens that many workplaces tend to have.
Get the signage right
Navigation signs in public buildings and safety signs in workspaces should be clearly visible and made by an approved supplier. Appropriate symbols should be used along with Braille or raised lettering wherever possible. Lastly, make sure your signage is not placed so as to be an obstruction to any building user.
- Provide an induction loop in meeting rooms
At least one of your meeting rooms should be fitted with an induction loop, so that users can use hearing aids to more clearly hear speakers and participate in the meeting.
Create quiet areas
These spaces can be much appreciated by a number of workplace users, especially when it comes to people needing a space to rest, recuperate or just be away from others for a few minutes. It can also be a working space, somewhere quiet and reasonably private.
Consider bigger changes
One of the main barriers to making workspaces more accessible is inevitably the cost, especially when it comes to bigger changes like putting in a lift between floors. If it's at all feasible, you should make these adjustments and consider them a worthwhile investment in your business and its employees.
Remember that these alterations aren't simply designed to benefit disabled employees and visitors. Most of them will make the workplace more comfortable and flexible for everyone, so they can be hugely beneficial to all.


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An Interview With Brandon Auman, Head Writer And Executive Producer Of Star Wars: Resistance
In a new episode of The Writer Experience Podcast they interview Brandon Auman, Head Writer and Executive Producer of Star Wars: Resistance.
This article from Dork Side Of The Force, outlines their conversation, from talking Brandon's struggle when he was an up-and-coming writer, to writing a Star Wars animated show, to working with Dave Filoni, to words of wisdom for aspiring writers.
Give it a listen!
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Star Wars Resistance - "Fuel For The Fire" Review
More Star Wars Resistance Episode Details Revealed!
Star Wars Resistance Rewind #1.3 - Aliens Of The Colossus
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Star Wars Resistance - Bucket's List 1.3: "The Triple Dark"
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12/14 - Debbie Carrington
12/17 - Star Wars: Episode VII The Force Awakens (2015)
12/21 - Samuel L. Jackson
Jedi Journals is the longest running Star Wars literature podcast in the galaxy. Listen Now!
Rebelscum.com provides the latest in collecting news. Visit Now!
The IndyCast is the world's most popular Indiana Jones podcast! Ed Dolista and his team take a look at all the latest news, reviews and interviews! Listen Now!


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Cooper Sohm scores first goal of Transylvania's 2014 season
We told you about Former Tiger Reid Wesley scoring the first goal of Bellarmine's lacrosse season and now another Former Tiger has done the same thing for Tranyslvania.
A Class of 2013 graduate and 2-time state champion as a member of the Tiger Lacrosse program, Cooper Sohm scored the first goal of the Transylvania Pioneers' 2014 season on Saturday against Piedmont College. Sohm's goal capitalized on a violation by Piedmont on the game's first face-off at the 14:07 mark of the first quarter.
Later in the game, another Former Tiger, Zack Riggs, also scored for the Pioneers! Transylvania lost 12-13 and will return home to Lexington for their home opener at the newly constructed Transylvania University Athletics Complex to face Wittenberg University, Saturday, March 1.
Make sure to keep up with Cooper and Zack all season long at transysports.com and also right here on wstxsports.com!
Posted on February 23, 2014, in Former Tigers and tagged Cooper Sohm, Former Tigers, Transylvania Lax, Zack Riggs. Bookmark the permalink. Leave a comment.